Stage 7: Estella to Los Arcos

Today we started out a bit early about 6:50 am.  The albergues started waking up at 5 I swear, but we were a bit lazy.  No breakfast just pack up and start walking.  We walked awhile just to get out of town.  On the way out we passed some teenagers just heading home.  It was a weekend after all.

First stop is Irache's bodegas and it's famous wine fountain.  We were too early for the free wine it doesn't start pouring until 8am.

Last night it had rained most of the night so the air was clear and crisp.  The clouds were vey cool too.

At our first town we had breakfast.  It seems this is our standard fair some time during the day.  Tortilla de patata and something with chocolate.  Oh and fresh squeezed orange juice.  Funny thing is OJ is usually the most expensive thing.

This critter I have run across a number of times on the trail.  Today I figured I'd take his picture.  So it's easy to look down as you walk and see a completely different Eco system.  But when you look up you can see similarities.  The pictures don't do it justice but the wheat sways in the breeze kinda like the caterpillar crossing your path.

So today was hot, and there wasn't much shade. The hardes part was the 11 or so kilometers without a town.  And not only was there no town your destination was no were to be seen.  Up and down over rolling hills of wheat.

Finally one last hill and there is our destination. Man were we in for a treat!

So we get into town and start seeing all these strange barricades blocking the doors.  Wonder what they could be?  Oh wait look at the kids they are playing with bulls.  Oh boy, we get to see a San Firmin style bull run.  They used smaller bulls but it was still super exciting.  As well as easier to see.

Here is the bull pen and the kids playing before the event starts.

Here is Quinn and us safe behinda baracade.  Or so we thought.

Here are the runners staying away from the bulls.  There were 3 bulls out at one time but this guy was in a real foul mood.  He was going after everyone.  Even water bottles and trash cans.

 This guy wasn't so lucky.  Not quite quick enough.  The bull go him as he flew right over us.  We had to step back from the barricade or those horns could have got us too!  I have some video so remind me to show you when I get back.

After all the excitement we went to dinner and then stopped in to see the beautiful church.

Tomorrow we go to Logroño.  It's 28 kilometers so we decided to send our packs via taxi, to make sure we make it.  My feet are getting sore and 20km seems to tire Quinn out so here is hoping without a pack we can make the 28km.