Today we had a choice: the high route, two kilometers shorter but two hundred and fifty meters more climbing than the low route. Not really knowing the pleasures of either choice, we opted for the high route, which, as Tanya pointed out, did not involve all that much climb. We did miss seeing a picturesque town, but for several hours were rewarded with a wooded walk on a dirt path and gorgeous views. Mileage for today, a modest 14.43.
The weather continues to be glorious as you can see from the blue sky and sun in the morning:
The big draw of the day was a bodega. According to my ability to translate, The sign below says something like, "Pilgrim, if you want to arrive in Santiago with strength and vitality, have a drink and a toast with this great wine for happiness."
There were two spigots; the one on the left is being tested by Tanya. The one on the right dispenses water. Not many people opted for that one even though it was about 8:30 a.m. One guy, definitely taking liberties with the bodega's offer, filled up a small water bottle with wine. Tsk, tsk.
See that fortification on yonder hill? Back in the day, it guarded the area of Pamplona:
Some fellow ditched a pair of perfectly good Loewe boots, minus insoles and one lace:
But not before he deposited his container of yogurt in one of them....or someone else thought it was a garbage can:
For some people the already excellent directions are not good enough, unless this soul had some other meaning in mind. What I want to know is, "Does the spoon go with the yogurt?"
Afternoon view:
A different water drainage system. In this case, the streets slope up away from the middle:
Haystacks:
A guy in a tractor loaded with olive branches pulled up to a pen of goats and tossed them their lunch. The geese in the background were not fed on this run.
My room at the Monaco Hotel has a balcony. This is the view:
What do we do each day after we arrive at our hotel? Shower or take a bath (since we are staying in hotels and not B and B's, many more opportunities for a bath and foot soaking). Throw out the unneeded papers from the backpack, replace with the next day's, wash out clothes, then go to the lobby or elsewhere for some refreshment. Oh, how I wish I could drink sangria! Agua fria just does not have that "having a drink," kind of feel. Then we either look about the town if it is particularly look-worthy or we need supplies, or take a rest before dinner. Well, today we went to the local square, which was lined with small establishments serving drinks and tapas or a menú del día, lots and lots of people, probably mostly walkers, sitting at tables enjoying the weather, food, and drink, and the company of friends. It was such a relaxing and pleasant time, and so European!
Tonight we dined at the hotel, mostly out of inertia. We had a great meal, maybe the best so far, for only eleven euros. You just never know!
Question about oleander answered by Betsy Cahill. No, Ophelia does not mention oleander! It is gratifying to have these matters settled!
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Location:Los Arcos
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