Puente La Reina to Estella

I began this day with a beautiful prayer scheduled for this day from a devotional book entitled "Seeking God's Face," which went like this: 

"Father, it is a wonder what you have made of me in Jesus.  It's the hope I cling to today, the comfort that satisfies my heart.  I am a dearly loved child of God; I am not my own but belong to Jesus Christ, body and soul, in life and in death.  I am rescued at great cost, protected and provided for, guarded and guided.  How great is your lavish love.  Amen."

 

That's a pretty good prayer with which to begin any day!  And it was another awesome day.  Every day has its own unique beauty and sights.  From the backyards along the streets of Puente La Reina...

...to the street of the same town (note the 2 young Aussies in the forefront in bare feet - it's flip flops once they hit the trails...crazy!)...

...to the old Roman bridge over the same town as we leave last night's resting place behind...

From there we followed the river and as we spotted the cliffs pictured below, you can imagine Diane asking (as her pose suggests): we don't have to climb that, do we?  

Actually, yes, but on a trail that easily hit grades of 15-8%.

There were so many beautiful things to see today: blooming bushes and fields of poppies...

...groves of olive trees...

...and gardens in most unexpected places, such as this house front in the village of Lorca, where we had our picnic lunch for the day...

There were other amazing sights, such as one of the most photographed villages in Spain, whose name I wouldn't dare try to pronounce (Cirauqui - try it!), and it's narrow streets and tunnel leading on to the next destination...

Although Diane prefers that I lead the way, since I'm a guy and never need to ask for directions, once in a while she tries to show that the signs are clear enough that she can figure it out on her own.  Just follow the yellow scallop shells on blue and/or yellow arrows, and it's almost impossible to get lost!

We are now in a very cosy little hotel overlooking a small neighbourhood plaza in the town of Estella, resting (after cold beers - temperatures hit 37 today - and warm baths) and waiting for dinner, which won't be served until 8 p.m.  That's how they do it in Spain.  Until tomorrow...

Distance traveled today: 21.9 kms

Time on the road: 6:20

Total distance to date: 116.3 kms

Walking days remaining: 31