Sleep is still the biggest issue. One solid night would really help. Today was better and made it to 5:30.
I left my hotel at 7:30 in the dark and passed an open bar so I got a coffee. At the bar I met Mike (likes to hike) a retired guy from Atlanta. We walked together for a few km but at the top of the day's big climb, I pulled ahead when he slowed to talk to an American woman he knew.
I walked to Cirauqui, a cute town built on a hill. There was a bakery open and Jose was outside. I got a tortilla on bread (4€) and a machine coffee (1.2€) and we sat down. Georgia, a Spanish girl I had passed many times over the last few days sat down and then Renee joined. James from Birmingham stopped to say hi. I was first out but ended up walking and talking with James just out of town.
James was in the party crew last night. Everyone I talked to said the municipal albergue was uncomfortable and nobody slept well. Talking with Dennis in Estella he was woken so early he thought he should just leave early and the sleep was so bad he split a 3 person room for tonight.
Renee and Jose caught up I dropped back only to pass them several km later when they stopped for some trailside snacks and wine. A little later Renee passed me. She is, no doubt, one of the fastest walkers.
In a little park with 4km to go I aired the feet. Tall German guy from Stuttgart sat nearby and on my way out I stopped and properly introduced myself. He is Thomas from Stuttgart. Then I walked past two of the Korean guys from yesterday and said hi.
As I walked into town about 1pm I was flagged down by Dennis all showered and chill. He updated me on the albergue quality of last night.
Estella is a very pretty town with a historical relationship to the Camino that goes back nearly 1000 years according to something I read. There are some massive obviously old stone buildings around town.
At my hostal my room wasn't ready so found a place and had a coke, a beer and a fried calamari sandwich for 11.40€. I thought I was ordering a small plate of fried calamari, but got a large, very tasty sandwich that filled me for many hours
After showering and washing my clothes, I headed out to explore town. I found James from Birmingham, Renae (the correct spelling), Jose, Marie from Germany, Olmo from Italy and a large Italian contingent at a patio bar.
Things went downhill from there and beers were had. Scottish Kenny joined. Mark and Eddie were by for a bit. People left and people came. It was a fun night!
It turns out there are actually two James from Birmingham. The second one showed up just as the remaing gang ordered much needed solid food. Shortly after that we headed to our beds (except for the James') after declaring our intention to meet up at the famous wine fountain 4km away at 8am. What could possibly go wrong?
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