May 15th – I’m falling into the habit of taking off my shoes when I arrive at my destination, putting my feet up, and writing my post for the day which gives me a break and much needed rest before exploring my stop of the day.
It is a 3 day holiday here in Spain and the city of Logrono was filled with families and festivities last night. I felt like I was enjoying the city like the Spanish would making me feel less of a tourist and more of this world.
After a good nights rest I am ready for today’s walk to Ventosa. The normal stage would be to continue to Najera. Rather than take two days in Burgus in a few days, I’ve decided to break up the couple of 18 mile days into smaller chunks of 10 to 13 miles which is what today’s walk should be.
Making my way through the city of Logrono the path was not well marked and I stood still at a crossroads looking for a yellow arrow or sign when a passing man said “Camino” and pointed. I hadn’t gone much further when I faced making another directional decision when a man in a little newsstand pointed saying “Camino”. I have angels all around me!
I continue on the path leading out of city finding parks and a reservoir where many local runners and cyclists are getting together for their group workouts. Leaving the city I pass by more vineyards as the path weaves close to farmlands then back along the road. I see a man with two small children walking through the vineyards and wonder if he is inspecting his crops and has brought along his children this Sunday morning.
I had read about the section where hundreds of crosses have been made out of strips of bark from the adjacent sawmill. It is said that at this stage we are told there is no way to happiness – Happyness IS the Way!
It started raining just after I passed through Navarrete and I walked the remaining few miles through a steady downpour arriving in Ventosa quite wet but happy to call my walking to an end for the day after 13 miles.
Thank you for all your comments. I really enjoy reading them and makes me feel like you are virtual peligrenos traveling with me.
Always thinking of you and what you must be feeling at this point of your Camino. Happy to read that you are breaking up your days into smaller distances…no need to follow anyone else’s plan. I bet it feels like you are giving yourself a treat to have a day of not so many miles. Good to have choices.
Hopefully you will be out of the rain cycle soon and enjoy the sun upon your face!
Thank you Susan … you make us feel as if we are there with you. Can’t tell you how much I am enjoying it!
Hi Susan,
I’m enjoying your daily posts, especially as my friend and I are planning to walk the same route in two years to celebrate turning 60. Hence I’m studying the logistics probably closer than most. I was curious why you chose this time of year as you have been getting a fair amount of rain.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Cheers, Rose
I chose May before the summer heat. I have met pilgrims who walked the Camino in May two years ago and it was rain free so the weather cannot be predicted and is part of the experience.
Loved reading about all the angels on The Way….and then seeing the photo of the swans on the lake. All the birds of this world are angels for me and love feeling that confirmation from you. Yes! Happiness is making it happen….and that is what you are doing/being. Actually, I know that happiness does not involve effort…..only love. Love to you on Your Way!!
I too am joining your “fan club” looking forward to reading your next post. I walked the Camino a year and a half ago and this gives me a chance to re-live my experience thru you.
Wasn’t that alberge in Ventosa great, it was one of my favorites other than I lost my underwear there, you didn’t happen see them did you?
By the “way” , I don’t think those are angels, those are Camino miracles and you will experience more of them!
Enjoy your journey!