For me today was about doors, bridges (and arches), and poppies. And with good reason. I’d stopped walking yesterday on the outskirts of town, just after crossing into the town limits – as the hotel was very close to the Camino. The walk through town just after dawn took me through the oldest part of the city. Stunning architecture.
And the doors were from an era when doors were meant to last for centuries. These are just a small sampling.
Some of the bridges were from Roman times – made with sturdy stones and lots of care.
And the poppies are back!!! I missed them so much on my walks in Augusts of prior years. By August they’ll be withered and replaced with fields of blooming sunflowers. 🌻. Still a lovely, happy flower – but the fields of poppies are one of the things I look forward to in Spain in the springtime.
Another thing that says Spain in the springtime to me are the storks on their nests. I saw my first today on a steeple in Puente La Reina but didn’t take a photo because I fully expected to see them all day. That was the only one I saw today. Perhaps further on the walk.
Karen, from California, is hatching a plan to share an apartment for the evening with myself and any other pilgrim takers in Logrono – just two days away. I appreciate her setting it up as I haven’t really thought beyond tomorrow night’s accommodations.
Met my friend Stuart a couple towns prior to Estelle and we walked and talked for a bit. Eventually we came across a couple in Estelle who were heading to the Capuchin monastery as well. So…you know how I said it might be memorable? Well, it was. Upon checking in at registration – the guy couldn’t find my name and said I didn’t have a reservation. He said no reservations are taken over the phone – only online. I showed him my phone, which I thought had dialed their registration desk at 7:11 last night when the front desk was still open. He was insistent. I was wondering who I’d reserved with – so I hit redial and the phone on is desk started ringing. Clearly, we’d spoken last night and he wrote my name down wrong. So, whatever name he wrote down – they’re not showing up… I’m already here. He was able to find an open bed for me. I got a bottom bunk – yay! And I’m happy to report the heating is actually switched on.
Funnily enough – Stuart walked on to his hotel not far away and told us he had a similar issue trying to convince them he had a reservation- and his was in writing! I don’t know what the deal is.
I walked back to town center on my own to get a lovely salad for dinner. Watched a bit of a FIFA finalist game which was playing on tvs on the patio of the restaurant. Then walked back to get in before the doors are locked. I talked my way in once – didn’t want to try my luck again.
A sign nearby said ‘don’t feed the cat’. They heard I was on my way!
More later…
I’m walking to help charity:water. I’d love if you’d join me!
https://www.charitywater.org/marilyn-peterson/marilyn-s-camino-for-water-2026
A day of sturdy doors and bridges. Glad you got your reservation sorted. Sleep well and go well in the morning. I am 8 hours behind so catch you up in the evening.