To Los Arcos and the dry wine fountain on the way

I have to admit that I was disappointed that the Bodegas Irache wine fountain was dry when I passed by in mid-morning. I was looking forward to a refreshing drink of their Spanish regional red wine. Luckily for me, there was some good Monjardin regional red wine to be tasted when I stopped at Villamayor de Monjardin for a light lunch some time later in the day.

Overall, it was a sunny day and nice for walking. Some pictures are attached. The first part of the morning was spent under trees in a forest and the afternoon in open agricultural country. The trail was well marked and dry. It was nice not to have to tramp through extended sections of thick mud or along the paved road for a change.

I also had time as I walked to chat with people I have met over the past few days along the way. These included a Spanish father and son, two South Korean women and two German women. Familiar faces are beginning to show up as I walk. I have heard this would happen and it is.

Depending on the weather, I am not sure where I will end up tomorrow. The rain is supposed to return with a vengeance so I may make it a short day and only walk for the morning. My overall plan is to be in Logroño on Friday and that appears to be on track.

Estella - the sun returns!

This was a wonderful day weather wise. The sun was out in the morning and stayed there throughout the day. It was a nice change from rain. I was told by a local woman at an Albergue that it has been more than 70 years since the region has had as much rain as this year.

The day started with an extended walk on paved roads. I understand this was due to a landslide along the normal trail. It was a long and steep climb out of Puente la Reina on the road but this way provided good views. I enjoyed seeing storks nesting in a church steeple and a number of Roman era bridges on this part of the walk. I have included some pictures of these and other views I enjoyed

Tomorrow promises to be interesting. The path goes by a wine fountain known as Fuente del Vino run by Bodegas Irache. Pilgrims are invited to have a drink to fortify themselves for their walk that day. There is a live cam showing the pilgrims enjoying their drink of wine. Check it out at: www.irache.com.