Day 8: Logrono to Najera - 30km

From my mom:

Easy start out of Logrono

Got out the door at 5:45 and began our very long journey of 19.2 miles. Not a particularly strenuous hike, but after over 125 miles in 8 days our legs are a little sore. Tomorrow we only have 13 miles so we can rest! Once again beautiful country with miles and miles of vines just drooping with lush red grapes. We tasted some as we went along and they were delicious. Leaving early is a plus for the heat as well as the views back over town with the sun rising. We hadn't gotten food last night and the first village was shut down due to it being Sunday. If you've never had Pringles and cashews for breakfast, you should give it a try. Tasted great on the trail. Most of the journey to date has been on relatively soft dirt or loose gravel. Not too bad. John Brierley's book has been excellent, although I have to admit I've cussed him out a few times when my pedometer and his mileage disagree! Of course I've been forgiven because 'hey, I'm on the Camino'. I am now down to one top for hiking due to the disappearance of my favorite top ever. All we can figure is it fell off the back of Steve's pack while drying. Oh yeah, Steve wants everyone to know he's doing the wash by hand every day. I think I'll let him continue that when we get home!

Spain is incredibly beautiful with little hilltop towns throughout. You hike up into the town, wind your way around medieval streets then head back down to the next village. Of course they all have their own church even if they're one kilometer apart. Today we met all new people as we've caught some groups who started before we did. I tried not to look too cocky because after all we are on the Camino Ha! Once again, all lovely people. Walked with a guy from Hungary for a bit and two sisters from Ireland. Very sweet girls..both attorneys. Their undergrad in Ireland is free. Is it too late to change Keith's heritage?

Just came in from dinner where I met Nola, age 4. She and I counted in English to ten and then from way back in my 52 year old brain, I said un beso and I got the best kiss ever. Whoever said Spanish could never come back to you? The best kiss ever from a four year old Spanish girl with huge blue eyes!

One bummer about the Spanish is the smoking. Far worse than any other country we have visited. It's so strange as here we are raising money for a lung disease yet everyone around us blows smoke in their baby's faces. Hard to grasp! People are so welcoming here. I went in to go to the bathroom and when I came out a group of locals gave me a beautiful platter of pork to share. Wine continues to be one Euro a glass. It's OK if the pours are small at that price!! We sat around the square today for four hours with our feet up and people watched. So many of our friends stopped by and we met new peregrinos.

When I first thought about doing this I was afraid I met get bored. Not up to this point with people all around you. As I sit here I can hear at least ten people sharing stories and visiting. They keep their children with them at night until all hours. Do they know something we don't? The family unit is beautiful here.

The main injury we are now seeing is with the knee. If you ever plan to hike the Camino you must build up your quads to take pressure off your knees.

Upon entering town we met two great gals from Washington. Spent several hours visiting with them as many of our new friends crossed the bridge into town. The Spanish are truly wonderful people and love the peregrinos. A simple life with simple needs.
Thanks for following us. Tough days ahead!!

Sue and Steve

Each town is on a hill

Hospital

Bought a Camino pin for my hat

We stretch A LOT 

Grapes are ready to be picked  

Pension for the night