A strange day of steep ups and downs, highway walking, and flat gravel paths. A guidebook said this section is referred to as the “knee breaker.”
9/13 Stage Eight. Los Arcos to Viana
9/12 to Los Arcos
Today’s paths: A mountain and a dry, hot, flat road.
Luckily, had a private room at an albergue. But I had to share the bathroom with the two guys next door.
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.
9/12 to Los Arcos: At Rest
9/12 Stage Seven: Estella to Los Arcos
22 km / 14 miles
I thought that pointy part would be The Challenge of the Day, but it was after the point on the 11.7 km of shadeless path in the heat of the day that won the Are You Kidding Me! ribbon.
September 16 Los Arcos Hotel Palacio Pujadas – Viana
September 16 Los Arcos to Viana 18.5 km / 11.5 miles
Breakfast and planning
Banana is for later. Drank my fresh-squeezed orange juice before I left the counter! Cafe Americana con leche.
Sort of a late start, but I was tired and I had already shortened my day. I think about 12 miles today.
September 15 Estella to Los Arcos 22 km / 14 miles
September 15 Parroquia de Santa María de Los Arcos
