Day 5: Cirauqui to Estella, 14km, 250m ascent.

We set off relatively late today, as we only had 3 hours to walk to Estella, a small town. Our small group became a bit larger today, picking up a few people from the hostel on the hill.

Early in the morning, one of our group goes to check out a young Chinese pilgrim sleeping in a covered area in a public space. She arrived very late the night before, after dinner, during a light summer thunderstorm. While we were chatting outside the hostel and we saw a small figure with a heavy bag walking across the square below. It was 10 pm, and late to be walking. It turned out to be a young Chinese pilgrim carrying a heavy load. She can’t afford the hostel we’re in and turned away. She came back a short while later and we tried to sort her with a room, but it was too late. We found a covered area with toilets nearby for her to sleep in, and my other Italian friend sent her a sleeping bag, complaining that she should look after herself. She was sad and a bit disoriented, but we couldn’t do much more. We hoped she was going to be safe for the night.

The next morning, she was fortunately still there, and packing up at around 530 am. She thanked my fellow pilgrim for looking out for her. Later on route, we saw her and she seemed well enough. Wishing you well, Xiao!

We end up in Estrella quite early, check in when the hostel is open. I spend the whole scorching afternoon under trees near a river, I can’t think of a better place to do it. The water is cloudy but the river is clean as I see fish, birds, a swimming snake, and save a small lizard floating on the water tension.

Most of the group I know so far have a meal together, spirits high, we’re already planning tomorrow’s departure at 7am.