Our longest hike to date where we transition from the Middle to Upper Rioja. Upper Rioja is known more for wheat than grapes but we see many grape vines especially on the first half of the walk. The walk is scenic and seems much more gentle compared to yesterday. We have to remind ourselves to slow our pace as it is hot and a long way between water support. There are a few big hills that unfornately are not easy on my foot. I am posting an end of day picture for my memory so for those of you who are queasy do not look . . .
Our walk ends in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a town that owes it’s existence to the Camino de Santiago. It’s name comes from founder Domingo Garcia de la Carzada, a hermit who created a bridge, a hospital and a hostel for pilgrims to facilitate the pilgrimage on the Way of Saint James as it passes through the town.
We have the pilgrim’s lunch at a cafe. I had jamon and melon and scrambled eggs with new garlic. It was wonderful. John ate a pasta salad with tuna, olives and shrimp followed by the eggs. We took a nap, did our laundry and have been relaxing grateful for the early start. I make a trip to a shoe store as I am going to have to walk in open toe sandals and to the Farmacia for neosporin, cortisone cream and band aids. John on the other hand is in great shape! We were able to be on the trail by 8:30 this morning so we finished by noon. All in our group walked today but the heat continues to take a toll especially for those taking longer to walk. There is one woman (one of the sisters) who is 72 years old. She has always dreamed of doing the Camino and is walking the stages quite well but the pace of 6-7 hours a stage is brutal in the heat. I pray for her successful Camino. Tomorrow is going to be hot again and then we are supposed to get rain. I keep being thankful for our training in the NC heat and humidity! Tonight we are all having dinner together at a restaurant near by which will be fun to catch up to hear the stories of the group as we generally do not see each other on free evenings.
