Puente la Reina to Estella

Today was a challenging day.  Our total distance covered was about 14-15 miles, but it seemed like so much more.

We left Puente La Reina around 8:30 this morning, fairly well rested and in good spirits.  Shortly after leaving town, we came to the first challenge of the day, a vigorous climb of about 600 feet (not that much in and of itself, but the 600 feet was covered in about half a mile).  By the way, we passed a grave marker of some Belgian guy who died at this part of the hike, undoubtedly from a heart attack!

The hike then went thru a beautiful section of rolling hills and vineyards.  It reminded me a lot of the Sonoma and Napa section of California.  By the way, Linda and I had a bottle of the local red wine in a restaurant last night.  We paid $15 for a 2006 Cab/Merlot blend that was simply outstanding.  At a restaurant in San Francisco, a bottle of wine of this quality would probably cost $100!  At this point, there was a slight, misty like rain.  Very pleasant, with a temp of about 65 degrees F.

We passed a very beautiful village called Maneru.  It was at this point that things sort of fell apart (or down...) for Linda.

Linda would like this story to start out something like, "2 good looking Italian guys were chasing me around all day and so I tried to get away from them ..."  The story really is, "I had to pee like a racehorse, and in an attempt to quickly get around the corner and out of the way of the other hikers..."  Basically, Linda tripped and fell on some rocks and concrete, and cut the hell out of her hands and arm.  She is doing better now, but this was a serious fall.  She had her backpack on at the time, which makes it very hard to catch yourself when you fall.

Not long after this, it began to rain a little harder, then a lot harder....Rain is a challenge for many reasons.  First, you have to put your rain gear on, which is a pain.  But more importantly, the trail becomes very muddy and rocks can become very slick.  We still had a number of inclines and declines, and the walking rate slows down considerably, but the amount of energy required increases.

Fortunately, we made to our hotel around 4:30, with sore bodies and in a pouring rain..  But, it is after arriving and removing clothes and shoes that you can assess the day's damage.  Linda has developed an awful blister on her left foot, and of course, she has the scrapes and bruises from her fall.  I  started out the day with a very bad blister, which we popped last night.  However, it appears to be getting much better.

Last night, Linda played nurse for me and helped pop and dress  my blister.  Tonight, I play Doctor and return the favor for her blister and injuries.  Isn't it interesting how playing Dr and  Nurse takes on a different flavor after 31 years of marriage?!

Tomorrow we go about 13 miles to Los Arcos.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate....