Francés ~ St Jean to Santiago – Page 7

Front, Rear, and in Between ~ Day 51 ~ May 27, 2014

Day 51, May 27
14 miles, 618 total miles
Altitude: 2,460 feet (2,460 daily high)
Weather: blue sky with clouds. 45-65F
Villamayor

Front and rear of the Cathedral in Santo Domingo, 12th-century and a place in between.

Milky Way ~ Day 51 ~ May 27, 2014

Day 51, May 27
14 miles, 618 total miles
Altitude: 2,460 feet (2,460 daily high)
Weather: blue sky with clouds. 45-65F
Villamayor

Wild flowers form streaks across the field as though Milky Way stars have fallen to earth.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road ~ Day 50 ~ May 26, 2014

Day 50, May 26
16 miles, 604 total miles
Altitude: 2,296 feet (2,296 daily high)
Weather: blue sky with clouds. 45-65F
Ciruena

Though the road isn’t yellow, much of the day was spent walking along a wide rock-packed rode.

At last I had the pleasure of a family meal served at the albergue (pilgrim’s hostel).

White Snow and Red Rock ~ Day 50 ~ May 26, 2014

Day 50, May 26
16 miles, 604 total miles
Altitude: 2,296 feet (2,296 daily high)
Weather: blue sky with clouds. 45-65F
Ciruena

Veins of white snow cap the mountains to the south (not Pyrenees). Red rock is characteristic of the Rioja wine region.

500 Miles ~ Day 50 ~ May 26, 2014

Day 50, May 26
16 miles, 604 total miles
Altitude: 2,296 feet (2,296 daily high)
Weather: blue sky with clouds. 45-65F
Ciruena

I no longer feel the need to sing Peter, Paul, and Mary’s “Five Hundred Miles.”

Over the Top ~ Day 49 ~ May 25, 2014

Day 49, May 25
14 miles, 588 total miles
Altitude: 1,968 feet (2,343 daily high)
Weather: sprinkle rain, blue sky with clouds. 45-68F
Ventosa

Spanish church interior are over the top in intricacy. Church of the Assumption, 16th-century, Navarette.

The octagon interior of the church associated with the Templars is far more restful for me. (Knights Templar, Day 48)

Children ~ Day 48 ~ May 24, 2014

Day 48, May 24
17 miles, 574 total miles
Altitude: 1,263 feet (daily high 1,830)
Weather: blue sky with clouds, 55-68F
Logrono

Universal appeal of children.

Eight for the Templars ~ Day 48 ~ May 24, 2014

Day 48, May 24
17 miles, 574 total miles
Altitude: 1,263 feet (daily high 1,830)
Weather: blue sky with clouds, 55-68F
Logrono

This church in Los Aros is associated with the Templars. The distinct feature is an eight sided floor covered by an eight sided star ceiling. Elegance in simplicity.

To Market, To Market ~ Day 48 ~ May 24, 2014

Day 48, May 24
17 miles, 574 total miles
Altitude: 1,263 feet (daily high 1,830)
Weather: blue sky with clouds, 55-68F
Logrono

Shelves of chocolate bars, gummy bears, and packages muffins.
Boxes of cookies, crackers, cocoa puffs, and corn flakes.
Pre-shrunk packets of olives, cheese, and sausage.
Self-service vending machine shops.

Walk away from the yellow arrowed pilgrim’s path markets and find vine ripe heirloom tomatoes, regional cheeses, aged hams, and wine for incredible values. Shop like the locals.