With in minutes of us being under way it started to rain,just to be different,on came the wet weather and it remained on until about 2pm,we walked along side the Rio Arga for a mile or so and before we knew it we were climbing again.
Soon we entered Manenu looking for a shop to buy some food, sadly we failed miserably in our quest .
20 minutes later in the distance we saw Cirauqui a beautiful hilltop town , we hardly saw anyone else walking, I suspect everyone was in bed ,well these people were.
We were beginning to notice lots of vineyards and the soil was becoming very red .
A quick stop in the town for water a a roll for Jeremy then we were off again,we were both beginning to find the going hard,the countryside was not as pretty as the day before and the heavy rain was taking its toll.
As usual the streets were empty I was beginning to wonder if anyone actually lives in Spain you just never see anyone as you walk through the towns.On we went through the countryside and villages always guided by the yellow arrows that are painted on walls and the legs of signs,we would definitely get lost without them to guide us.
We were getting used to seeing church after church.
Eventually we arrived in Estella through the medieval part of the town is was really beautiful.
We lit a candle each for ourselves I think we were beginning to realise we were going to need all the help we can get.
As we left Estella we were feeling exhausted and stopped for a spot of lunch,well I had two prawns and a croquette,our feet were killing us ,we had been walking for 5 hours and we were not even half way!!Needless to say we came across the mandatory horse and dog as we moved on.
As we left the outskirts of Estella we saw the stunning Monastery de Irache on the hill in front of us
Just below the monastery are the two taps on the wall one dispensing free red wine and the other water,well of course I tried the wine ,I must say it was quite tasty.
Soon we were in woodland .
Then by some miracle we were back in beautiful rolling country and the rain stopped.
I celebrated put my dark glasses on and started to listen to some great pre recorded music.
On and on we walked through beautiful countryside ,I must be honest my feet were really beginning to hurt,every step I took was painful but the music was taking my mind of it.
For hours we did not see a sole it was if we had The Camino to ourselves.
We came across this what we think was a bathhouse for weary dirty pilgrims (just like us).
We soon passed through the 24 mile mark and we realised that is the longest distance we have ever walked together, we shook hands,but we were aware it was taking its toll and vowed never to walk this distance again.
For what seemed an eternity on we walked.
Three miles to go this weary pilgrim had to sit down and Jeremy did his back exercises which are really helping him .
At last over the brow of a hill Los Arcos came into sight.
We made our way to our hotel then it was clothes off and got them washed.I think it is going to be an early night tonight as are we are both exhausted.
We have 20 miles tomorrow to walk over hilly terrain , I really hope my feet feel better by then,we both really feel as if we have achieved something today,we said to the Aussies if we can do two legs of The Camino we have won The Camino Ashes. Game set and match!!
Stats for today.
Walked 28.7 miles
Time walking 10 hours
Av speed 2.8 mph
Distance walked 89 miles or so
391 miles to go
Oh my god well done Peter and Jeremy. The countryside and things you have both achieved are amazing. For every 10 miles you are walking john is enjoying a red wine hence to say he is constantly pissed. reading you blog everyday hence no housework or ironing being done! Well done both of you keep it up enjoy every moment this really is a once in a lifetime achievement. Love John and soraya xx
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