Before dinner last night I sat listening to the Americans/Canadians trying to decide where to go and having difficulty with it, long day or short day?
Then I had the pleasure of translating to a German couple who joined us for dinner. As the discussion continued about how far to walk, Mr Stuttgart said, I'll go until I am ready to stop. Mr Yukon said he wished for such a luxury, he was having their bags shipped and thus needed to know where to. He wanted the ability to say I'm done before an established stop or continuing if he still felt good.
I have this luxury! I need to enjoy my freedom and liberty to say "Here" where and when the mood arises. It helps to have my brilliant boyfriend remind me of this as well. He put it so well, "Wandering is good. I somehow think that's what you should do as much as possible. If you can, you need to let the journey take YOU instead of the other way around. Let your heart lead you as you've done so far." Thank you, my love!
I began walking early from Lorcas, enjoying the crisp quiet morning. I stopped at the ancient hermitage of St. Michael. You could go inside and as error as it was with no one around, I did. Inside there is a simple table filled with prayers and tokens of all sorts, even cars. 
Arriving in Estrella at 8, I enjoyed breakfast. From here you wander the city streets and neighborhoods before reaching the Irache Wine Fountain.
From here there was a constant stream of pilgrims and for the first time since St. Jean, I was never alone. The countryside was beautiful with fields and vineyards and forested hills. Frequently there were ruins or churches atop the hills. 
In the village of Villamayor de Monjardín I lit a candle in San Andrés Church and took a necessary photo by my name! 
Along the next long open stretch there was a "food truck" catering to pilgrims. I enjoyed fresh naranja juice with my yogurt and banana with pilgrims from everywhere! 
Coming into Los Arcos is rather disappointing. It's modern and bland, at first I thought I'd continue through. But my feet are really sore and I'm pretty sure there is a blister forming on the right little toe... So when I see the Austrian run hostel WITH washer and dryer, I must stop. It's a good decision, there are many Germans here and I feel a bit more relaxed. I was so incredibly hungry after my shower and nap that I went to the market for cooking ingredients. The lady there was a bit grumpy at first as I was shopping. After putting my bag of tortellini, can of sauce, and chorizo sausage on the counter, and then asking for two incredibly delicious looking cookies, she began to smile. When I asked for the fresh olive bread too, she laughed and said, "you are hungry?!" "Si, I am always hungry!!" I said with a sheepish look. She said, "It's normal, on the camino, everyone is hungry!"
My eyes were bigger than my stomach, I have left over for breakfast!
Now to get the courage up to pierce my blister...
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