Sunday 30th April 2023
Distance 18.4km (11.4 ml)
Logrono – Ventosa
It was a pleasant walk out of Logrono. There were few people around as I left even though I was a bit later than sometimes as the Albergue provided breakfast. I decided there were three groups of people in evidence, those revellers who hadn’t yet gone to bed after their nocturnal partying, the street cleaners hosing down the streets because of last night’s partying and pilgrims like me who’d had an early night.
As with so many of the villages, towns and cities I walked through there were apart from the way markers so many things like sculptures which highlighted the importance they attach to the Camino de Santiago.
The trail took us through and urban park and down the hill through a flat valley. I looked back to see the sun rising through the clouds.
Then it was up a slight incline through a beautiful wooded nature park surrounding a large reservoir.
This was the first and last time I passed a large body of water like this. It was then out into the fields again with vineyard after vineyard, often labelled with the variety.
It was around here I met a couple from New Zealand, Alex and Sally. We walked together for a couple of hours until we got to Navarrete. Time passed so quickly when in conversation. I was persuaded to have my photo taken. As may be obvious by now I am not into selfies.
Conversations are easy on the Camino and it was a joy to share with others.
Once I got to Navarrete I said farewell to Alex and Sally and stopped in the square opposite the village church and had some bread and cheese. I then sorted out my feet changed my socks and the dressing on my heel which was protecting where there had been a blister.
It was an undemanding trail from here to Ventosa where I was staying through endless vineyards with their distinctive red soil. As I got near to the village which was on the top of a hill as usual there were a series of artworks beside the trail.
They were interesting but I have yet to do some research about their meaning. As I reached the edge of the village I looked back at the way I had come.
As usual I had arrived before the Albergue was open so had a beer and watched the world (of pilgrims) go by. I checked in got myself sorted then went for a look around the village before having a nap. The Albergue was a commercial one, with nice bunk beds in small rooms with a nice bathroom. Looking back there were so many days I seemed to spend more of my day resting than walking. I met a lovely British couple who were doing part of the Camino Frances. They told me how they had done a lot of work setting up the Saint James Way in England from Reading to Southampton. To make the day even better I got an email confirming my reservation for the following night. I met a Korean woman walking with her son who insisted I have some orange juice as I passed through the kitchen, just another random act of kindness. There is a sense of some special connection between fellow pilgrims. We were to meet again for several more days.
I decided today would be a day for a pilgrim meal. As I was walking to the restaurant I met the British couple and Alex and Sally. We sat down and had our meal together. It was great to share this time with strangers who had become temporary friends. All in all a great day.