Day 8

I must of needed the rest day more than I thought.  All I did was snuzz and then I pulled my boots and went to bed.  We did a smart thing in leaving the Alberque in Estella and finding a hotel.  I never realized that the Spain bike race was on and it took up all the beds in the town.  I did love the town though, very nice people.  Once again got up before the butt crack of dawn and headed out.  Just like in the, movie the way I stepped out onto the side walk and went the wrong way.  Had to turn around and follow the outher pilgrims out of town.  I left Peter the Doctor at the hotel he wanted another day of rest.  I actually forgot to pack socks but I did have  two pair.  Several days ago I was in a little mom and pop and they had some so I bought two pair.  I knew they were very thin like dress socks and I almost through them away.  This morning I got looking at them and decided that they may make a good skin sock.  Soil pulled them on and then put my heavy sock over them.  Worked like a charm.  My feet did so much better I may have to pass it on to pilgrims are us.  The pull out so Estilla was quite steep as usual but once I got out it was not so bad.  I was worried about today in that the last five miles there is no water taps, no food, no shade.  But St James was smiling at us poor pilgrims and caused it to be a high over cast, so it was a lot cooler then the other days we have had.  I didn't even need to wear my hat until about noon.  I pinned my ball hat to the pack and wore my floppy hat for shade, worked very well.  Just out side of town the Monks had a wine fountain.....see picture.  Yes free, can you imagine how happy that would make the residents of Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City.  Several pilgrims were toasting each other with cockle shale full of wine.  Some what traditional I guess.  After the fountain the road split, one could either go through the mountains or stay down low.  I was worried as to more rain so I took the low road.  In a  other couple of miles I stopped at a mom and pops and met up with about eight people from the first night in Orrison.  Hugs all around.  I must look like hammered ow.l shit in that every one asked me again how I was holding up.....no Im getting concerned.  And once again people would not believe I was raised in Utah....the accent thing again.  Coming across the valley it was wide open all I could see was the curvature of the earth and I just kept thinking where the hell could this town be hiding.  And then wa-la it was nestled in a little valley.  One of the great things the road out side of town was lined thick with black berries.....tasted so great.  I couldn't figure out why the villagers are not out picking.  Finially got into Los Arcos and found the Alberque where I could stay, but no bottom bucks, not on my room any way.  I left my small pack on the bed and went back out for the big pack when I came back I was challenged by a German lady if the pack was mine.  So I guess I am among honest people.  I told her I could tell her every thing in the pack, even the things that smelt the worst.

For all of you that's concerned I am well and looking forward to tomorrow.

Lesson for the day;  Just like pick up trucks, a man can't have too much hat.