PUENTE LA REINA – ESTELLA

29 MARCH

21.9km

We’ve woken up early and were quick to get dressed to enjoy some breakfast (bread, coffee and juice) offered by the albergue. Before sunrise, we’ve walked out of Puente la Reina over a beautiful medieval bridge.

Medieval bridge in Puente la Reina

For some reason, I’ve got a pain in my upper right leg and just before Cirauqui, I started feeling a “hot spot” on the heel of my right foot … indeed, a big blister appeared as I’ve taken my hiking boot off!

Lesson learned: Make sure your shoelaces are tied properly when you walk downhill …

A steep climb towards Cirauqui

Cirauqui on the hill

There were quite a couple of steep climbs today. We’ve walked through farmlands and vineyards and were happy to stay on the dirt tracks without the noise of any traffic.

Always up-hill when you walk into a town – this time it’s Cirauqui, with even a cat welcoming us

In Lorca I’ve told Berto that we’ve needed to stop … I’ve taken my hiking boots off and put my hiking sandals on (relief for my blister!) Berto took my boots and tied it to his backpack.

News flash:

I’ve just added another kilogram to Berto’s backpack – 😲! For the next 700km my boots would be “walking” the Camino at the back of Berto’s backpack.

We were now approaching the town of Estella

The last stretch of about 4km to Estella, was almost flat. We’ve seen many pilgrims on this path and most of us would spent the night in Albergue Hospital de Peregrinos for only €6 per person.

All the different albergues in Estella – make your choice!

After a hot day on the road, the water looked inviting – on our way into Estella

After we’ve checked in, we’ve washed our clothes and then took a walk through Estella to buy some food for the evening and snacks for the next day. We also had a nice lunch in the centre of town.

Lunch was good!

That evening all the pilgrims were sitting around the table in the communal area and shared stories of their past and present Camino’s. There were pilgrims from Korea, Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan and Spain … for the first time, we’ve really felt part of the Camino experience.

Conchi and Pili from Spain, busy preparing some sandwiches for the next day.We would form a close friendship with them during the next couple of days

Me and Deulet from Kazakhstan. He spoke perfect English and we had great conversations with him along The Way during several stages of the Camino