Yesterday we decided to venture a little further and stay in the small village of Cirauqui. The night before in Zarquiegui, we stayed in a dorm style albergue with 9 other pilgrims. Unfortunately for Linda and Loretta there was a symphony of snorers that kept them up most of the night (I heard nothing). So arriving in Cirauqui, we were looking for a private room and we got it. We felt such relief knowing it was only going to be us three staying in the room and hopefully getting much needed rest…gratitude.

The “Lady of the House” served a delicious meal of veggie soup, salad, pasta, bread and a yummy custard with a chocolate cookie. It was such a treat and she was one of the sweetest women I have ever met, making sure we had plenty to eat and doting on us. There was only one other diner with us, a 71 year old German man named Klaus. He was taking the Camino in stages. Walking ten days, returning home for a while and then coming back to where he left off. He is quite an inspiration.

We started out the next day at 7:00 feeling rested and ready to hit the path. The day was cool and the sky was cloud covered which made walking/hiking a little easier. In Estella there was a wine fountain along side of a water fountain. We had heard about it, so it was fun to see it. In some of the small villages, school children ran up to us wanting an interview. It must be a school assignment or something? It was fun talking to them and hearing them try to speak English. They were very sweet.

We are staying in Monjardin tonight. Above our albergue is the ruins of St. Stephen’s Castle and across from us is the 12th century Dan Andres Church. Both beautiful backdrops to this quaint village.

We have walked through about 8 villages, up hills, down steep declines, and over rolling terrain. The beauty of the landscape, the Spanish people, quiet moments have made us beyond grateful.