The reason for stopping at Zariquiegui last night was the hill: it was halfway up the Alto de Perdon, famous for the metal pilgrim figures and the long line of modern windmills. The path up was treacherously steep and stony; the path down the other side even more so. Not a project to be tackled at the end of a long day.
There are fellow Seattlites staying here; they report that 900 left SJPP with them. This is nearly impossible to fathom! I continue to book ahead, about 2 weeks out. With so many others, it gives peace of mind to know I have a place.
Tonight is in a casa rural, so a nice upgrade from the pilgrim dorms: twin rooms, share full bath, dinner, breakfast, and laundry. Entirely too comfortable! Dinner was substantial: a large green salad with hard boiled egg, generous serving of rotini pasta in a delicious meat sauce, canned fruit for dessert, and wine. Breakfast was even more robust by Spanish standards: scrambled eggs, multi grain toast, sliced tomatoes, yogurt, juice, coffee/tea.
Tomorrow is a little longer, and we are due for rain, so I will send some weight ahead by transport to make things easier.
By the way, if you are interested in following the route and itinerary more closely, I highly recommend the Wise Pilgrim app. It has maps, photos, and elevation profile- none of which I have the time to provide here.
Lodging: Casa Raichu, Obanos
Kitsambler's Journeys 