Day 10 – Ventosa to Azofra

May 16th – Staying in Ventosa was an alternative pilgrim path less traveled, leaving the main path to Najera.  Shortening my walks for these few days also keeps me in the countryside and out of the larger cities.

Today’s walk will be short – about 10 miles – and the weather is perfect.  Cool and while cloudy, no rain.

Because this is not the common path I see no other pilgrims after leaving Ventosa where there were only a few.  It feels strange to be on the path with no one in sight in front or behind me and it feels like the Camino belongs to me.  I am spinning in 360 degree circles in the middle of the path and see vineyards and breathtaking views in front, beside and behind me.

I arrive in Najera in a snap (about 8 kilometers) and see a welcoming cafe where I decide to stop for a cafe con leche.

Look at the message on the napkin on the table!

I pull out that napkin and find the next one in Spanish.  How fun that this message greeted me!

Winding thru the narrow streets of Navarrete, following the yellow arrows marking the Camino, I see many well maintained original period houses with handsomely carved family crests and armorial shields.  I pause at the imposing 16th century Church of the Assumption in the town square.

I arrive in Azofra after passing actively worked vineyards – people and tractors reflect that today is a busy workday.

Arriving in the tranquil village of Azofra I feel like this should be a lunch stop, not the end of the day, until I remind myself that today is a short day so I can rest my still sore right ankle.

I see a man with his dog – a Yorkie no less and show him the address of my lodging for the night.  I point with a quizzical look and in sign language I am asking him to point the way.  I am also fussing and petting his dog, holding up 5 fingers in an attempt to say I have five Yorkies at home.  He grins and begins to walk forward in a follow me stance so that I am escorted to my destination by new friends.

Amidst all this beauty and magical sights my heart aches for my fur family at home and having this special welcome means more than he can know.