9/12 to Los Arcos

Today’s paths: A mountain and a dry, hot, flat road.

Started out looking easy
But then…
Hot
Still hot.

Luckily, had a private room at an albergue. But I had to share the bathroom with the two guys next door.

My room was on the top floor. There were 57 steps to my floor. It took me 114 steps to leave with the mask I’d forgotten in my room.

9/12 to Los Arcos: Animales del Dia

One shepherd, two dogs, and a bunch of sheep.
The excited dogs raced to the water tank. One finally got so excited he dived into the tank. Then panicked because there was no climbing out. The shepherd shook his head, sauntered to the tank while the dog is thrashing and wild-eyed, grabs the dog by the scruff, and hauls him out of the tank.

About to dive in the tank
Can you see the black sheep?

9/12 to Los Arcos: At Rest

The couple on the right are from Portland, OR. I stopped in the shade for my lunch of a boiled egg and a banana.
A long day on a hot path. When the rare spot of shade appeared, pilgrims peeled off the road and rested in the field. That’s my big ol’ boot.

9/11 Wildlife!

*Came across a very happy black dog leaping and rolling in a deep mud puddle.

  • A dog who plays fetch with passing pilgrims. He drop his toy over the fence to us and wait for us to throw it back in the park for him to fetch.
  • A yard full of happy dogs pushing their noses through the fence waiting for pets and coos from pilgrims.

9/11 Stage Six: Puenta la Reina to Estella

9/11 Puenta la Reina to Estella

I’ve had a crazy day created by a series of bad decisions on my part. Leaving Puenta del Reina, I sat on a bench right before the bridge and updated my blogs because I was too tired last night. Consequently, I didn’t cross the bridge until 1000. Then stopped for breakfast at the first village and carried on. I got very hot. Had water, but nothing with electrolytes and no snacks. Was walking very slow and hot and nauseous. Stopped in Lorca to taxi to the town before Estella but the whole town is closed per Covid. Learned this after waiting over an hour thinking things were closed midday. Walked on to Villatuera. Only 4km to Estella, which I could do, but was too late in the day. So took a taxi for the last four km to Estella.
A sample of today’s paths.

Leaving Puenta la Reina

 The 6-arched Romanesque bridge over the Rio Arga was built in the 11th century. Queens Bridge in honour of Dona Mayor, wife of Sancho III. Commanded the magnificent Romaneque bridge to be built to support the safe movement of medieval pilgrims who joined the route at this stage from the Francés and Camino Aragones. The six arches span the River Arga.

Menu of the Day

The Menu of the Day ( common along the Camino) includes a choice of beverage, appetizer, entree, and desert. This meal was €14

The menu
Salad
Chicken and the ubiquitous French fries
Walnut/apple cheesecake
Salt and pepper are never provided on the table. I asked for salt, and they had to pour some into a little bowl for me.