Day 8
Last I night wasn’t able to find someone to dine with but did follow my strategy of dining where the locals go. Best dinner yet. Mixed salad, roasted lamb with potatoes, and flan for dessert. Perfect. Then early night.
There were people stirring in the alburgue at 2:30. Finally I got up and headed out by 3 to hear the heat. It took ages to get out of Logroño from where I was staying. I passed the main plaza – still heaving with revelers dancing and partying. I knew Logrono was a college town but wasn’t really expecting it to still be buzzing so much at 3 am. Was glad to finally get beyond all the students and out into the quiet.
Got turned around a couple times in the dark in the countryside but always managed to find the directions again. This cut off valuable lead time – but I was still grateful to be out on my own in the cool air.
Today was all about vineyards. Miles and miles of everything from scraggly new plantings and most beautifully meticulous rows of pruned and espaliered old vines.
Also many groves of olives and almonds. I didn’t sample them at first but then noticed a few that were clearly ripened purple grapes and gave them a try. Sweet, tart, and there’s nothing quite like a ripe grape that’s been warmed up by the morning sun.
Stopped in Naverrete for a coffee and croissant. And in Ventosa for coffee and fresh orange juice. On the second stop I met three other ladies in the back patio of the cool and rustic back garden of the cafe.
After ten hours (30 km) arrived at the alburgue Puerte de Najeras on the river. They were smart to advertise at the entrance to the town as it was about a 30 minute walk from that point. But their ad mentioned the breeze off the river and it was a done deal. Only 15€ for a bottom bunk and it’s full of folks from all over.The decor is ‘grandma chic’ and they’ve used the dining cabinets others have discarded for displays. It’s done really tastefully.
Had a siesta after my shower. I was disappointed to realize I’d left my shampoo and conditioner at the last alburge. The hostess led me to a closet of lost & found items and we found a replacement from France. Fancy! After siesta I went to the river and let my feet cool off a bit in the water. Too fast a current to swim – but the soak was just perfect.
Will ask around to see if I can find dinner company. Then an early night!!
More later…
If you’d like more information about my walk for charity:water, please yfollow this link. Thank you!
https://www.charitywater.org/marilyn-peterson/marilyn-s-camino-for-water
Hello! I absolutely love the photos and the log of each day’s events. Nice work, Sis! I am praying for you and am happy to read that you’re doing well.
Love and Prayers and Hugs for YOU,
Karen (and Mark, too!)
Thanks Sis! I can tell people are praying. Everything is going well. Thanks for the love and support.
sis. 🌻🌻🌻💕😎🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
Hope you found company for dinner. Eating alone is OK, but not all of the time. Hope you also get later than a 3am start. That is really too early. Day 8. Is this beginning to feel like a new normal rhythm?