Camino Frances Day 8 Logroño to Navarrette

Happiness is New Trail Runners

So tempted to take a zero day and stay in Logrono for another day. The walk from Los Arcos made for a long day and she was giving out on me made it a bit longer. Fairly well rested and sporting new pair of shoes I checked out in the hotel and started down the path. I was in no rush so I stopped at a local cafe for a ham and cheese croissant, a piece of tart, and a cappuccino. Relaxing way to start the morning. When I got back out on the street it seemed to be rush hour. I made my way out of town but it took some time as it was about two miles to the outskirts.

Walking into the countryside there was a large park and many people out for their morning stroll. Again it was folks around my age or a little older and it was nice to see that generation still active. I didn’t get a picture of the squirrels in the park but they were friendly/aggressive so you could tell they were used to being fed by those passing by. Again I came across Derek (Derek Cullen Outdoors on Facebook), and we hiked in the same orbit for the day, he walks slightly faster. The park was beautiful and there was a large lake to walk around. It is a cloudless day and a beautiful walk for the next 5 miles through the vineyards.

Having lived in wine regions in both California and Germany during my military service the sights We’re familiar yet unique. There was a large black metal bull on one of the hilltops advertising a local bodega. It was really cool! Watching the corresponding video I made I have to remember to hold the camera in my left hand because even with the gimbal you can still detect the tremors in my right hand. A note to self for future reference. Looking at Navarrette In the distance was entrancing. The blend of old and new sitting on the hillside with the few high towers and rooftops that I knew must be the churches is a fascinating view. Walking along the paved and dirt roads through more vineyards it seemed that the town was not getting any closer. On the approach to Navarrette is an ancient hospital for pilgrims, or at least the remains of it. It is inspiring to think about the number of years the pilgrims have been traveling that route out of their devotion and faith. There is a large winery next to it.

I climbed a set of wooden stairs that brought me to the edge of town. Along the ancient streets stood a magnificent cathedral. It is a must see if you are anywhere in that area (Sadly I only have video of the Cathedral). It is worth making a special trip for. The tree lined square across from it was calming.  I found a small cafe and stopped in for sandwiches and a soda.  Derek had the same idea. We ate lunch and discuss the rest of the day. I don’t think either of us wanted to go further as the town was so peaceful and pleasant. We started looking for a hostel and instead found the Hotel San Camilo which looked very elegant and was only €50 for the night. The decision to stay had been made and we walked for some time down the wrong Rd. trying to find the entrance to the hotel. It was reminiscent of a 1970s Napa Valley hotel. The long hallway on our floor looked like the one from the hotel in the movie The Shining.

I had every intention of walking back into the town to pick up some groceries, but instead fell asleep. It wasn’t a very long walking day very beautiful and rewarding, and nice to be in the company of a friend. This was my favorite day on the Camino.

Final Thoughts

Believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is a strength and a blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside it.  –Rainier Maria Rilke