Puente La Reina to Estella (Camino de Santiago)

The morning was a perfect cool temperature as we walked in the dark. I have loved seeing the moon every day before sunrise and as we continue walking for the next month I will be able to enjoy all of its phases from new to full. This morning its silver cast was crystal clear. We covered 13.6 miles today and even though I am still getting in walking shape it went fairly well. After the first 8 km we walked along a short section of a 2000 year old Roman road. The road dropped down a short hill and over a small stream. The Roman stone work and arch over the water was in beautiful condition, well worth a short break and a few photos. We hiked for another four hours and stopped for a snack and a rest at the abandoned church of San Miquel. A grove of olive trees grew above knee high weeds and scattered about were a few picnic tables which allowed us to sit and remove our boots. The church was open and its interior was stripped bare except for a huge wooden carved cross and a table covered in offerings and notes from passing pilgrims. The church had the same feel as one I had visited in Argentina in the 1980’s during a climbing expedition to Aconcagua, austere but full of prayer and worship. The trail headed down through more farmland and vineyards with the soil changing to bright red clay. One particular field was full of red poppies which I particularly enjoyed. We arrived in Estella and stood in line at the alberque for an hour to purchase our bed for the night (6 euro). We ate our large meal before the 3pm ending of lunch time and enjoyed some inexpensive wine near the river. Tim and I smoked a cigar (which did not turn out to be a good idea) before an unsteady walk back to our lodging. Journal: “These mornings have become the highlight of this journey. The darkness, cool air and bright moon greet me every day. As the sun slowly rises a concert of bird song fill my ears and soul. There are many and so varied, God’s creatures saying welcome to another day of life.”