We are still waiting for the chacos to come in. So there was a sports store in Najera. We waited until siesta was over and went to look for some sandals. I found a Teva sandal that fit and Noël could wear it too, yes our feet are almost the same size. I said we will take them. The woman went looking all over the store and said I only have one sandal in that size. But I found another one two sizes smaller! Uhhhhh what am I supposed to do with that.

We found the only restaurant serving all day, the rest open for dinner service 7 or 7:30. We were told we could sit at a two person table against the wall. The place was empty because locals wouldn’t come until 7:30. It was only 5:30. Jamer passed by so I invited him in, he was looking for a place to eat. We tried to move to a 4 person table. Nope. He had to take a two top behind us. Then some more pilgrim friends came in…same thing. It was odd. But well the food was good.

Our bed last night was horrible. The springs came through the mattress. Breakfast was okay. The host was very nice. We met more pilgrims from Germany and Latvia

Today’s walk was awesome the rain threatened all day long but never showed itself to us. We saw other pilgrims walking with ponchos and rain gear, we were fortunate. I walked today with no pain. It was a good day. There is a lovely rest stop at the top of a steep climb.

We love Santo Domingo. We have found several places for sale here so are interested.

The place where we are staying was a bread mill. They have converted it into a hotel/hostal. We are looking forward to dinner with our friend Jamer from Minnesota.

Thank you for coming along on our journey!!

We took a very leisurely morning because we were only walking 14 kms/8.6 miles. We had a late breakfast in Logroño and then started on our way. We saw a pilgrim pass us as we had a second coffee before leaving Logroño. There was nothing for 14 kms so relax while you can.

When we got to the park and lake we found a rest stop…toilet no food or drink. Perfect. We needed a toilet but weren’t hungry. And yet we sat and ate some nuts. Then the cutest red squirrel came to us asking for food. We fed it. And then others came and we shared more nuts so they could feed it. The little guy had a ritual-take the nut gently from the hand, work it into its cheek, run away, and bury it somewhere in the ground and repeat!! We had fun!! The pilgrim that passed us earlier joined us and we gave her nuts to feed the cutie. Her name is Sam she is from England.

We came into Naverette and found our accommodation. Super relaxing place. After getting settled we went to get lunch/dinner. We had an amazing meal and met more pilgrims from the US, Switzerland, Canada and Spain. It was fun.

Tomorrow we will go to Nájera. Buen Camino!!

We left very early this morning because we had 28 kms to travel. We ran into a pilgrim that we walked in to Pamplona. Going into Pamplona she seemed a bit nervous so Noël made sure she got to her albergue. Today while walking and enjoying the sunrise she asked if it would be okay to listen to music. That was fine so she put in her earbuds. A few minutes later she started singing out loud, just a word or two. Noël and I just had to chuckle.

Just before the first village we started the many ups and downs we would encounter on today’s walk. When we got to the second village we stopped to rest and have a bite to eat. it was warm enough to take the bottom part of our pants off. Our friend left before we did so no more intermittent singing.

It was another 10 kms to the next village of Viana where we planned to eat lunch. There were a lot of ups and downs and some fairly steep. The extreme highs and lows of life are demonstrated vividly in this stage of the Camino. As I climbed the last big ascent I thought of family and friends who are struggling with illness, grief, pain, anxiety and I lifted them up with each step I took. Interestingly my thoughts and prayers for you helped me get up the steep climb. Thank you.

Once in Viana we encountered Tim from Australia and Nyall from Ireland. We all wanted lunch but unfortunately restaurants didn’t start serving until 1. I needed to rest my feet, nothing serious just tired after 10 kms. So the four of sat down and enjoyed some red wine relaxing our tired feet.

The last 10 kms passed by very quickly as the four of us enjoyed conversations. After arriving in Logroño the four of us met up for pinchos and wine and were joined by Daniel from Austria.

My muscles and joints will be feeling those climbs for several days. And that is good. Buen Camino!