Day/Stage 5; Puente la Reina to Estella

Since the day was due to be another hot one, and the route offering little shade, we set off earlier than usual (for us), at 7:15. The sun doesn’t rise until after 7:30 sometime, so it was quiet in the early dawn. Had a beautiful sunrise, and caught some plane trails in the pink light with an X — kisses for the day.

The trail today involved a bit of a climb to a medieval hillside village called Ciraqui, and after passing through an arch we were following an ancient Roman road and bridge. We walked along farmland and crossed the Rio Saldo en route to Lorca and a 12th Century Church. As we left we passed the site of an ancient pilgrim hostel. We had a picnic lunch before beginning again, and arriving in Estella by 2PM.

My hotel was another 1.5 km through town, but after 22 km, who’s counting? A hot shower and a cervaza can work wonders.

My body is holding up, but my feet are sore by the end of the day. The rocky path and the heat/sun take a toll, so we are going to begin even earlier tomorrow — another 21 km today. Avoiding the heat of the day did make it a bit easier today.

I continue to meet and re-meet many of the same and some new people along the path. It is the way of the Camino but I know it will be sad when the day comes that our itineraries or capabilities don’t match up and I start out alone one day. I’ve begun accustomed to my little group and our ease of companionship.

I’ve also discovered that I enjoy meeting and talking with those NOT from America mostly. Hearing stories and perspectives and experiences from so many people from different worlds, cultures and generations is one of the many benefits of the Camino.