A short bus ride took us back to Venta de Santa Lucía to begin our walk.
Our Mongolian driver Acai being greeted by Jan Sebastian
Today was a short, but lonely and barren stage. We started at 8.30am and arrived in Bujaraloz at 2.30pm. With a stop for lunch factored in we are walking about 4 km per hour. My shins are still hurting — every step involves a dull pain — but a slower pace at the back of the group and 600 mg Ibruprofen tablets help.
A desolate section of the Ignatian Camino
As we have moved into the “third week” phase of our Spiritual Exercises (Jesus’s Passion) we have entered, fittingly, into a more desolate section of our pilgrimage. “Los Monegros,” Spain’s desert-like region, is hot, arid, and dusty. As we walked today we could imagine that we were walking with Jesus as he turned his face towards Jerusalem.
Our destination, Bujaraloz, in the distance
Our hotel tonight is more of a truck stop
A beer at the end of six hours on the road
What I thought was a pretty basic truck stop — namely the Hostal El Español in Bujaraloz (population 1000) — turned out to serve the most magnificent cuisine. Today was Michael Bertie’s birthday and it will be one which I doubt that he will forget. There was so much food at the buffet dinner this evening I remarked that it was like I imagine the heavenly banquet will be. The staff were so welcoming and friendly. We had a wonderful evening.
Chona Walden partaking of the buffet
Michael and his birthday cake
The staff sang Michael “Happy Birthday” in Spanish
Helen and Chona at the chocolate fountain
Walking with Inigo — The Ignatian Camino 
We join in Michael Bertie’s birthday by sending our best wishes. Be careful of too much of the chocolate fountain Helen and Chona… at least you have the opportunity “to walk it off”.
Love Wayne and Stephanie
Hi Patrick
Fremantle and the Hawks are in Grand Final. Kool dude.
Mel
ps. We beat the Pies in elimination! Wingard got All Australian and I think Boak did too. Wingard won our best and fairest.
pps. You have got Paul Roos next year and I am not being funny! Though you might win more games…cough!!
ppps. You look quite the gentleman in that picture…!! Bet you can’t wait to return to spotty for my one liners!!!
kool dude,
take care
Mel
Congratulations to you, Michael, and your fellow pilgrims as you conclude your 17th Stage at Bujaraloz. Your right calf does not look too good, Michael. Go easy on the walking and listen to your body. How much of his journey to Montserrat did Ignatius do on a mule? May blessings be over you all as you pilgrimage forward, John.
Dear John,
Thanks for your comment. Yes I am listening to my body. My sore shins have improved considerably, but nonetheless I am having a rest day today after three days on the road. I am not sure how much of his journey to Montserrat did Ignatius do on a mule, but the terrain where we are now is quite desolate and I imagine he found it very lonely. It is disappointing that I can’t walk it all, but this is my Camino.
Michael
Michael, thanks for your speedy reply. Glad you are able to keep walking.
Have you got a map on the blog with the stopping towns of the Ignatian Camino? I can’t find one?
John.
Happy Birthday Michael. Hope you are feeling better. Go gently and thanks for all the updates which I am enjoying. Hi to Helen! Cheers, Colleen
Dear John,
You can find the maps of the various stages on the official web site: http://www.caminoignaciano.org/
Blessings,
Michael
Felicidades, (ZORIONAK, en euskera) Michael Bertie. Aunque con retraso, espero que hayas disfrutado de tu día.
Un saludo también para todo el grupo.
Fermín Lopetegui
¡VAMOS! ¡BUEN CAMINO!