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A Pilgrim Collapses
The grass was so inviting - I could have slept here for hours, Sorry I have been silent for the last few days but when you get to your next destination after walking between 19 - 26 kilometers through rain and mud, the only thing you think about is a warm shower and a nap, followed by dinner. Then it is lights out so you are rested up enough to continue the trek.
Puente La Reina has an amazing church called the Church of the Crucifix which some historians believe to be of Templar Origen. There is an unusual Christ crucified hanging on a Y shaped cross.
After a restless night in Puente La Reina, I set off with Bogdan, a Canadian Filmmaker, Sue from Australia and Velda from New Zealand towards the town of Estella. As soon as we crossed over the medieval bridge, I ran into an American named Brandon who was from Washington State and we set off at a faster pace than the group, stopping to get a coffee along the way. I decided to press on alone and walked to Lorca which seemed to have a nice albuergue but I didn't want to stop so soon. My knee began to hurt and I made it to Villatuerta
just shy of Estella and headed for the private albuergue. I am so glad I did. Not only were the hospitaleros - Miguel and Simone very nice but the albuergue had very good energy. I showered and went downstairs to wash clothes when Bogdan showed up. He couldn't walk any further, Sue had taken the bus to Estella and Velda walked on to meet her.
After taking a four hour nap, Bogdan and I headed for a local restaurant that served excellent food although the quantity was a little too much. We headed back to the albuergue and I stayed up to Skype and write. Miguel and Simone were having dinner about this time and offered me a glass of what was the best wines I have ever had - from Navarra of course. I fell asleep around 11:30 PM and slept till almost 7 AM. I highly recommend the Albuergue of Villatuerta to any pilgrim.
When I got to Estella, I needed to check out the Church of San Pedro de la Rua only it was closed for two years due to renovation. Fortunately, Simone referred me to Marian at the Tourist office who told me I
Friends on the Camino
Bogdan and me after a 23 K walk. could get a virtual tour of the church by purchasing a CD from the gift shop. Marian was very knowledgable about the history of the church and its esoteric symbolism.
Next stop was the pilgrim's fountain at Irache, a local winery that has an outdoor fountain for pilgrims - wine from one spigot, water from the other. This is marketing genius because a brand that I would not recognize from the thousands that assault the senses in a wine store is one that I now could easily pick out. I am sure their best wine doesn't flow here but it was nice of them to offer us wine gratis.
After having a swig at the fountain, Bogdan and I came to a fork in the road. Both would end up at Los Arcos but we wanted to stop in Villamayor de Monjardin. Bogdan flagged down a cyclist who indicated which way to go, only it was the wrong way, so we ended up having to go the extra 10K to Los Arcos. Almost into Los Arcos I found the most beautiful spot to drop the pack and sink into the lush grass. I could have fallen asleep there
- it was so tranquil. Just as we were getting ready to get back on the road - Teresa from Korea showed up and walked with us the rest of the way into Los Arcos. It was 6PM. When we stopped at the first private albuergue, it was full. We then found Sue and Velda and Naito (from Japan) having a drink in the church plaza and we said hello.
Bogdan got the last bed at the Municipal Albuergue so I stayed at a private one that was just behind the municipal. We went to a local restaurant which looked like it was converted from a wine cellar and we had the Pilgrim's menu - which was quite nice. No time to write - just straight to bed.
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anonymous
non-member comment
Wonderful photographs! Thank you for sharing your journey, it's looks amazing. Watch your knee and may the force be with you!!! Kim