The fatigue hit us thus morning. We were dragging our feet when we woke up, and the thought of walking held little appeal. The steady rain that was forecasted for the day didn’t help our spirits and we prepared ourselves for a hard day.
We only planned to walk about 10 kilometers to Villamayor de Monjardin and then taxi the final 10 kilometers to Los Arcos, but even so, our motivation was lacking.
We were slow to get out the door and we stopped for a long breakfast, so we didn’t expect to see any of our friends on the trail. A few minutes in, though, we met a familiar face. Robert, from Ireland, had been smiling and saying hi to us for a few days, and this time he stopped to walk with us. He walked with us for a long time, despite our slow pace, and we enjoyed having some company on the trail.
And we did move slow. Addie loved the rain and she stopped to talk to every worm and step in every puddle. She walked an incredible amount of our day’s walk, and she was so cheerful as she did so.
We found a small blacksmith’s shop along the way and we bought scallop shell necklaces and got stamps for our credencials.
The walk out of Estella tends to excite pilgrims, as there is the Fuente del Vino a few kilometers out. This wine fountain offers free wine, and people are encouraged to fill their scallop shells (or cups) and enjoy. Sandra and I drank wine from our shells, and Addie enjoyed juice from hers.
The walk today held no huge obstacles, but it was steadily difficult, particularly the final 2 kilometers. The uphill trek felt equally as mentally fatiguing as it was physically fatiguing. We estimate that we are pushing approximately 100lbs, which moves with ease on the flat stretches but provides incredible resistance up hills. Bumpy gravel roads make this even harder.
We made it to our stop, though, feeling accomplished, and we called our taxi.
Our hotel is not quite in Los Arcos, but rather attached to a gas station outside of town, so we were disappointed to realize we would not see any familiar faces for dinner. The hotel staff, however, were kind and welcoming, giving Addie a lollipop and arranging a free taxi back to the Camino in the morning for us.
Sandra commented on how this trip has really taught her the meaning of generosity, and it’s true. People have been so generous toward us along the way.
We have a longer stretch to walk tomorrow, and we are a little intimidated at the distance, but we are optimistic. Then, we can follow it with a short walk into the city of Logroño the next day.
You will have Popeye muscles from pushing that stroller.
Even on the days that feel so tough and tiring, you are on a very unique adventure and we love hearing about the ups and downs( literally 😀). Hugs from afar🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🫂
You are all incredible to push forward on hard days. Addison is so enthusiastic. She is having an experience of a lifetime and becoming so worldly. You should all be very proud of yourselves for your determination and your successes! You are an inspiration to all of us.
I love the wine fountain!
I end my evening reading your incredible journey. So, so proud of
what you are accomplishing.
A few of my close friends are following you as well. Love the wine stop. So sensible!
Take care and keep the stories coming
Hugs & kisses