Los Arcos

A fountain that pours wine instead of water.

vegetarian paella

Irache

a beautiful weather vane

Hello  from Los Arcos.  It was a long, hot trek across open fields and vineyards today, about 26k because we stopped a little early last night and had to make up ground a little.

The place where we stayed last night was wonderful, kind of hippie-ish with a gorgeous vegetarian meal of salad and paella and local wine.  We passed a fountain today in Irache that poured wine instead of water.  It was our welcome into the beautiful wine country through which we are walking.  There were many olive trees yesterday, and today we have seen some spectacular ancient churches and towns.  It's so much to take in.  We keep pinching ourselves that we are in Spain walking the Way.

Two days ago a lady passed us while we were sitting on a lovely bridge with our boots and socks off.  She told John his feet were beautiful.  He made a sign that they weren't smelling great, and she told him that all feet of the Camino are beautiful.  This morning a man who fixed our breakfast in the albergue told us that it was his privilege to be there serving us.  I feel very humbled by the sentiments.  This is a special walk.  Sadly, some in our group limped in last night looking worse for the wear and had to stay back a day.  We are down to three now after many tears at this morning's departure.

We are still walking with our friend Mike from London, who lost his brother 8 weeks ago to ALS and is walking to raise money and awareness.  Tomorrow -- Logrono and a much-needed hotel room!