Slow day 15km Navarette to Najera

I better hurry and post something the places are flying by! As I left town dawn broke and I passed an ancient cemetery. I love the detail work on the exterior of the masonry wall as well as the entrance gate. Can you imagine how long it took?

Ran into this guy along the way. Reminded me of Russ and Ceilidh. Still a few shepherds and their dogs in this area.



We have entered the wine grape growing area called La Rioja. We walk along the borders of carefully tended vineyards. I grabbed a couple grapes and proclaim them to be the sweetest ever!

A lot of times you are surprised to find something after a hard climb or just around the corner like this fellow who was playing for the Pilgrims. For me he sang Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold.”  After taking this picture I noticed he looks alot like Russ’ brother who passed away last year. He liked to play the guitar too. Same smile, huh? Could be.....

Arrived in Nájera by 11:30 and although I was looking for a particular Albergue, a local woman insisted that I go to the “donotivo.” I didn’t see any point in arguing so I made my way over to find a large (145 bed) dormitory style, all in one room place which was manned by volunteers Ruth and Mike from Colorado. They were very gracious and lucky for me I was able to secure a bottom bunk real close to the bathrooms.

Got my stuff set up and took a walk around town trying to find a grocery store and/or pharmacy. It seems like Friday through Monday was a long holiday weekend here. In honor of some saint — never did figure out whom. I swear NOTHING but the restaurants and the bars were open for 4 days!! One of the girls was trying to find tampons. Fortunately for her she hadn’t quite hit the end of her stash.

Here’s another marking that indicates the way:

Tomorrow going to attempt another 20k day. Onto Santo Domingo!