Nájera - Cirueña, 15 kms

Stopping Early 

Yesterday was pretty stormy, but this morning while still windy and cool, the sun was threatening to come out.

We walked 20 kms today because we were forced to stay in the house yesterday and I ate too much! So I decided the best way to deal with this was to walk the full 20 today. Worth while as the sun eventually came out and stayed out!



Even after these many years, I’m still impressed with the walking options available in our immediate area, I can’t see any reason to move to a different house.


Over on the virtual road we were doing pretty well too. We left early this morning and climbed out of the river valley in the dark.

In 2018 I walked out and onto the climb through the red rocks under a full moon. A generally unusual experience, and very quiet.





In 2013 it was just a little busier as we walked out with a bus tour group, our first. One of those groups that jump ahead along the camino so that the participants can 'taste' the Camino. That's fair. I prefer to walk it, touch it, taste it and completely experience all there is, but not everyone has the time or the energy.

Some mornings when you go out really early in Spain the sun seems to hold back for the longest time...

...before literally exploding across the backside of a hill. It's something special to see. Something not soon forgotten.

Do any of our virtual group remember seeing this fellow on his bike with his guitar? He didn't travel very far each day. I believe that he had come all the way down from Holland. Probably too late to ride home, so perhaps he wintered in southern Spain?

Azofra.



You do see some odd things along the camino. Most of them there to encourage and entertain the pilgrims.





Looking up the road...

...and back down.

Harvest time in 2018 at the green vineyard on the right, back behind Annemarie.

Really nice walking country...both times!

Approaching our destination for tonight.




Arrived!

Since we began our pandemic self isolation we have clocked 413 kms over the past 4-5 weeks. Enough to get us over half way across the Way of St. James, but we agree that it was a much better decision to go back and meet our friends to again walk this camino together.

Buen Camino!

In recognition of all those people working to support us during these difficult times. Stay safe!