Sansol, Navarre, Spain and Canary Islands
Distance by the guide book - 28.3km
Total distance for the day - 29km
Flights climbed - 32
It was a big day today! We hadn’t been able to get accommodation in Los Arcos so we had to walk on an extra 7kms to Sansol making it a 28.5km day. With this in mind we decided to start as early as possible and were up at 5 to leave by 6. We’d promised to guide the Newfie ladies back onto the track but when they hadn’t shown up by 6:10 we decided we couldn’t afford to wait any longer for them and they could fend for themselves.
It was still a bit dark when we set out so we were glad we’d checked out exactly where to go the night before. It was a bit cross country and we set a few dogs off as we went along but we were quite pleased to find ourselves back on the trail a bit ahead of where we’d left off the night before. The sun was just starting to come up over the horizon as we left town and we got a lovely sunrise to enjoy.
Just outside of Estella is a famous stopping place on the Camino. Irache Bodega is a winery established by the monks back in the 1800s. The current owners have put a wine fountain on the wall outside so pilgrims can help themselves to a drink on their way passed. Sadly for us we were much too early and the winery was closed. So no free wine for us. We did take a slightly wrong turn and ended up walking through their grapevines which was kind of nice though.
It was really quite chilly in the early morning. I think around 8 degrees but the temperatures climbed throughout the day and by midday it felt quite hot.
Poor Sheila had had a very bad nights sleep. Nothing to do with the fact that we had to share a Queen bed! She should have taken the sleeping pill I offered her. So by the time the temperature crept up into the high 20s and we were walking our final kms she was beginning to flag badly. Luckily we reached our village of Sansol just in time and we were able to collapse in style into our apartment in the Palace. It was the only accommodation to be had for miles around and we were happy to pay the extra euros for the luxury.
Dinner was a communal affair prepared by the 80 year old owner of the palace. Apparently his family owned the building for generations but it was sold off to an Englishman 50 or so years ago. It was in a state of disrepair a couple of years ago and the current owner offered to buy it back. It is now a quite lucrative business, I think. Very nicely refurbished and appointed. He served one of the very few vegetable meals that we’ve had since starting the Camino. Apart from potatoes, vegetables on any menu are very scarce. This was a sister plant of the artichoke and very tasty.
We’re still walking through beautiful countryside with stunning sweeping landscape views, usually at the top of some mountain we’ve had to climb! Only 21kms to walk tomorrow. We’re on our way to Logrono.
Carole
2023-05-02
Well done, you’re doing soo well. And such stunning scenery, your pics are amazing.
Marl
2023-05-02
Looks like a lovely place for the night. Well done on the big day, hope you both get a good sleep tonight.
Kaary
2023-05-02
Worth getting up early for that beautiful sunrise.
Jenny
2023-05-02
I look forward to your posts every morning Leanne, and almost feel guilty that I can do the Camino from my lounge chair! Your descriptions and the scenery are just wonderful! Thank you for sharing..x
Claire
2023-05-02
Big congrats you two on what sounds like an extremely challenging day , especially for Sheila with poor sleep! You made it and the countryside looks gorgeous. Hope you had a wine or two to celebrate! 🥂
Helen
2023-05-02
Congrats on walking such a big day. Love your writing and your pictures. Good to see the horses.
Daphne
2023-05-02
Am so enjoying your trek and really do feel part of it. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Thanks Leanne and Sheila
Allan
2023-05-02
A huge day for you - hope that Sheila will be more rested after a decent sleep. More beautiful views and countryside. XX
Katherine Reilly
2023-05-02
Full of admiration for your efforts. It looks beautiful and sure the lovely surrounds keep your spirits high.
Liz Davis
2023-05-02
You are both doing so well. It was probably just as well that the winery wasn't open. You might have ended sleeping it off in a hedgerow.
Karen K
2023-05-02
Just received your travel diary today Leanne. Very enjoyable to read of your journey on the Way so far.
Beth
2023-05-03
You both continue to amaze me, Leanne. I love reading your anecdotes. Like Jenny, I feel guilty that I'm experiencing it all vicariously, in absolute comfort! Love Beth x
Beth
2023-05-03
Sorry, Leanne, it's me again. Try out a fantastic 'translating' app I learned about from my 'French Lessons' mates. It's free and called DeepL. B x
Pam
2023-05-03
Joined your trek today, as Daphne passed on the link. Am exhausted having caught up to you. Great photos, commentary and tales of your experiences. Enjoy!
Suzanne
2023-05-03
So glad to read you survived your long walk. The scenery is beautiful. Hope you both get a good nights sleep.
Chris D
2023-05-03
Really enjoying your blog Leanne. Weren't you tempted to hitch a ride on one of those horses?
Karen
2023-05-16
Strongest and very determined ladies. Totally AWESOME 🤩