We left Logrono early as we have around 18 miles to go today and of course most of it is uphill! How does that work...seems like the days are mostly uphill. At some point we surely will start down. Seriously, every day is up and down hills--as you would expect in Northern Spain. The La Roija province has installed these unique pilgrim trail markers.
This wetlands perserve is just west of Logrono. It's adjacent to a campground, the first we've seen. We saw a family of swans, a family of ducks, as well as fish jumping while we walked the perimeter.
It's about 7 miles from Logrono to Navarrete. You can see it there in the distance. We are about five miles out at this point and starting to think about breakfast. We take time to stop every 3-5 miles, if there is a town or cafe. It gives us time to take off our boots, people watch and sip a cafe con leche. And of course if there is bread or pastry, we dive on that. One of the benefits of walking up and down hills all day is you can pretty much eat whatever you want!
Ruins of the Hospital de San Juan de Acre, Hospital de Peregrino, was built as part of a monestary that origniated in 1185. The hospital and hostel served pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
Still in the wine region of Northern Spain today and walking past many vineyards and wineries. The Don Jacobo winery outside Navarrete boasts that its wine is "Born on the Way."
After a quick break in Navarrete we're off to Ventosa. The weather is perfect today. Rain later, but 70 degrees and a light breeze now.
Stopped for lunch in Ventosa and met Patrick from Ireland. He has walked the Camino six times already, and will complete two more pilgrimages this year. He's planning to travel to the US to hike the Pacific Crest Trail next year. Very interesting guy...a bit full of blarney, but entertaining.
This intersting fellow named Viser was playing his guitar in the shade and singing songs he wrote about the Camino. We meet a few trail musicians on the trail every year. The first year we met a young man in lederhosen playing an accordion. Jeff asked Viser to play "Oh Canada," but he just shrugged and continued his act. I don't think he speaks Canadian.
More vineyards and the Vivanco winery in Aleson, between Ventosa and Najera where we will stop for the day.
A short rest break before crossing the Najerilla River into Najera.
The Guardia Civil - Police Station - in Najera. This is the station where our friendly officers from yesterday work.
It was a long day to Najera, but we had a geat time. Feeling good and headed to our hotel for the evening. Off to Santo Domingo de la Calzada tomorrow. Easy day only 13 miles and one hill!
