Twenty One Kilometers

Viana to Lorgrono

Thursday Sept 11

13 km

After today, we will try 20 km. Our distances are dictated somewhat by the available albergues. There are stretches where there are no peregrino facilities, so we must plan accordingly. Our option for tomorrow will be another 13 km, or 20 km. Our feet are becoming accustomed to the pain, as are our hips. We are also getting into better shape, so perhaps it's just that the pain has diminished. 

Logrono marks a little over 100 miles of walking. Not bad for a couple of old haolis. We've had such short hikes the past three days, that my time of reflection while walking has disappeared. With tomorrow, I will again have time for thought.

We are currently in the que for checking into the municipal albergue.

Logrono has been a resting place for pilgrims for centuries. There are old churches, arches and fountains. Right now however, I want to get into the albergue and put my feet up.

Not for publication -originally I was not going to post this in the blog, but with a day of walking between my writing this and now, I figure I may as well bare my soul.

The lava is approaching our highway of getting into and out of Kapoho. This evening John asked me how I feel about the possibility of heading home. My heart breaks with the thoughts of not completing the Camino. But my heart is also with my family, friends and home in Kapoho.  As I prepare for bed, tears are flowing. 

Logrono to Ventosa

Sept 12. 21 km (13 miles)

Sore feet for me and John has sore hips, back and feet. We checked into a lovely albergue in Ventosa this afternoon. We made it 21 km today. We could walk so many more kilometers, if we weren't carrying our packs! Ventosa is a tiny village that we walked about 2 km out of our way to get to. But we are here with some folks we've met along the way. We are doing better than many, which surprises us both. And the showers and facilities in the albergue are delightful.

We passed through a tiny village of Navarrette today. For such a small village, we were astounded at the beautiful and ornate church. 

The Church of Santa Maria is filled with beauty. I offered a prayer of thanksgiving for our health and good fortune, for continued health and for our beloved Kapoho. John lit candles in memory of his father.

As we left the church, we filled our water bottles in the plaza fountain and took off on the road again. Our path was again filled with vineyards and olive groves. We walked along a highway for a while, so were very happy returning to a dirt way and the singing of birds. 

We made the 21 km in good shape. Our bodies are adjusting, as are our hearts, to the Way. Some Voltarin, massage and stretching are all in our daily cool down. I was gifted with a tennis ball two days ago, and am using it on my feet, back and butt. Ah...it hurts SO good. 

A lovely, small dinner of salad and paella with some local La Rioja wine made our evening complete. Tomorrow we will head out early with hopes of getting another 17 km. If there is no room in the albergues in Azotra, we will have to continue another 10 km to the next town.