Walking day 6:
21 kilometers
27,377 steps

Again, the rain eluded us today. The morning was very cool, brisk, and I wore my gloves. Because I am using hiking poles, my hands are exposed all the time with only very few opportunities when we stop to put them in a pocket out of the wind. So the lightweight gloves are nice. The sun was out early, and the sky was mostly blue. Very shortly after leaving Estella, we were upon the Bodegas Irache (Irache Winery) and its famous Fuente del Vino (Wine Fountain) where pilgrims can fortify themselved for the long day ahead. Today I was told there was no wine. The left spigot is for wine and the right for water. Being that it is Sunday, perhaps the job of filling the fountain has a day of rest.

We continued onward, up the long hill. The path splits with the optional route going more in the forest and over a longer, higher hill, and the main path in a forest part of the way, but close to a highway. Both are about the same length, but the optional route involves much more climbing. Feeling good today Tom and I opted for the optional forest path and we were not disappointed in the views – the views and vistas were stunning all day.

For a time, we were climbing in the shade of a forest, dense at times. But it was uphill, so our pace was moderate.

When the path escaped the forest, we were given stunning views of farmland, forest, and views of distant mountains. Even the clouds were quite nice.

And at times we were back in the forest. One of the concerns we had was whether this optional route was well marked. You can see the waymarker in the photo clearly showing us the way.

A great view of the cliffs in the distance across a vast untouched field and a distant forest. Simply beautiful and uplifting.

Up this last rise and down to join the main route. There are about 8-10 kilometers more to get to Los Arcos.

We are entering the Rioja area of Spain, famous for quality grapes and wine. When I walked into this region in the spring, the vineyards were just starting to show some green as new growth was emerging from the winter. Now, the vines are mature and the grapes are almost ready for harvest.

The Camino route continues through large recently harvested fields of what might have been wheat.

Soon we are in the small town of Los Arcos with a population of about 1200. The church, Iglesia de Santa Maria, is quite prominent as is often or mostly the case:

The doors to the Iglesia de Santa Maria are locked now, but we shall return to get a stamp in out pilgrim’s credential.

Tomorrow we walk from Los Arcos to Logroño, a long walk of 28.5 kilometers with some difficult sections including some fairly steep climbs, and a couple of river crossings…which means down and up.

My body is holding up well. The food is good, and I am finally sleeping well, so perhaps I am finally operating on this time zone (Paris/Madrid time). The blister on my left heel is still healing, and coming along pretty well. It was a fairly serious blister that I did not notice early enough to prevent. It would be nice to get back to walking in the hiking boots. The Keen sandals are softer than I prefer for this kind of a trek. All said, another beautiful and tiring day on the Camino de Santiago.

Next: Los Arcos to Logroño and another sunny day on the Camino.