Day 7 – Zaraguiqui to Obaños

Walked: Today 6.9 mi /Camino 2022: 45.8 mi

We took a taxi to Zaraguiqui, where we finished our walk from Pamplona on August 14. Our walk began at first light (7:01) and the clouds were covering the top of the Alto de Perdon. As we climbed up the steep grade, we snapped photos looking back at Pamplona… it seemed like the higher we climbed the more the clouds lifted, giving us clear views of where we had been.

We reached the top, took photos, (with the help of a lone bicycling pilgrim), recharged our bodies with a pain au chocolat, then began the difficult journey down the other side of the mountain.

Leaving Alto del Perdon behind
Heading down the other side of Alto de Perdon
A well placed bench halfway down the mountain
Seemingly a good idea, the risers varied from 10-16 inches ..: very tough on tired knees.
“made it”!
Looking back on the Alto from grain fields in the valley below
We walked through 2 villages on our way to Obaños.
We experimented with using an umbrella to shield the sun’s rays…. not much difference, so we decided not worth carrying… for the next 450 miles
Casa Raichu, Obaños
our room with ensuite Bathroom and balcony

Elena, the owner of Casa Raichu and our delightful hostess, created a wonderful Camino memory for us today.

We arrived early (11:40), but when Jim rang the doorbell, she answered the intercom promptly and when he told her his name, the door opened and she welcomed us inside. She gave us a choice of rooms, checked us in and asked if we would like something to drink. A few minutes later, she returned with a tray of chips, a glass of chilled green tea and beer. She asked if we had clothes to wash and left us a sack for dirty clothes to leave outside our door to wash, dry and fold later in the afternoon, (8€).

Later in the afternoon Elena knocked on our door with two slices of a spinach tarta she had just taken out of the oven… which became our lunch.

She prepared and served us a delicious dinner at 6:30 (not waiting until the standard 7:00)… of mixed vegetable salad, a scrumptious pasta dish and simple pineapple/peach dessert. Wine and water were also included. (14€ each).

ensalada mixta
Italian pasta dish ala Elena
Nice light dessert to finish off a tasty and filling meal
Elena, our gracious hostess… a former pastry shop owner, she has owned Casa Raichu for less than a year. We highly recommend Casa Raichu!!!

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