Puente la Reina

A day with a reasonable walk. We started early, around 6 am so as to beat the heat of the day, or at least as much of it as we could. Mother Nature cooperated and kept the temperature in the 80's. It helped.  

Early in the day we made it to Cruz de Perdon, an iconic milestone on the Camino. It was windy and a bit cold (!), especially with moist clothes from the climb. As we reached the top a woman was just setting up her snack wagon. A cup of coffee and some mixed nuts and the blood began to flow again. The downhill from the top was steep with millions of loose rocks. Footing was tenuous at best, but not as bad as the descent into Roncesvalles. We actually enjoyed it. There were several small villages that we passed through, each one with its own charm. We enjoyed a nice rest and late breakfast in Uterga where I, of course, had some coffee and a tortilla (yum).

 I also had some of the best fresh-squeezed orange juice (jugó del naranja) that I've ever had. I think the Spanish must take great pride in their food because all that I've had has been excellent. The temperature, while milder, still packed a punch. As we walked into a village we encountered a girl selling lemonade for "donativos", it was cold and just what was needed. As we continued into the village the church bells began to ring and fireworks exploded in the air. Just as I was beginning to think that they were very glad to see us arrive, the true meaning of the commotion revealed itself.  Today is the feast day for John the Baptist and the local church was throwing a party. Half the village came out. There was a band, people caring a statue, the works. Unlike anything I've seen in the U. S. 

The day ended as they do now: a hot walk into town, check into the hostel, a quick shower, meal, and conversation with pilgrims from around the world. Lori and I had a nice visit with Stone from Denmark. Great to hear the perspectives of people in other cultures.

Peace and Buen Camino.