Day 8 - AM - Logrono to Najera

Rainy forecast! I slept in and intended to leave at 9am but I had laundry issues so ended up leaving closer to 10 am. Thankfully Dan is taking the bus today so she will take my wet laundry with her lol. It will be a longer day with 28 km to cover and a lighter backpack will help me make it to Najera before dark.

I have become the official lunch maker for our group. I've been making sandwiches similar to the one Manuel gave me in Roncesvalles with jamon and havarti cheese for other pilgrims and now they just want these sandwiches for lunch everyday. I also add mayonnaise, tomatoes, hot salami, and lettuce for crunch!

As I rushed out of Logrono because of my late start, I came across a pilgrim feeding ducks by a pond. I passed quickly by with only a brief moment to enjoy the wildlife. As I kept walking, I questioned why I didn't stop and feed the ducks as well. I had leftover bread from making sandwiches earlier so could've easily enticed them over. I really regretted that decision but only moments later another opportunity presented itself.

An old man was feeding squirrels in the park and when I stopped to record, he called me over and let me feed them too! I was thrilled to say the least :D

I took a break in Navarette because there is a long stretch into Najero. I was just stopping for my standard croissant and cafe con leche when I saw a sign for eggs and bacon. The croissant was wrapped to go.

Description of the section

From the capital of La Rioja, the route leads gently to the idyllic park of La Grajera, stretching around an endorheic lake nestled between red hills. After this first hill, the Camino descends alongside rows of small crosses to Navarrete, once the stage of multiple battles between Castile and Navarre. An hour and a half later we reach Ventosa and climb San Antón, the second peak of the day, after which pilgrims are once again plunged into solitude. The last section stretches for 8 kilometres in an undulating succession of clay and vineyards until Alesón, which according to legend was the site of the battle between the knight Roldán and the giant Ferragut. Finally, the river Yalde reaches the outskirts of Nájera and after crossing the river Najerilla, we reach the impressive historic area where the pilgrim albergues are located.Læs mere