Almost paradise at the Paradore

Well, after a 20K walk through the Rioja region farmland, we have arrived in an Oasis of historical luxury at the Parador de Santa Dominica. Not exactly a pilgrim hang out at all, but we decided to splurge. We checked in with a group of British car touring people with fancy cars right at the front door. I'm sure they were Lords and ladies, lol!

It was a hot long walk, with only one bar rest stop, we made great time leaving just before 9:00 and getting here just before 3:00. We met new pilgrims along the way and chatted which makes the time pass by.

There were peas and wheat and barley and grape vines and olives and peaches and cherry tea along the gravel road. We walked next to the old clay aqueducts lining the sides of the fields, still functioning with water flowing through them. We were only next to the highway for a little while but our path was far enough away that it did not matter.

The Parador is a restored hospital, that used to be a Oasis for Pilgrims now or is a luxury destination. It has beautiful terracotta floors and marble bathrooms and we truly have gone into a vortex. Now time for a shower and to put on some sandals and head out to the streets to find a meal and a cold drink.Read more