Puente La Reina to Estella, 15 miles

Another night of rough sleep in Puente La Reina. The albergue was nice enough, but they'd taken one large room and divided it into tiny chambers using heavy canvas walls and ceiling. You could hear everything—every bathroom trip, every phone conversation. The buffet breakfast made up for it though, with scrambled eggs, yogurt and fruit. I always grab a couple of bananas for the road.

Fifteen miles and 1500 feet of climbing over about six and a half hours. I walked with Elin from Iceland for a stretch, then caught up with Belinda and Sherry, the New Zealand ladies. The weather was absolutely beautiful—clear blue skies—but it felt quite warm without much shade today.

It's nearly impossible to get lost because of the signage. My eyes automatically gravitate to the signs now without having to think about it.

I'm writing this while waiting for my wash. This albergue has an actual washing machine and dryer, which is very exciting.

Linda J, you would excel on the Camino. You meet so many people and exchange names, most of which I never remember, but I always think you would know them all.

Buen Camino!