Nearing the town of Viana
Pilgrim blessing & mass Cathedral de. Santa Maria, Los Arcos. Pretty impressive for a town population --1300
Cathedral.
Lights out after mass. "Go to bed".
..it's 8:30pm
Play break in a park
Vineyards and olive trees as seen from the Camino
Looking down onto our trail ahead...nothing is flat in Spain.
Triple bunk beds.
View out of our hostel window
We got a very early start today. The pilgrims in our hostel room were up by 6 AM. Our small room had 3 sets of bunk beds and in these tight quarters just a few early risers sets the tone. We planned to reach Viana (11.5 miles away) so hitting the trail early was a good thing. After filling up on our best hostel breakfast yet, we were out the door before 7 AM.
In fact, it was still dark - a surprise to us late pilgrim risers! I have to say that with few exceptions the Camino trail has been very well marked but before the sun comes up that all changes. Fortunately, others were better prepared than Mary and I so we just tagged along behind those with headlamps and flashlights until dawn.
Since we started walking the Camino, we have seen wild blackberry bushes growing next to the trail almost every day. They are sweet and delicious and free for the picking! A few days ago, someone showed us figs growing in an orchard by the trail. They are much less common than the countless grape vines and olive trees we have seen in the past few days.
We reached Viana in just over 5 hrs today. Spending the night in the local Albergue, a converted monastery with triple decker bunk beds for 6€ per bed! Tomorrow we will walk 6 miles to Logrono, the capital of the La Rioja wine region. We planned to stay in a hotel tomorrow night for a more restful night but a local vine festival has made rooms very scarce. When we asked the hostel owner last night what the festival was like he said "you know - its just Spaniards being very noisy!". We cannot wait. ;-)
Mary,
ReplyDeleteWell I just got up to speed with your travels. What can I say. You are an amazing person and what an amazing journey. The scenery is priceless.You both look quite well after more than a week of walking.My thoughts and prayers are with you both.Enjoy this trip of a life time.
The approach to Viana looks spectacular! Love that shot.
ReplyDeleteYou guys do rock....10 days on the trail and so many miles covered. Mary, when tempted to compare yourself to others' pacing on the trail, think of all of us back here at home who haven't gotten from behind our desk and walked at all in days. Believe me, you are kicking our butts! (But I have started to work at my desk with my backpack on just to feel like I have exercised.)
Cheers to the next 10 days!
Querido Padre,
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to hear from you! These are some nice shots, and it seems like it might even feel a bit like the movie with such beautiful scenery. I hope that the terrain adds more beauty than strain on the body.
Enjoy the festival! Disfruten todo del viaje! ;)
Leah
I had no idea how hilly it is in Spain! For some reason I pictured flat land. Gorgeous scenery and I love your story about those Frenchy French people. And someone scooped out the creamy center of the Oreo and discarded it.....WTF?
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found the "bag service" so you can enjoy the walk more. The Chicago nurses are meeting tomorrow night for dinner- we shall toast you and Sam and drink to your success! Love you! XXOO