Day 7 (Camino II): Puente la Reina to Estella

It is a relief to see Ian and Liz having a leisurely breakfast only a block away as we leave Puente la Reina. We have been worried that they might slip on wet rocks on the way down here yesterday. As it is the last day of their mini Camino this time, we bid goodbye and promise to look them up when we visit Ireland. By the way, where is the darn bridge if the town is named Bridge of the Queen (wife of Sancho III)? Well, it is at the far end of the town, and most pilgrims, if they know about it at all, would see it the first time as they leave.  I keep looking back to admire the 12th century bridge.




Puente la Reina: Leaving through Calle Mayor. One of the gates used during a bull run on right. 

Puente la Reina: medieval pilgrim bridge and its namesake town

We have all the elements of a beautiful morning - a pleasant weather, interesting and varied scenery,  charming towns, and good company, most notably a Korean lady doing the Camino by herself. She is one of those young people taking an extensive time off work to come here, and now has met two other single women from her country, so they are now walking together.

White cliffs? Dover? What country am I in? What planet am I on?

What a waste. Figs on the pavement, just outside Maneru.

Cirauqui: Stunning as it comes into view. Reminiscent of Toledo.

Cirauqui: deserves another shot. Vines and olive trees in front.

Cirauqui: Surrounding countryside

Cirauqui: a house facade

The scenery and towns in the afternoon are somewhat monotonous but there is still enough interesting stuff, as there always is on the Camino. We stop for a late lunch at an albergue in Lorca and unexpectedly find a Korean proprietor who is married to a local man. Koreans are definitely an increasing presence on the Camino, but this must be a rarity. Chisoon is doing well enough to not share a taxi ride at this point while a French-Canadian lady who's been struggling is thinking about it.

An old Roman road as we exit Cirauqui

A world map seen after Cirauqui looks pretty accurate. No doubt they don't want any pilgrims upset about their countries being left out.

A large heap of hay seen after Lorca.

A local man tossing to us ripe figs from his tree.

As we go over the bridge into Villatuerta, I hear Vivaldi. It's a man playing the guitar on the river bank. 

Entering Estella, I am struck by how much bigger it is than I imagined.  Brierley even states that it may be a good place to stay an extra day. It means we have to hurry a bit to visit at least San Pedro Plaza and San Martin Church.

Entreing Estella: Impressive façade of 14th Century Church of Holy Sepulchre

Estella

Stairs to San Martin Church

Estella: Cloisters behind San Martin Church. Only two sides have survived. The Spanish word is "Claustro" - perhaps two sides were destroyed so people won't "go claustro" on us, like some MRI patients.

Finally some dinner at Plaza de los Fueros with San Juan Batista Church in the background.