Estella

The hike today reinforced the sense from yesteday that the feeling of the Camino will change as we go along. Rather than feeling full of unknowns and infinite possibility, it feels like exploring within a known framework; more like reading a sequel to a series you enjoy than starting a new book each day.

We walked through more dry, rolling Spanish hills, through cute little Spanish villages, and saw a number of beautiful churches. They were all unique, but they all fit the pattern of this Camino.

There were lots of little things that were unique, too: We saw a cat in a field. We watched a hawk ride a thermal. We stumbled upon a field full of abandoned art. We got a snack at a cart full of donated food for pilgrims. But mostly we walked.

We finally arrived at Estella in the afternoon, and my ankle was bothering me pretty badly. We checked in, sat for a bit, then went to see the churches around town. They were stunning, especially the second one we visited, and well worth the walk.

After that I snagged an ankle brace before the pharmacies closed for tomorrow, just in case, and we had a brief dinner comedic adventure getting Japanese food, then an extremely pleasant and generous experience getting dessert, and then went back to go to bed so we can do it all again tomorrow.