Stage 8: Los Arcos to Viana

18.4 kms/11.4 miles, 6.5 hrs, 49°-75°. Somehow my pace has picked up a bit, even though my mid-back below the shoulder blades is so sore. Pleasant temperatures today with a nice breeze. Played tag team with a delightful Irish couple all day. They've been walking the Camino in segments for several years, starting from Pamplona this time and ending in Logrono tomorrow. Didn't take many pictures today, was kind of in a zone. Arrived about 2:30 to a private hostal, the host was away but had left me a lovely salad, bread and cold drinks. I have my own room and bathroom and use of the washing machine and dryer! Walked back into town and found the Irish couple again, had the pilgrim special menu at a restaurant bar, which they serve "early" for pilgrims, rather than having to wait until 8:00 when dinner usually starts. Also ran into a bunk mate from Orisson, Yuko from San Francisco, so good to see her.
More ponderings today about the nature of suffering, the meaning of pilgrimage, the limitations of the human body, etc. Might make sense out of some of it after some sleep 😴Les mer