~ A Long Day, Some Incredible Paella and Friends Along the Way ~
I left Puente la Reina in the dark of the morning, trekked through empty streets and crossed the beautiful medieval bridge a queen built for pilgrims centuries ago, thus the name of the town. I hiked through fields and across streams to land at The Magic House in Villatuerta in the middle of the pouring rain.
The photos that follow are Puente la Reina streets in the dark morning as I left, a view of some pilgrims hiking in front of me along a path (I’m never terribly alone if I don’t want to be!) and one of the several Roman roads I walked across on Sunday, September 17th!
Miguel at The Magic House welcomed me with open arms. I got to stay in a small room with four other women. No bunk beds! One of the women, Judy, was an old friend from my incredible stay in Uterga a few nights before. It was nice to see a familiar face. That night, our cook made vegetarian paella and it was incredible!
The banner photo at the top of this post is my friends and me at dinner. We were happy to be fed! Below, you’ll see the very jovial chef and some cool photos of the floor at La Casa Magica. It’s quite an old building!
Sunday was quite long so I decided to keep it short today, Monday. Another old friend, Mark, from that wonderful dinner in Uterga (mentioned in an earlier blog) also landed in La Casa Magica and wanted to do a short day. He doesn’t speak much Spanish so I arranged for us to stay the night in a Hostel in Azquete, just about 6 miles down the road.
Below you’ll see the morning sky as we left La Casa Magica along with a view of one of the many early morning vistas we passed. And there’s a selfie I took with Mark. He’s had a knee replacement and my knee enjoyed the slower pace.
I’m writing this from the outdoor patio at La Perla Negra in Azquete. Elena, our hostess with the mostest, walked the Camino years back and was inspired to open her home to pilgrims. This place is clean, feels friendly and has lovely art and plants everywhere. The sun is out, the breeze is blowing and Elena serves us dinner at 7! I heard her mentions SALAD! Veggies are a hot commodity on the Camino. Today, I saw some carrots and bought a pack. They are heavy, so I only get a few veggies at a time. Anyway, this afternoon as we wait for dinner, we all shower, do laundry and chill. There are about 9 of us staying here tonight. This is me in front of La Perla Negra.
Buen Camino! Sending love!
