Today was a really good day. Our bodies seemed to have relented to the idea of daily extended walks carrying the extra weight of our backpacks. We are so pleased that thus far we have not experienced the pain of blisters as have so many sharing this path with us. We walked thirteen miles but they were easy ones through beautiful countryside of vineyards, canola fields, olive groves and wheat fields.
Just outside of Estella, at the top of a slight incline, we were rewarded with a stop at Fuente de Irache where we had a sampling of wine on tap that had been set up specifically for peregrinos on their journey. There was a group of fellow travelers who sang a short beautiful angelic song while we were there. A great start to our day's journey.
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| Fuente de Irache |
Since we had only a croissant as we walked out of Estella, we were ready for something more about 3 miles into our travels. A stop in Torres del Rio provided that - a Tortilla Patata and coffee. Refreshed, we were ready for the miles ahead.
We were quite surprised to see farmers were using CD's for reflectors to keep birds away from their produce, something we had used for the grapes on our backyard. We thought we were being quite creative - I guess not!
We were pleased to find a church open - Iglesia Santa Maria. We liked this church because it was very simple. Not ornate like so many others. A caretaker welcomed us and stamped our credencias, a reminder of our visit there.
Walking along further who did we come upon relaxing next to a field, packs off, socks off, but Steen and Inga. Inga had some pretty sore toes so Fred gave her his extra pair of Injinji liner toe socks. Later down the trail, they passed us up - Inga doing a jig as she went by. Guess the socks gave her happy feet!
We were pleased to arrive at our destination by 2:30 in the afternoon. Our albergue offered laundry service which we very quickly agreed to. Much easier than hand washing and drying. Especially since we have only four clothespins. You know, to keep things light!!
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| Canola Fields |
Refreshed by a shower, we were ready to head to a local bar for a glass of beer and some tapas to hold us over until dinner. It was nice to have an opportunity to catch up on our journaling and blogging. It seems after a day's walk we are either too tired or out of time to spend on these activities.
There are restaurants in each town along the Camino that have meals specifically for peregrinos. They are very similar - a choice of primary course, usually a salad or soup or pasta of some sort; a secundo course with choice of port, chicken, fish or beef with french fries; and a dessert. These are really inexpensive meals, typically 8-10 euros a person. And always wine.
After a week on our Camino experience, we are so in awe of all the journey has to offer. Time for reflection, beauty all around, bodies pushed to their limit, and relationships forged with total strangers all along the way. There is such an unbelievable community of spirit with fellow pilgrims. Sometimes, it makes me quite emotional.
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| Lost Boots |
Outside of our decision to go on the Camino, the next best choice was to limit our first day to Orisson rather than go on to Roncesvalles. We feel so connected to the people we met there and carry them along the way, just as they do us. I can't wait to see what the path ahead holds for all of us.
Lesson for the day: Sometimes there are delightful surprises along life's path. You just need to make sure you don't miss them.
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