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 leads to a pine forest that eventually would gave us a lovely view over the lake. We already walked over 3km and only just left Logrono behind!

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 a woodland. 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 today and he walk quite slowly and suggested that we rest often … which was a good thing 😌.

On our way to Navarrete, we 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 where they could have taken care of 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

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

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 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 … and my small muffin was given 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 finished! This day was 2km just too far today! Without hesitation, Berto took my backpack and carried both our backpacks to Najera while I was slowly following.

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 sausage 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’ve 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 that he helped me, because that meant I could walk again the next day!

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