Zaraiquiegui

After a good dinner with our Irish friends we  left Pampalona abot 9:15.  It had rained during the night so everything was fresh! After an hour and a bit we reached the out skirts of town and took a bit of a break. A bit more and then we were off of the pavement!  The route to Czir Mentor passed by the University grounds and then rolling hills. We arrived at the albergue rather quickly it seemed and chatted to a fellow from France who was walking the Camino for the second time. Sandra took pictures of the church and we decided to press on.

The hills were getting steeper and the views very pretty. Old churches and settlements, abandoned villages, fairly steep climbs. We could see a massive haystack in the distance which I was excited to get to. Have seen pictures of hay stacked like this and for me it was a "I really am here" moment. A little further on and we came to a field of sunflowers which had faces on them. A Swedish coupke had set up two plants with their hats and poles to resemble hikers. Sandra got a photo, I was still hung up with the haystack! :-)

We passed locals, or better yet, they passed us along the way. There even was a lady probably in her 70's just hoofing it along. Lots if cyclists, walkers as well as joggers. Approx. two km from the town of Zaiquigui (sp) there was a rest stop at the top of a steep grade which had a memorial for a Belgium fellow who died on the Camino in 1987. We have seen a number of these so far - makes one think!

We arrived at the albergue at 1:45 or so. We had walked 14.5 km and it had taken us 4.5 hours.

We checked in, I dumped my back and drank the coldest beer ever! :-) It was hot! After chatting and a shower, a siesta was definitely in order...

Relaxed, explored the small town and then it was dinner time. We signed up for the pilgrims menu which was at our albergue. No idea of the menu!:-) We ended up with 2 kinds of soup, bread, salad, a fish stew, meat patties, ice cream and wine. One girl from the States had her birthday yesterday and the singalong last night was limited to singing Happy Birthday to her! :-)

Throughout dinner there was a big electrical storm! All my laundry and boots were in my room. Some of the others not so lucky!  Off to bed by 8:30.