22nd July - day 4

We were later up this morning, and took our time to get ready, although we still had to be out be 8am. We went across the street to the place we had eaten the night before for breakfast and then walked the 2.5 - 3 km to the Fuente de Vino. The wine was flowing!  It was funny walking back, and one old lady was concerned the we had got lost!  I explained that we were taking the bus, due to the extreme heat and blisters and aching feet. By the time we got back to Estella it was already heating up, so we sat in the square next to the bus station and had a coffee while waiting for the bus.

It is different seeing the Camino from the bus. At Los Arcos and also at Torres del Rio several other Camino walkers to on the bus ,and they all looked really hot and exhausted.  The bus went all the way to Logrono, but we got off at Viana, and found our way to the Albergue Andres Munoz where we stayed the night.  The room was cool, with a breeze, and we were allocated bottom bunks, which is better.  We then discovered that it is the week of fiesta in Viana,and at 2pm, the Main Street was being blocked off for a bull run.  We had a glass of wine and some ponchos, and then walked back to watch. It was quite exciting to see, and we were safe behind the barrier, but the runners kept jumping over, so talking pictures was not always easy.

After they had finished, we went back to the albergue for a siesta.  It was still incredibly hot, but the breeze had picked up and our room was still cool.

Later, we went for a walk around the town, and came upon the procession for the fiesta, which we watched, and then back to the restaurant where we had had lunch, for the Pilgrim Menu evening meal.  Again it was a simple meal, but well cooked, and washed down with a local wine.  As we walked back, we saw that they were preparing for a second running of the Bulls, so we returned to the albergue.

The Bulls ran, the noise died down and I fell asleep.  At 10:30 we were woken by lights and noise.  Fireworks, and the room we were in had the piece view overlooking the garden viewing point.  We had a perfect view of them.  Overall, it was a good day, and showed that on the Camino, flexibility is needed and, at times, rewarded.