The old mill at Estella to the 1703 Palacio at Sansol
Estella got a bad press from me last time as did Los Arcos . Both get better press this time.
I saw the good side of Estella – but as we leave Lukes feet that had suffered when he took too much of the family load 2 days ago are in a bad way now. No blisters but big impact swollen and wayy too big to fit his boots .
We sort out baggage transfer and transport for Luke . Give him chance to recover and he gets to spend a day at our next stop . The Palacio de Sansol – an interesting discovery – a real life 1700’s Palacio run by the owner and original family member at Alberque prices. Let’s see .
First into the countryside / later than planned now but past this fascinating forge.Smithy chaos with a big trade in camino crafts.
And shortly after into the Irache vineyards.
With its famous – unique FREE Wine Fountain. Bizarre and always entertaining- you’re supposed to refresh yourself from the Camino Shell you carry but I can name at least one Irish Bar tender who had a half litre left at the end of the day. 
Classic method
The 4 stages of Appreciation
Joined by Melbourne Crime writer in training Zach Grimes – Ex planner for the Aussy National Parks . Top Man. Erudite company x
And on through an alternate woodland trail that’s shaded , soft ground and peaceful. That rejoins the main Camino at these views – gorgeous.
Castle on hill ? / tick 
Thom pics of brief rest and contemplation- it’s what this trail does best xx
And onto a shady lunch stop an hour later next to a food van
And Zach sharing the Craic ….
And Shortly after some impressive “Pallet Furniture” creations in a no name hamlet.
Might give this design a go myself – highly meditative 
….. We trek through Los Arcos – looking fab ! Don’t let me dis’ it again . We see the Carla and Co in the square 2.30 pm and none with a booking for the night – ( Good and bad points but they always end up with a bed ) .
We chat – they ask if they can get into the Palacio as it looks good – I say I’ll be there in 90 mins and let them know. 90 mins =7 k of not a spot of shade on a windy dust road where you can see the Hamlet of Sansol from 7k away and it seems to take forever at end of day. 
Worth it to end up in this Quirky one off Hostal
And what a stair case !
Dinner is communal , one sitting , a presentation from the Netherlands Hospitalera and proper grace said..
Next to him – sitting is the owner whose family the house had been in for centuries. They sold it many years ago but it was left to ruin. Some years ago he had a vision of a place for pilgrims , rest , meditation and lively discussion. A true palace at Alberque prices .
He approached the new owners – English people . It was almost a ruin . How much ? They replied – “what you can afford” ( he likes English people 
) . He offered €30,000 for his family home back – they said YES!
He spent almost €1 Million – on refurb – and it’s great .
The owner fulfilled his dream – he does the cooking , serves the food , we all do the clearing and washing up and he speaks only Spanish , happy to serve along the Camino.
A good man .
I spend the time before bed playing an odd version of billiards on a high Palacio terrace with Luke and an all you can drink Red 
. On a pool sized table with a 10% lean and no tip cues 
. Hot villages and mountains Cooling down at dusk in the far distance.
Life is good .
Xxxx
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Poor baby hobbit feet. 😣very atmospheric husband. Sending love and thinking about you all. ❤️
Oh Lukey boy! My sympathies. How’s he feeling now? Poor sausage – send him all our love xxxx