Cizur Menor to Puenta la Reina

Thursday 5 May 2016 - Day 8

Cizur Menor to Puenta la Reina - 18km

After yesterday's heat I got an earlier start today. ..away by about 7.15. The walk out from Cizur Menor was through small rolling hills covered in almost iridescent yellow rapeseed/canola plants. My feet felt quite good, though I was moving rather slowly. The crests of all the surrounding hills were covered in wind turbines...there were many. Great views back to Pamplona.

There was a steady 6km climb up to the beautiful village of Zariquiegui. Pilgrims were already gathered outside 2 tiny cafe/shops. I stopped with a Canadian couple for my second breakfast of a €2 cafe con leche (enjoyed it even though I don't usually drink coffee) and croissant. Lovely old church on the approach into town.

From here the climb to Alto del Perdon continued, with fabulous views of the countryside and the abundance of wind turbines. On the way up, I fell into step with Becky, from Louisiana. I was very excited to finally reach the 'monumento peregrino', the iron pilgrims.

The inscription reads, 'Donde se cruza el camino del viento con el de las estrellas' or 'Where the way of the wind crosses the way of the stars'. Stopped here for a break, took shoes and socks off, as advised.

Another 4km, of mostly rough stony downhill, saw the village of Uterga come into view. I was booked in at the albergue but reached it by lunch time and still felt good, so cancelled and had an aqua con gas (soda water) and my lunch instead. Also took off shoes and socks and cooled feet on cold tiles.

Still with Becky, she was great company.

Becky and I continued on through a couple of small villages, Muruzabal and Obanos.

At Obanos a little Spanish man, Ramon, attached himself to us. He had virtually no English and we relied on my appalling Spanish to communicate. He and his dog walked the 2.5km with us to Puenta la Reina. I have a feeling he was from one of the albergues in town, as he disapproved of our choice of albergue.

Staying at Jakue tonight, in a room of 6, with own bathroom. Booked in for dinner, still an hour off... very hungry. Sat out in the garden and chatted with other pilgrims. Met two Aussie guys, Brent and Mike, from Perth. Rain expected over next days.