Day 10 - Uterga to Cirauqui

703 km to Santiago de Compostela

We were told there was no breakfast until 8:30 am.  When we went down to eat everyone was gone.  We would walk alone all day.  This is the first day we do not see any pilgrims.
 
The first part of the walk was downhill through farmer fields, we could see in the distance the windmills up in the Alto del Perdon.  Another beautiful day with blue sky and cool temperature, perfect for walking.

A bit after an hour we passed Obanos.  We find a store there so we buy some food: half dozen tangerines, a couple of bananas, half a loaf of bread, candies and nuts.  We have learned that we need to eat and drink every hour or so.
In this town is the church of St. John the baptist, it contains the skull of Saint Guillaume (William) in a silver reliquary.
Legend has it that Guillaume Duke of Aquitaine killed his sister Felicia when she refused to return to court duties after she came back from a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.  His remorse was such that he undertook the pilgrimage and when he returned ,  he renounced his titles and lived the rest of his life as a hermit in poverty, penance and prayer.

From there, it is only 2km to Puente la Reina.  A larger town where we had at  chance to visit the church of Santiago.  Medieval church with beautiful retablos  and a very old statue of the apostle. 

We stopped at city hall to get our passports stamped and followed the main street to the bridge that gives its name to the town.  The bridge was built in the middle ages by order of Doña Mayor, wife of Sancho III to support the movement of the increasing number of pilgrims. The bridge has 6 arches across the Arga river which is now much bigger than when we crossed it in Puente la Rabia.

Leaving this town we find the most challenging part of the journey. An hour and a half climbing up to the town of Mañeru.  We stop to catch our breath at a fountain at the entrance to town.  The water is fresh, the breeze  is cool.  It is nice to seat for a few minutes.

From there it is only 3 km, about an hour to our objective: the town on Cirouqui.  This town is at the top of a hill a very visible from Mañeru.  We are tired and entering the town we learn that the albergue is at the top of the hill, in the centre of town.  The last steep hill.

Following the routine we shower, wash our clothes, rest a bit, dinner and bed.
 
Santiago, St. James, walk with us, guide us and protect us in your Camino.  Pray for us.