Estella la Bella
- Dad
- May 7, 2018
- 1 min read
After the searing afternoon yesterday, we got an earlier start on today's 13.5 mile trek to Estella. In days ahead we're clearly going to need to walk in the mornings to avoid the afternoon heat. We agreed the cool morning was refreshing, much better to get an early start.
The morning was sensational. Coffee in Maneru (cafe solo) right outside the local iglesia. The walk on to Cirauqui was memorable, with an approach to town through vineyards and the 13th century medieval town beyond. Wheat fields are turning to vineyards, a sign of the region ahead.
We agreed that afternoon was a grinder as we trudged toward Estella in the now oppressive heat. We were excited to see "Estella la Bella" (Estella the Beautiful), with its Ega river and multitude of iglesias. However, we entered town tired, hot, grumpy, and I with a 5 alarm toothache. There have been several times when it has been helpful to have a son who speaks fluent French, and this was one of them. I clearly had an infection, and with Ben's translation I was able to get through urgent care and into antibiotics and high octane ibuprofen.
After that, Estella did indeed become beautiful. We had a spectacular meal outside Iglesia de San Juan Bautista in a thunderstorm. Ben in deep French conversation with the pilgrims from Rennes at the table next to us. Dad proudly not understanding a word.
Buen Camino.
The mental side is as tough as the physical. I feel we're getting stronger in both categories. You have ups and downs mentally each day, and in addition we've been struggling mentally with being so early in the journey. "My whole body hurts, and we're only on day four???" We were talking today that to do this, the whole Camino Francais, you have to be more mentally tough than physically so. I see it in older, more out of shape pilgrims that just keep on going. Neither of us have wanted to sleep in, or gotten to a point of not being able to take another step. It's good to have a traveling partner because (hopefully) your ups an…
So, I’ve been wondering. You and Ben have given some insight to the physical side of this journey, but not much about the mental stamina. And after today’s tooth emergency I’m wondering how you power through?
Do you and Ben ever have those moments of “ugh, I just want to sleep in” “take a day off”, or “I’m not sure I can take another step”... you hinted at that yesterday with the windmills feeling so far off and then finding that was your halfway point. So, when that happens, then what?
Wow. These are some of the most beautiful pictures yet. So grateful that Ben is fluent in French and was able to help you find what you needs at urgent care. Love the new cover photo!