I had an interesting dinner last night - I shared a table with Emilio from France and Luciano from Italy and though the food (a 3-course meal) was excellent, the conversation was limited due to our lack of a common language. After dinner, I went straight to bed and was glad for the evening showers. It was a God-given respite from the heat and humidity and I slept comfortably like a baby through the night, waking up this morning feeling refreshed and ready to go.
I had a great hike today, starting at 6:45 am from Torres del Rio and arriving in Logroño at noon. I walked 20.5 km (12.7 miles) today and crossed into the La Rioja region in Spain, bidding Navarra a fond farewell and feeling grateful for her hospitality. Viana, the last town in Navarra, had a good vibe and I wished I could have spent more time there.
I met Jeanine, who's also from California, again on the trail today. We had met several times earlier (the first time in St. Jean Pied-de-Port and then again in Villamayor de Monjardin and Torres del Rio). After arriving in Logroño and checking into the same parroquial albergue, we went out to have a 2-hour-long lunch together and she so kindly insisted on treating me.
I'm so grateful for the blessings of today. Thanks be to God.
Above right: Sunrise over Torres del Rio
"In the tender compassion of our God
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,
and to guide our feet into the way of peace." - Luke 1:78
Above: Arriving in Viana
Above left: Church of Santa Maria in Viana; Above right: The Town Hall in Viana
Above right: Jeanine
Above: Trees = shade; SO grateful for them
Above right: A kennel - do you see a dog inside?
Above: Arriving in Logroño - the second major city along the Camino Frances (Pamplona was the first)
Above: The 11th-C bridge in Logroño
Above left: Crossing the mighty Ebro river on the Iberian peninsula
Above right: Centro de la Cultura del Rioja
Above: Church of Santiago
Above: The interior of the Church of Santiago
Above left: The mixed dorm room in the parroquial albergue in Logroño ~ donation basis; communal dinner and breakfast included
Above right: Cathedral of Santa Maria la Redonda in Logroño; the twin towers are named after San Pablo and San Pedro
Above right: I absolutely love this mural
Next post: Day 11 - Logrono to Ventosa (June 24, 2014)
Above left: Communal dinner at Santiago Parroquial Albergue; Above right: Night prayer service at the Church of Santiago, courtesy of the folks at the albergue (the albergue is linked to the church through a "secret tunnel")
Above: Getting our sellos (stamps) at the Church of Santiago after the night prayer service
Next post: Day 11 - Logrono to Ventosa (June 24, 2014)
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