• ShaunLCCamino de Santiago - May 2025Traveler
    1Peregrinos / pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostella
    The Way out of Logroño1Sunrise on the outskirts of Logroño1Peaceful lake Grajera in the army morning1And so the vineyards start in serious quantity and in every directionChurch of Saint Mary of the Assumption in Navarette, another impressive building1Massive columns, souring vaulted ceilings, and impressive golden altar1Late breakfast. I chose lemon cake for the vitamin CIt was cold, the light wind was colder.Wine anyone?Behind the Monastery of Santa María la Real, the cliffs overlooking town have cavesMonastery of Santa María la Real, developed to look after pilgrimsAfter it was abandoned it was partly ruined by successive tenants, including army, and bullfightsInside the church of Monastery of Santa María la RealThe virgin of the cave. Apparently the founder of the Monastery saw a vision when huntingPretty streets of Najera, abandoned in siesta1I went to by fruit for walking. Tomatoes are in 2 sizes, large and massive

    Day 9 - Into Rioja country

    May 6 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Logroño to Najera
    30.6km
    Today was always going to be a long walk, so up early and out the door for 6.30 walking. A cold day greeted me with a biting breeze, the temp never got more that 10deg the whole day. Also a threat of rain.
    Logroño was a very nice city, I really enjoyed my time, and leaving before the city got going meant the 1hr long walk out of town was pleasant. Lots of green spaces with play equipment for kids too.
    It was very pleasant walking around the Grajera lake and parklands, even saw a red squirrel out for breakfast.
    We’re definitely in wine country here, famous for the Rioja red wine. It would be rude for me not to try some.
    It was a long haul to the first stop at Navarette as I hadn’t had breakfast yet. Another pretty little town with an impressive cathedral. How does each little town or village support them?
    The big day turned out great. It was a solo walk today, but the cool temps and the flat-ish and well graded path making walking good. I ate up the km and got to Najera at 2pm, the last 1/2hr in a light drizzle.
    Accumulated distance 208.6km
    Moments of the day were viewing the huge expanse of vineyards, probably 20km nonstop, and secondly reading that I have already completed 25% of my journey - wow!    Read more