Day 83/84 Travelling West

Day 83- Cizur Menor to Cirauqui 27km
A noisy night but rise and shine is still at 6.30 with breakfast at the local bar. On across the plain in the early morning light. Most fields are ploughed or with drying sunflowers hanging their heads. The path us broad and stoney, cyclists struggle on even though they have a separate path they could take. Long shadows as we climb to Zariquiegui where we have a coffee break & visit the church. Upward and onwards towards the wind turbines and the metal statues that have become the symbol of the Camino, at Alto de Perdon. Over the top. & down the other side on what is one of the worst sections of the whole route with its large stony rubble that moves under every footstep. Definitely walking pole territory. Across fields of stubble , past the statue of the Virgin and into Uterga. The way continues along a ridge with almond trees & grape vines, thru Muruzabal, off the edge of the road on a steep path then another steep climb through Obanos with big brass scallop shells in the footpath to show the way. From here we track on through Puenta la Reina across its beautiful bridge and climb incredibly steeply up til we meet the highway. We pass thru Maneru before meandering through fields lightly undulating, through vineyards and finally climb the narrow streets of Cirauqui. We choose the private refuge Maralotx where we can have dinner downstairs in the Bodega. A very social night where the church bells ring every 1/4 hour right outside the window.

Day 84- Cirauqui to Villamayor de Monjardin - 24km Sat 16/8
A cool start with only a coffee to get us going. Down the Roman road before climbing to cross the highway then along farm tracks, twisting & turning, up & down, criss crossing under a highway and the canal high above as we head to Lorca 6kms away for breakfast. Here we can get fresh OJ, coffee and toast. The path is straight alongside the road, stoney & narrow between the tall weeds. High cloud, a flock of lammergeier soaring high on the thermals above us, then a herd of sheep contained by 2 sheep dogs & a shepherd at the edge of the path. We walk thru Villatuerta where everything g is quiet apart from a group if young revellers still up from the night before. The track is now narrow as we wind our way down and up then down again into Estella where we have lunch before again climbing upwards past the wine fountain at Irache, up the steep streets of Azqueta, then down to cross a stream and upwards on narrow paths to the broad farm road that brings us into Villamayor de Monjardin. Here we again choose the private Albergue which us run by Oasis Trails, a Dutch Christian organisation. It is hard to believe but within an hour another Australian arrives. A young woman from Echuca whose parents I know. Small small world. We have a great night with the best food and the possibility to join in a meditation time after dinner.