Navarrette

Day 8 - amazing! I think we have walked about 180km so far. Charlotte stayed behind until the banks opened as she had an issue with her card yesterday. She caught up with us after we arrived here. Left Viana early and walked the 10km into Longrono hoping for cafe con leche. Was a bit of an effort to find it because the town hadn´t really woken up yet. Finally a sidewalk cafe near the square and some sweet bakeries close by. We can spend quite a bit of time looking for the perfect coffee. This was a good one! Longrono was the first big city that we walked into and out of. It felt quite long through industry on the outsikirts and traffic in the city. The locals are amazing. If we appear lost they are very happy to lead us back onto the trail.The town or municipality have created a pilgrim path which separates pilgrims from cars. There was one stretch of road which was separated from the pilgrim path by a chain link fence in which people had woven crosses. It was interesting to reflect on that permeable barrier between the pilgrim path and the rest of the world. It is always a shock when we walk from the quiet peaceful country and suddenly find ourselves crossing a major highway. The weather today has been hot for most of the day but it astarted off quite cold. I had to get out my mitts and touque! As we entered Logrono we were met by the neice of one of the original pilgrim monitors, Felisa. Quite an imposing lady but the coffee didn´t look that great so we moved on. The vines are just starting to show signs of leaves after they had been heavily pruned back. Most of our walking for the last few days has been through vineyards. Today we entered the Riajara area of wine production. Holly left us at Logrono and took the bus here because her legs are still hurting. But she was one of our angels of the day as she managed to book us into a private aubergue which is lovely. After our usual chores we headed for the Tapas bar -the first one that we have found on the Camino. Had the local Vino Tinto and a selection of Tapas. Sure beats the usual pilgrim meal which is adequate but each menu is fairly similar. The churches here are amazing - very ornate, walls carved and guilded. How they keep the insides so clean and shiney I have no idea. Heading to Mass at 8pm. Blessings to all. Daphne