Update from Los Arcos

Linda
We just finished Day 6 and are now 654 km from our destination, Santiago de Compostela. We are definitely feeling it in our legs and feet. We have been averaging 21 km per day, starting at 7am and finishing around 1pm. That enables us to relax in the afternoons (after showering and doing laundry) and more importantly, avoiding the intense heat in the afternoon. It was 30 degrees today and is forecast to be 34 tomorrow. The scenery has been gorgeous the last few days. Highlights included walking through the centre of Pamplona, climbing Alto del Perdon (Hill of Forgiveness) in absolutely perfect weather, walking on ancient Roman roads and bridges near Cirauqui, filling up an empty water bottle with wine from the Fuentes del Vino (wine fountain) outside Estella at 7:00 am this morning (no we didn't drink it then!!), attending a mass for pilgrims at the cathedral of San Miguel in Estella where the priest gave us a blessing and spoke to each of us in our own language, and just taking in the lovely scenery between villages. Many beautiful grape vines and olive trees, as well as fennel plants both wild and cultivated. The Camino takes us past gardens full of ripe tomatoes, huge artichoke plants and pepper plants loaded with ripe red peppers. Makes our mouths water!
Since we have been staying in alburgues for the past few nights, we treated ourselves to a private room WITH BATHROOM, in a private alburgue, for tonight. 45 euros and we sure needed the break!
Since we seem to be among the first pilgrims to complete each day's walk, it's great to sit in the local squares and reconnect with friends we have made on the Camino. Today we saw a friend from Nanaimo who we hadn't seen for six days. Some people are having problems, so are slowing down, using transportation or taking days off. It's really a unique bond that we all have though, and the first question is always "how are your feet"? We have been enjoying the company of a Danish couple and since we walk about the same speed, usually end up connecting on the trail each day and then eating our "pilgrim meal" together in the evening (10 euros for complete meal incl wine).
That's it for now - heading for Logrono tomorrow but may not make it all the way.
Adios!

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