Meet Natalia – an excellent example of the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in Spain! In between studying her Chemistry, she has set up a lemonade stand just on the way into Obanos. As pilgrims pass, thirsty from their descent from Aldo del Perdón, Natalia offers ice cold home made lemonade for a donation only. She was making a fortune! The last few days have been full of surprises and inspirations. Camino friend Trevor told me before I left Melbourne about the poppies. Trevor, this one is for you. They are beautiful – vibrant red, and bountiful amongst the wheat.

The last few days on the road have been marked with changing vegetation – endless wheat fields (I guess they need the wheat for all the delicious bocadillos I cant get enough of!), fields of peas (sweet and delicious!), olive groves and vines. Walking has been difficult at times, at others easy.  I’m tired and sore by the end of a day. My feet ache, but thankfully no blisters. My shoes are still ugly. I’m beginning to realise just how much the Camino is a metaphor for life. Inspiration has been plentiful. We walked the medieval bridge at Puenta la Reina. If you close your eyes I swear you can hear the pilgrims who have crossed that bridge for thousands of years, and the Roman chariots with the clip clopping of horses hooves. If you’re ever here, try it. You’ll hear it.

Puenta la Reina was a quiet little town with three churches. One of which has a statue of St James (patron saint of the Camino). 

What we have done since I last posted:

• Walked from Cizor Menor  to Puenta la Reina (20km). Caught up with Camino Family Bill and Daría, and Petria, heard about others. Stayed at Albergue Puente. Fell asleep in the massage chair there. Would stay there just for that. 
• Walked to Alto de Perdon with the iron statues of the pilgrims (sorry photo not handy, will post later).
• Walked from Puente la Reina to Villatuerte (19km). Stayed at Casa Mágica. Would definitely recommend. One of the best meals we’ve had so far – vegetarian and sensational. 

• Met lots of Irish. The Irish lasses from central Ireland here on a whim and having a great time. Drinking with us at Villatuerte until 7pm and then left to walk the last 4km to Estella ‘three sheets to the wind’. It was grand!
• Met one of the most inspirational people so far. Brendan. Also from Ireland. Beat bowel cancer and is travelling proudly with a stoma. Humbled by him and in awe of his courage and determination. I hope to meet him again along the way.
• Australian Mothers Day today. Had breakfast of wine (at the wine fountain) and chocolate, because being Sunday, everything else was closed!
• Walked from Villatuerta to Los Arcos. 28km. Not difficult but a long walk. Decided to try our first municipal albergue in Los Arcos. That’s tonight. Sharing with 59 others, not expecting to get much sleep.

Here are some pictures from the last few days…