I’ve been told that using hiking poles reduce the weight on your knees by 25-30%. That sounds nice but I haven’t been able to figure out how. Well, one quick google and here is the (obvious) answer:
“Each pole, when planted, reduces weight on the legs and back by at least that of the arm (4 – 6 kg / 9 – 13lb). Applying pressure to the poles can easily raise this number to 7 – 11 kg (15 – 25 lb.) per step.” (Bonnie & David Alley, 1998) so we’ll see what I can find.

Pamplona has been beautiful. A few parting shots:

That last one is a statue of Hemingway in front of the bull ring that is the end of the “running of the bulls.” Apparently Hemingway fell in love with Pamplona and came here multiple times. After his first trip he wrote “The Sun Also Rises,” which is what made it popular.

One other thing. This is for you ladies who have told me you’re too old to do something like the Camino. Last night I was the only person in this hostel under the age of 50. These two lovely ladies are 65 years old, one from Texas and the other from western Australia, and are both firecrackers. So no excuses, you can do it! Si se puede!