21st July - day 3

Out really early this morning, by 5am, to try to avoid some of the heat of the day. I had forgotten 2 things - how steep the first section is and how far it is from Cirauqui, where there is now cafe on the way, but requires a detour down a steep hill, and the next town of Lorca. Neither of these things was good.

It was also very hot, and so we took the bus for the final 3.5 kilometers.

Because of the heat, I am replanning some of the stages ,and taking out a couple of them.  However, the Albergue in Estella, where the boys and I chose not to stay 2 years ago, is rather nice, and I am glad we are here.

I have developed my first blister in years, and also need to remember, if I ever do this again, to go with my gut feeling about shoe size. The box area of the shoes is slightly tight and going downhill is a little painful.

Tomorrow we will visit the Fuente deal Vino, and then backtrack to the bus station. And get the bus to Viana - a chance to recharge ourselves and let our feet recover. 

We went out for a meal in the evening and were joined by a young Belgian named Michael. He started talking to us and eventually joined us.  He did not want to eat alone.  It was a very pleasant evening, and when the storm blew in, the waitress was out very quickly to close the patio roof so we didn't get wet.  The food was simple but good, and the wine went down well.  Back to the albergue for and early night, and although it was noisy outside, there were fewer interruptions and toing and froing from the dormitory and most other people sleepy early.  Lights out was at 10:30 and then it was quiet.