STAGE 5 - ESTELLA to LOS ARCOS

 Today was rather pleasant. No rain. Cloudy skies. Breezes (sometimes a bit strong). As you leave Estella you move through Irache that is home to two significant spaces: 1) the Monasterio de Santa María de Irache; and 2) the Winery at Irache. The one is a spiritual encouter; the other an encounter with "spirits" (i.e., wine). First, the monastery:

Sadly, we just don't time it right and it was closed. Perhaps next year we will get.

Second, the winery. What sets this winery apart is the fact that it has a wine and water fountain attached to it. Pilgrims can fill their water bottles (with water) and have a sampling of the wine (but not fill their bottles). 

(water on the right and wine on the left)

Next to the fountain is this sign: "Pilgrim. If you want to arrive in Santiago with strength and vitality take a swallow of this wine and make a toast to Happiness. Irache Fountain; Wine Fountain." Interestingly, at the Iglesia de Santa María de la Asunción in Villatuerta there is a similar invitation that reads:

"Drink water pilgrim

Rest and leave your thirst.

and in the next stage know

that a little wine will give you strength.

"Here is where San Veremundo was born

who in Irache was its Abbott

Ask for grace and move along

falling in love with the Camino."

Here are some of the reasons you fall in love with the Camino: its landscape and the little discoveries along the way...

This is a medieval water well with typical pointed double-arch construction and barrel vault interior. There is still water in the well, though it is not potable.

Just past the fountain is Villamayor de Monjardín where Jannette found a new friend!

And I found two battling knights on one of the capitals of the Iglesia de San Andrés Apóstol

The countryside continues to reveal its beauty...

Just off the Camino are the ruins of an ermita.

Moving forward towards Los Arcos their are fields of grapes, wheat, and soy beans. 

We have safely arrived in Los Arcos... Tomorrow we are off to Logroño.