Roc la Campane

Sat, Aug 31. Today, 19+ miles and 10 hours of hiking. Departed Logrono at 0535 and had to walk nearly a mile just to get back onto the Camino Trail. The path out of Logrino was long but flat and much if it through the riverside park. We really enjoyed the silence and solitude of walking in the dark. Traversed around the reservoir Pantano de la Gratera and after a quick pit stop, began a mild climb through the vineyards of Rioja. Passed the mile long fence of crosses, the Toro statue on the hill, and the ruins of the pilgrim's hospital before arriving in Navarette. Had breakfast with Federick from South Africa before visiting the sixteenth century Iglesia Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion. For a euro we were able to light up the beautiful, gold altar piece. For the next two hours we chatted with Alex from South Wales who is working in Spain as a English teacher. Five miles later walked into the village of Ventosa with from Veronica from Slovenia. Craig bombed on getting a pizza but the cokes were refreshing. Up to the top of the village for a quick look at the church and then back on the trail for the last 7 miles, almost entirely through the manicured vineyards. We chatted for about an hour with Chris and Sandy from Asheville, NC. It has been interesting to hear people's stories and why they are "doing" the Camino. Even better, it passes the hours of walking. Debbie found a small wallet with credit cards and drivers license on the trail and we began to wonder how we might get it back to the young Asian owner. We didn't have to wait too long as several miles down the trail we came to a park where several pilgrims had stopped to rest, some even taking a siesta. Sure enough a young man was laying on a park bench and no, he didnt even know he had lost all his valuables. Some say the "Camino Provides" but Debbie said God answered her prayer to return the wallet to the rightful owner before we reached the next town. At 1500, we hobbled into Najera and found our apartment. Chinese was for dinner and then a quick stop in at the grocery store before retiring for the night.Read more