We hit the main Pintxos street again last night, slightly different places. The advantage of Pintxos is that they serve from 7pm where as almost all of the restaurants don’t serve dinner until 8pm or 9pm which is just too late. The street Calle de Laurel though is absolutely buzzing both with locals and Pilgrims. Last night was a lamb and fish night!!
Today was another long walk 29km, although not too much climbing which was good. We set off just after 8am. The walk out of Logrono took a good couple of km, the outskirts are very unattractive. We then moved into a huge public park, called Parque de la Grajera, probably a little like Richmond Park in the UK but a little more manicured. It was odd to be walking with both pilgrims and locals who were out exercising. We probably walked another 6km through the park before leaving this and heading on through vineyards.
In Navarrette we stopped for a coffee and to wait for Eric next to a 16th century church. The town is very small, just a few streets but it is fair to say that the Church is absolutely huge, with loads of gold leaf, it is quite out of place really.
On the next stretch we approached an older Dutch Pilgrim who had stopped just on the path and appeared to be taking a comfort break right there. We concluded we must be mistaken since there were loads of bushes on the other side. However as Andy approached the chap proudly proclaims that ‘he is taking an organic piss, and giving the women something to look at!’ Quite incredible really.
We passed the ruins of the hospice of San Juan de Acre which stands right in front of a winery.
Today, other than Navarrette, we really didn’t pass any towns or villages, it was just a day of vines on either side, some areas with stunning views and others were we were just along the side of the main road.
We made good time though and arrived about 2.20pm. Stopping for the now obligatory completion beer. The backdrop in Najera is quite stunning. The only downside is that first thing tomorrow we climb that! Still tomorrow comparatively it is a short day.
Once again, having had a rest day we need to start to get to know the new group on the route. I am sure tonight will be the start of that.
Very pleased to see that my room has a bath this afternoon, and I promptly fell asleep in it!! Sign of a long walk I think.
