Life in Irache

Today was a lower mileage day. The third day of walking with packs created some tight hamstrings and quads.The terrain has been varied and with the rain, the mud was added weight. We are finding that while it is all fine in theory to talk about walking 25 kilomters a day, the reality is quite different. Weather conditions, terrain, and availability of albergues and hotels means one needs to be flexible about your walking plan. We have now concluded there is no way we can walk the entire distance in the time we have allocated. Our plan now is to be flexible and identify the least interesting upcoming terrain to bus through. This will also give us time to explore the larger cities such as Burgos and Leon.

Last night, in Lorca which was established in 982 AD, we joined in the local festival celebrations for about 20 minutes (who knew Jim could polka). Thanks to earplugs all at the albergue slept well. The torch light parade started at 1:00 a.m.(after the band finished) and the last celebration started at 5 a.m. The staff at the albergue left the second floor door open so we would not disturb them when we left this morning at 7:30 a.m.

The big event for today was the WINE FOUNTAIN at the winery in Irache. Free water and wine was readily available at a dispenser attached to the winery. You could even use the webcam to link to friends on the Internet.

We are staying in Irache (population of about 100 or less). Right now we are being serenaded by revellers in the hotel parking lot(and it´s only 7 p.m.). Needless to say the Spanish live life to the fullest and love to party. There is currently a dance party going on at the hotel. Who knew that ¨Delilah¨by Tom Jones was still a hit?