Day 6 Puente La Reina to Estella 22km

Brother Stu has asked about a bit of history so I will start this blog off with a quick history lesson about what I understand of the Camino de Santiago, The Way Of St James.

Early Christian Period 40 A D.

Some years after Christ's crucifixion St James sailed to Galicia in Spain and commenced his ministry amongst the pagan population there. St James mission met with only limited success and he returned to Jerusalem where he was beheaded in 42 A D. Following his martyrdom, St James disciples brought his body back in order to be buried at Worlds End. Queen Lupa conspired with the Romans to destroy St James body and that of his disciples. The disciples managed to escape over the river Tambre with the bridge collapsing just after they had passed over. Santiago was not far away and it was here they finally laid St James body to rest. 

Over time these remarkable events were forgotten. 

476 A D saw the fall of the Roman Empire in Spain to the Visigoths from Gaul then in 632 the Moors took over. The Moors allowed freedom of religion.

In 813 the Bishop of Iria Flavia confirmed the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle and so the story of St James was resurrected. This was perfect timing to spearhead the re-conquest of Spain for Christianity with major battles in 844 and 1212, and in each battle St James appeared at the crucial moment astride a white horse decapitating the Moors to turn the tide of the battle and become known as Moor slayer. On the strength of these successes, St James became the patron saint of Spain, a position that he enjoys to this day.

The first written record of pilgrimage to Santiago was when bishop Gotescalco journeyed there in 950 A D. For the next 5 centuries it became the most popular pilgrimage eclipsing even Rome and Jerusalem. Tens of thousands pilgrims chose to take this hazardous route every year during the Middle Ages to pay homage to St James at his burial site. This increasing activity gave rise to many religious and chivalrous orders dedicated to the protection of the pilgrim. Our route follows the French way. Where we started our walk at St Jean Pied De Port is the town where passage through to Spain was best through the Pyrenees from France. 

In 2010, the numbers of pilgrims completing the Camino reached over 250000 and averaging 200000 a year since consisting of pilgrims from 138 nationalities, with less than 10% doing it for religious reasons. Most do it for spiritual or cultural reasons today.

I hope that is understandable, probly clear as mud and made it even more confusing for you. If you are confused please google St James and you might get a better understanding. 

Today's walk was in light rain all day, which was nice after a day in the sun yesterday. I only have a few pictures today as I have limited wifi. I will post the highlights on tomorrow's blog. Again we passed through great countryside and villages and met more great people. Today we had Tortilla for lunch, yum yum and pilgrims meal for dinner, 12euro for soup, great pork cheek for main and custard for dessert and a bottle of vino tinto. Great value and very tasty and we nearly understood the menu tonight. 

This walk really is turning into something special (thanks Bruce) as there is a certain "spirit"  among the pilgrims. Everyone talks, smiles, gives best wishes to each other and offers help if needed. Each day you pass or get passed or walk beside hundreds of other pilgrims, if you get to town early you can watch as others make it to town. At each days end it brings satisfaction of being one day closer, to what  I don't know. One thing I do know is that I'm very relaxed, my mind is at ease, not a care in the world except for those of you back home, and the aches in my legs which seem to change to a different place every day. 

Shaz is charging along often leaving me in her wake with only small complaint about sore hips and Anne, after a change of boots also charged through the day. Tonight our stay is right next door to massive church, Church of Saint Michael, dating back to 1600's. Have a look at the footings. These photos were taken from our rooms balcony. The church towers over us.

Adios, till tomorrow.