This morning was due to be a long day 28km, passing from Navarre into Rioja. The route was due to be mainly footpaths through open arable farmland with very little shade or shelter. Temperature was due to climb to 31 degrees by 1pm.
Consequently today we had an earlier start, before the sun rose, we were walking by 7.30am, passing under the Portal de Castilla in our way out of Los Arcos. This has the inscription ‘you are what I once was, and will be what I am now’. Not sure what that will be but I have to say I am certainly feeling fitter than I was at the start, my back is fully recovered and I no longer creak after a break. Today was even a bounce down the hills day!
As is now usual, Andy and I stride off, about 4km down the path realised that Eric had phoned us both to say that his knee was killing him and he was going to walk really slowly or take a taxi and that we should head on. After a quick call in which Eric was adamant we should keep going we headed on. This was the start of our marathon sprint to Logroño. Long legged Andy, as he will now be known, was on a mission since he didn’t have to wait for Eric and he wanted to get to Logrono as fast as possible before it got too hot.
It is safe to say that my legs have been properly stretched today!
We did pop into the Inglesia de Santo Sepulcro, in the little town of Torres del Rio. This church was based on the octagonal church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and linked to the Knights Templar again. Very simple church but beautiful.
Walking on, the scenery was arable fields as predicted but the weather was hazy since it was so hot so early. Photos do not do the landscape justice. It was beautiful. Again so many fruit trees, nut trees, olives and vines.
We pushed on hard until Viana. We had both received pictures and videos from those who stayed there last night and saw the bulls running in the street, I was disappointed to miss this. But I do have some pictures and those who were there were locked into bars for the duration so perhaps not ideal as then taxis onwards were required.
As we approached Viana I was flagging with the pace long legged Andy was setting and I was absolutely starving so we agreed to stop for a sugar break. The town was buzzing from the celebrations of running with bulls. All the locals were out in town drinking, it was only just 11.30am and they were all dressed in red and white with red scarves. It was brilliant to see.
We sat briefly to consume our sugar fix and whilst we were sitting a kids version of a bull run came by, twice, with huge fanfare. I missed capturing it the first time as I was so amazed and surprised. Loads of small kids all properly dressed came charging down the narrow street chased by wheel barrow bulls. It was absolutely brilliant.
After a healthy local pastry and a coke, I was fully charged and ready to continue! As we left via the main square the bull event was still in full throw with the wheelbarrow bulls chasing the kids round the square. I then learnt that these are fitted with a very efficient water pistol and if the bull is behind you can provide a proper drenching. I was chased out the of the square and we were on our way!!
The next 5km flew by, I am not sure whether it was the sugar or the mental stimulation of Viana but we motored on into La Rioja region. As we entered the outskirts of Logrono though the route became very tedious and the last 5km really dragged, we were on concrete paths going over and under main road bridges, very dull.
However we entered Logrono at 1.30pm a mere 6 hours after leaving Los Arcos despite our breaks. I think that is a record, it certainly felt like one.
We stopped in the main square for a quick Cerveza, and bumped into some friends from Scotland who were a day ahead but due to injury had not walked that day and were about to train to the next stop. It was good to catch up for a drink.
I now have a rest day in Logrono. Whilst I don’t feel totally like a need this I am streaming with a cold and I suspect a day being a tourist will be lovely tomorrow. Off to do laundry now.