Our elevation map is already showing signs of wear and tear, and scrutinisation last night showed a big hill around the 8-10 km mark of tomorrow’s walk. Papa Bear and I decided to bus that part.

D2 decided she would do the whole 22km walk to Los Arcos and set off around 5;30, all rugged up for the cold, the first run for the head lamp she bought in Pamplona.

One of the highlights of this part of Camino is the wine fountain at Irache, I was a bit disappointed to be missing that but received a text from D2 saying it was locked up

Papa Bear and I headed off to the station, when I returned from buying baguette for lunch he was chatting elevations with Mr B an American guy who had bad blisters.

We set off from Urbiola around 9:00am, it was just warming up, a beautiful clear blue sky, a flat track through the wheat fields, a day to make your heart sing with the joy of being out in the fresh air, nothing to do but walk!

An accordion serenade always makes the day better

Around 10:30 we came across a bar by the side of the road, just a few table and chairs under some shelter, service from a food van, magic! A cold beer and tortilla for morning tea made Papa Bear a happy man!

There was always something interesting to look at

With not too  far  to  go it  began  to  get  hotter,  places  to  rest became  fewer  and  I  must  admit  the  song  in  my  heart  became  softer.

Channeling Clint Eastward!

D2’s response from Los Arcos to our morning tea photo didn’t help, but the pop-up bar was closed when she walked through, so fair enough I guess.

Soon enough we made it to the plaza of Los Arcos, a joyful reunion with Mr B and family, a welcome beer and the song returned to my heart!