Estella to Los Alcos and on…
Today was about leaving the vineyards and going into endless hay fields and dry hot desert portions. I stopped in a small town and picked up a ham and cheese bocadillo and drink that I would later eat under a small bush along the side of the trail. Today I would be heading to Los Alcos, a small town with only a single Albergue. The heat was intense so I used my hiking umbrella to shield myself from the Sun and provide some much needed shade while walking. When I arrived, the albergue was full so the innkeeper called her friend and she drove me over to Torres del Rio just 3 miles away. Little did I know there was a huge fiesta going on in front of my albergue. The party started at 7pm but would continue until the morning. I later met my old friends from last stages and we enjoyed a great meal we're I was the only one that didn't speak French but that didn't stop us from engaging in great conversation and sharing a meal together.
Having developed sever ankle pain and swelling in my right ankle I decided to go to the pool provided by the neighboring Albergue. I'm afraid if my ankle doesn't recover this may be the end of my Camino. Sharp pains are developing a long the inside of my ankle up towards my calf. Tomorrow I will stay another day in Torres and soak the ankle in the fridged waters of the pool. Ice is not something easily found in this portion of Spain and the forecast is calling for 97 degree temps as I head toward Logroño. So far I have completed 87 miles/140km on the Comino.
