6. Day Six Zaraquigue to Cirauqui
20 km. 435 m up and 555m down.
Albergue Maralotx. 12E bunk 12E meal

Left a bit late this morning. I had a fabulous sleep and did not wake til nearly seven. Jean was up and organised early packed before breakfast. I was only half packed at 7:55 when Hugh rang. Meagan and Jimmy were staying it was good to chat but I was rushed. I called back a couple of hours later but got no reply.
Today we crossed over the Alto de Perdon. The pass where the steel silhouettes are see photo. I was dreading the descent. It was steeper and the stones bigger in my memory. A German bus tour discharged its walkers at the top and I was determined that they would not beat me to the first cafe. Jean said we made a good pace.
Today was a perfect day cool not too challenging and with villages every 3-5 kms. I had a wonderful cafe con leche in Uterga, ( at least a nine, jenny) I even remembered the Spanish for apple and we were able to have a manzana slice.
In Obanos we calledinto the the Descubre el Crucifijo de los Peregrinos. I lit a couple of candles ( the unattractive electric kind) and quietly thought of those at home.
Next we walked to Puenta la Reina and as it met the criteria of being over halfway we sat at the beautiful arched Roman bridge for lunch. Chorizo, cheese and Jean found some beautiful cherry tomatoes. Chorizo is cooked right?????? Hope so. Because Cirauqui is small and if completo full we would have had to walk on 6 k. I made a reservation.
The walk to the next village Maneru I remembered from last time and was a bit of a climb.
Saw a shepherd and dog sitting at the edge of a grain field sheep eating the grass herbs and flowers beside the field. See the photo. John I think this qualifies as one of the catch the farmer working series.
Arrived 3:45. Albergue is completo and so are the next two villages. So we would have had to catch a bus or taxi. Many have. The first of May holidays may be busy the next week.
This is a lovely albergue the meal will be in the cellar. I stayed here three years ago.

The meal was in the cellar but it was very cold. Beautiful lentil soup and very fresh ensalata. Salt fish baccalau was a little salty for me but Jean loved it. Cinnamon custard in a cup for dessert.