Trekking to Santo Domingo

15 miles today! When we left Najera this morning at 8AM the temp was 52 degrees. When we arrived at Santo Domingo this afternoon it was 85 degrees. We walked through many miles of vineyards during the first half of the day. Workers were harvesting the grapes and trimming the vines. It is hard work especially when it is hot. There is no shade at all. The workers could not have been more gracious to us. They came to the side of the road offering me grapes. (I had to decline as it was too early in the day for blue lips and sticky hands 🙃) Most of the roads we walked today were dusty & gravely. I was grateful that our walk was broken up by stops in 2 little towns along the way. It makes a huge difference to sit in the shade, drink something cold & have a chance to use the "water closet." This stretch of the Camino must have been brutally hot this summer! I was grateful that we even had a tiny breeze.On the last long stretch there was a handwritten sign three quarters of the way up that said " Cheer Up" we have cold drinks in 100 meters. Not only were there cold drinks to buy there was also a small shaded park to take a rest in!

When we got into the old part of the city of Santa Domingo we toured the Cathedral and bell tower. There was a very informative audio offered. What an amazing collection of art and history!Read more