The Pharmacist is your Friend

Ventosa, Spain
We sprang for a small efficiency apartment in Logrono. Javier, the proprietor, was a doll, letting us check in early and dispensing insider sightseeing advice. The biggest treat was a washing machine! After a while rinsing clothes out in the sink needs a little assistance. We considered yesterday a rest day as Logrono is only 5.8 miles from Viana. It gave us time to have coffee with new friends, explore the city and Mike even got a haircut. Logrono to Ventosa was back on track with 12.1 miles to cover. It was a rough night as Mike came down with a hacking cough. Probably inhaled too much dust on the trail and it's catching up with him. I went into the nurse mode, fussing about fluids and subjecting him to postural drainage and percussion to try to loosen things up. Long time since I've practiced those skills, but it's like riding a bike. Fortunately the walk to Ventosa was fairly level with only a few minor hills. He was able to catch a nap after arrival beverages. We've made a special effort to be very health conscious on this endeavor, eating bananas and other fruit plus electrolyte replacement drinks to counter the effects of our sweat pumps working overtime. We have patronized our share of pharmacies to obtain necessary supplies. Of course with a pharmacist in the family we ended up getting into a discussion with a Spanish pharmacist regarding practice in Spain versus the USA. In Spain they dispense predominantly prepackaged items rather than all the bottle filling and labeling that occupies much time in the USA. Ibuprofen is readily available in our grocery stores but doled out in small quantities from behind the pharmacy counter here. She also pointed out that Spain is a land of many contradictions. Regular strength Voltaren gel is a prescription item here, yet you can buy double strength Voltaren over the counter. Go figure. Pharmacies are strategically located along the Camino and stocked with a wide variety of remedies for ailments common to pilgrims. In addition to medication, Spanish pharmacists spend a good deal of time dispensing advice and health teaching. On the Camino they are a pilgrim's best friend.Read more