Almeria to Rioja to Alboloduy

Today got off to a good start, but didn’t finish up as planned.
First day anxiety had me up early and walking at 7am. The way is very well signed with lots of yellow arrows to lead you out of Almeria. Past the football stadium, and into another suburb before the sunrise. Some river bed walking then through another small town. Then back to the river bed via some date palms.
I knew when the Osbourne Bull came in site I was close to my albergue in Rioja. Osbourne Bulls were constructed along highways as advertising for a sherry company with an English name.
I found the albergue but one problem - no water. Took a while to get the story, but a pipe had burst and nothing will be fixed until next week. Santa Fe de Monduhar has no room - there is a festival on this weekend.
This being a great community camino, Mercedes picked me up in her car and drove me to Alboloduy. I will miss a stage but never mind. Lovely albergue here.Read more