Now in Navarrete

A lovely walk today…we were not rushed because we knew it was short…about 12 kms.. leaving Logroño was easy…good markings, perfect weather again, and the Camino went through parks and then round a lake (man made I think) which was a nature reserve…very beautiful, and also this is Sunday and the city as we left was still asleep, except for the joggers, cyclists and dog walkers. We went to a different cafe for breakfast (presumably because this one would open at 8am on a Sunday)…excellent breaky - OJ, coffee, croissant AND a delicious small fried egg, bacon and mushroom roll…so that kept us going…

After the nature reserve we came to open countryside with vineyards everywhere…and we came to the big bull that is a landmark here…it is high on a hill so it is visible but I swear it is higher than before, or bushes around have been cleared, because it was so visible - even down to the legs and appendages!! So Rach and I kept taking better and better photos…meanwhile Rich had walked ahead a little and found a lunch spot for us…on plastic chairs, under an overpass, in the shade and with a good breeze!! and the bull in the background!

So we got here around 1 or so, and went to the bar in the square near our hotel and settled in for a drink before checking in. Totally relaxing, and good conversations with other pilgrims. Right beside us was the enormous church in this tiny town, one of the best we’ve seen….lovely inside, and playing music quietly, just perfect to sit and contemplate.

Then we checked in…spacious rooms, and the bags there already, and we chilled for a while….then walked down a layer of this hillside town, checked when the restaurant would open for dinner, and settled in for another refreshment at a table overlooking the valley…I now had a lovely Rioja crianza red, and Rich found a Martini Rosso that he hadn’t been able to find! Just a shot, and a beer. Now we are having downtime till dinner.

Will add more if dinner memorable. Today so far is 12.96 kms, and 19,484 steps. Tomorrow will be a bit longer, but under 20kms.

I will add a little bit, as dinner was so surprisingly great! I was expecting the usual Pellegrino menu which can be too much…well Rachel and I both had Rioja garlic soup, and a cauldron came and we ladled ourselves what we wanted…delicious, and not heavy or rich…then I had artichokes with jamon…I talked with some Americans in a table near us and saw her dish which looked great, and it was…and not too much. Rachel had beef cheeks, and Richard had pork ribs…all happy! And I will add a couple of pics. And now I am back in my room, writing this and listening to Outsiders from this morning, thanks to Tallie’s help and instructions!!! Thanks Tals! Also have to add that before dinner I had a lovely FaceTime with Liv from London…I so love my family, and life is ok.Baca lagi