May 3, 2015 Day 8 - Logrono --> Najera 29.1 K

May 3, 2015  Day 8 - Logono --> Nejera  29.1 K

Had a somewhat sleepless night worrying about the status of Donna's feet, given that today's scheduled hike is the longest to date - 18.5 miles. Thankfully, Donna's blisters looked better, and I taped them up to give it a go. We had an outstanding breakfast - the best scrambled eggs (only second time they have been served at breakfast), and that wonderful coffee. We walked several blocks to pick up the Camino and meet Steve and Leon. 

It was quite warm and very overcast and cloudy. However, no real rain in sight. It remained this way most of the day. We walked through some lovely parks, then started a gradual incline outside the city. Steve and I spent a good part of the first hour having the best conversation about the current state of our spiritual journeys, and agreed that God engineered our meeting on the Camino as a means of confirming some of the lessons and "themes" we are going through. While I have no doubt we differ in our opinions on many issues, we are nonetheless kindred spirits of a sort. 

We took our time, stopping frequently to drink water and rest. A highlight of the day was going through the town of Navarre, with its fascinating architecture and beautiful cathedral. Steve pointed out the statue of St. Francis, since he knows I am a fan of both the real St. Francis as well as Pope Francis even though I am not Catholic.

After leaving Navarre, we headed towards Ventosa, where we stopped for lunch. Donna called and got us a room at the same hotel where Steve and Leon are staying. We were still 10 K from Najera, and Steve took over carrying Donna's backpack to give her feet a break and get us to Najera. Donna noted a big difference in her ability to walk and speeded up appreciably. We encountered a variety of terrains along the way, hiking up and down gullets filled with rocks, along highways, and out in the fields again. Became increasingly cloudy, but never rained.  True to form, my Pamplona feet started kicking in and aching about 5 K from Najera, although I will say my legs feel stronger and stronger each day. 

Everyone was getting tired at this point, and a little punchy. so, we stopped and took a selfie. 

Finally, we reached Najera. However, we still had another 15-20 minutes through town to cross the river to the section where the hotel is located. It is a really cute, very clean and comfortable hotel. We were exhausted and struggling to walk at that point. Got checked in, took a long soak in the lovely tub, and washed out some clothes for tomorrow. After a brief rest, we met Steve and Leon for dinner at the restaurant included in their package. For 9 euros we had a fabulous dinner of mixed salad, delicious grilled steak with the ever present fries, and ice cream for dessert. The meal also included choice of wine or water and bread. Our waitress was such a joyful soul, and the conversation was lighthearted and fun. A far cry from last night's "dinner."

We are all thrilled that tomorrow is a short day of only 21 K ( 13 miles). So we plan to take our time in the morning and get a little later start. Donna informed me that she has a couple of new blisters on her heels, but I think we have probably caught them early on and she will be good to go in the morning. 

Buen Camino!