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.

9/10 Stage Five: Pamplona to Puenta la Reina & Alto de Perdon

Up and down another mountain. The Camino is busily training me. I had been dreading the rocky descent past the peak (Alto del Perdon) because it kicked my rear last time. However, this time, I didn’t find it so exhausting. At the bottom, I passed the bench where I’d stopped and stretched out last time ( wondering how I’d get up and continue the last 11 km). I wasn’t even tempted to sit for a bit.

Industrial area leaving Pamplona
Finally out of Pamplona
Up and up to Alto del Perdon
Stopped to visit with the two Danish women who were sitting on the side of the trail tending to their feet.
Lucy from Brazil. She was so excited to meet someone from Texas. No one has heard of Kansas, so unless the person has lived in the US, I just say I’m from Texas. Their response is the same every time: Ahhhhh! Texas!!
Chris, a videographer from Maine. Age 51. He took some excellent drone footage at Alto del Perdon. You can follow him on Instagram: JustWanderingChris
La Guardia Civil. They only serve pilgrims. They look after our safety and will help us if injured or distressed ( They do not rescue if we are only whining about sore feet. )
With Chris on Alto del Perdon

Church in the small village of Zariquiegui
Rocky descent from Alto del Perdon
The bench that saved my bacon in 2019. Had to stop for a moment and pay homage.
Onward to Puenta la Reina
Arrived! Puenta la Reina