LOGRONO – NAJERA

1 APRIL

30.1km

When we woke up this morning, I could feel the pain in my leg was more intense than the previous days. My blisters also multiplied and it took me more time to get my feet ready than getting dressed and my backpack organised … I hope for the best for today.

It was a long walk to get out of Logrono. First you need to get through the suburbs of Logrono – always tricky in the bigger cities. One really need to keep your eyes focused on the yellow arrows.

At last we reached a park which took us away from the busy streets. This lead to a pine forest that eventually gave us a lovely view over a lake. When we left Logrono behind, we already walked more than 3km!

A walk through a park, leaving Logrono

With the pine forest ahead, we knew we were now out of the city

We walked around the lake and then towards the pine forest. I was moving a bit difficult today – my aching leg and blisters sort of hindered me to enjoy the beautiful walk. Berto realised that I was struggling and he walked quite slowly and suggested that we rest often … which was a good thing 😌.

On our way to Navarrete, we walked passed the ruins of the medieval monastery of the Order of San Juan de Acre that used to look after pilgrims – this would have been the perfect stop for me back in the 12^th century to receive treatment for my blisters.

The ruins of the medieval monastery of the Order of San Juan de Acre (12^th century) where pilgrims were taken care of

On our way to Ventosa, we walked through some vineyards and had to climb a hill or two on wide farm tracks.

Quiet farm tracks with a group of pilgrims ahead

In Ventosa, we saw a small café where we stopped for a well-deserved cup of coffee. Yes, I must admit – it was really nice to sit down to give my leg some rest and get my blistered feet out of my hiking sandals.

Red plastic chairs outside on the street, means you are near a café or bar … time to sit down and relax 😃

Coffee in Ventosa. I gave my mini muffin to this dog. It’s almost impossible for me to walk past any animal without giving them something to eat 😊

More farm tracks followed and we could feel some chill in the air … the snow on the mountains might have something to do with this.

More farm tracks – on our way to Najera

About 2km outside Najera I was done! This day was just 2km too far today! Berto took my backpack without hesitation and carried both of our backpacks to Najera as I slowly followed him.

Berto with both our backpacks … I had enough of this day!

In Najera, we walked to Albergue Puerta de Najera. It was already quite full with pilgrims and we were lucky to get 2 beds. We had our lunch (by now you know the usual “suspects” of tomato, chorizo and cheese with an apple as dessert!) As we walked out of the albergue to explore the town a bit, we overheard the lady at the front desk informing pilgrims that just arrived, they were full … phew, we were just in time!

A full boot rack means a FULL albergue!

In town, we saw Carl from the USA, as well as our Spanish friends Conchi and Pili and Deulet from Kazakhstan. We had a couple “cervezas” (and a couple more) and so, the evening turned out to be a whole lot of fun. While we were in the bar, a group with music instruments walked passed and played beautiful music. We all went out to listen and it was not long before we joined them with a dance in the streets!

Lesson learned: You don’t need to speak the same language, to have fun together!

Berto with Conchi and Pili from Spain – dear friends made on the Camino

Before we went to bed, I was sitting in the communal area, taking care of my blisters. One of the pilgrims came to me and asked if he could help me. He was from Scotland and turned out to be a professional nurse! He cleaned my blisters and put some dressing on. I would be forever grateful for his help, because that meant I were able to walk again the next day!

A day that started out difficult, ended with joy in the streets of Najera.