Camino Frances Day 7 Los Arcos to Logroño

An Early Start

The room at the pension in Los Arcos was more than adequate although simple. Two metal single beds, ensuite bathroom, and most importantly heat. I was awakened by the alarm on my phone just after 4:00 AM. Nothing like waking to E=MC2 by Big Audio Dynamite. Having somewhat recovered from my senior moment at the restaurant yesterday I showered, shaved, loaded my pack and set out in the dark towards Sansol. The miles quickly went by in the dark and I was greeted by a wonderful sunrise just before entering Sansol. The only inhabitants I saw for a few blocks was three young black cats obviously from the same litter playing in the street. I found a small grocery store on the map and waited for it to open with a few of the locals. The store did not open at the appointed hour and the gentleman waiting there informed me that that was normal. I did get some good footage of one of the men playing guitar leaning against the wall and it is on my YouTube video corresponding to this day. That was both a beautiful and sad moment for me remembering my grandfather Jose’ playing the guitar when I was young. That sound still calls to me.

While waiting outside the store Antonio and a couple of other pilgrims showed up and we walked out of town together towards Torres Del Rio. After passing through that town I found myself separated from the other pilgrims and walking into a wooded area where there were numerous Cairns, flags, and notes hanging from a line and trees. Notably there was also a grave marker with the picture of a man. I don’t think that was his grave, but it was the way his loved ones wanted him to be remembered. What a loving gesture. I haven’t looked up the significance of that spot and would prefer it to remain part of the mystery of this journey.

The long path to Viana was peaceful, and the town magnificent. I had come across Noah, Nick, and Namo. After purchasing an omelet and some snacks they sat near the church to have my lunch. The buildings are best described by pictures in the sense of community felt in the heart. I left Viana before the others and while the area provided so much beauty to look at I was a little distracted. My shoes had given up any semblance of having midsole support and cushion. Taking a rest near a school in a park like area the gentleman that I saw in Viana caught up to me. We chatted briefly and I encouraged them to go on without me as I would be taking it slow into Logroño in that at the first opportunity I would be hailing a taxi to take me to the Decathlon store. After hailing a cab near a large auto dealership,

I got across town to the shoe store. If you are a hiker your choices are limited, but if you are a soccer/futbol player that is your store, and the sky is the limit. There were three pair in my size and only one that fit right. So, I bought a pair of Salomon’s in the same model that I summited Mount Katahdin in. From there the long walk to a budget hotel downtown. As a happy coincidence that Derek was staying at the same place. Always good to see him. Off to the Carrefour grocery store for supplies. What an amazing place! The wall of Iberian hams gave off a mouth-watering aroma. I took a small detour on the way back to the hotel to visit a nearby church. Food and sleep. It has been a rewarding and joyful day. Logroño is on my visit again list.

Final Thoughts

“Rest and be thankful. Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet.” – L.M. Montgomery