Day 8: Longrono to Najera

What I have learned in the past when you walk out of bigger cities like Longrono is that there is a lot of sites to be unseen. Most of these areas become very industrial and your walking on concrete sidewalks. So the alternative is to take a taxi out of the city, 5-8Kms and be dropped off. It worked well for Jeff and I this morning to lop off 8Kms of concrete for our 29km walk to Najera. It’s worth the extra little euro for the taxi as it also saves your feet.

As we discuss our protocol, our walk now reduced to 21 Kms, you need to still understand this is ~15 miles. We’ve been honest about it with other pilgrims, and no one seems to care, in fact, a few have taken up the exercise themselves. And, when was the last time you went for a 15 mile hike back home. The answer is likely never. The walk is in the Rioja region of Spain and it is rows upon rows of vineyards just beginning to sprout. Most of the wine producers here grow Tempranillo grapes and we assume these are the same.

Arriving in Najera, we are tired, the pollen is full bore and both Jeff and I are feeling it in our throats. For me, a bit worse off, I feel it in my lungs, wheezing, so I go to the pharmacy for some medication. Like all allergies, it doesn’t make you feel great and hoping the allergies will subside.

This part of Spain is gritty, the towns are gritty and the people, nice and accommodating, also gritty but fun loving. Najera is one of those places, not on the big tourism list of places but restaurants line a promenade in front of a free flowing river where it’s locals seem to enjoy all to themselves. It’s sunny and warm. I reserved a 2 bedroom apartment for us to stay the one night, and it is very nice and comfortable. Jeff and I find a lunch spot, and we have a great meal. The cost of a three course meal and bottle of wine is $38 euros. Back at home, the bottle of wine would cost $40. I have lentil soup, and pork ribs, and they are outstanding. This part of Spain is known for its lentil soup and I eat it anytime it is offered.

By the time we finish lunch and return to our apartment, the clouds have circled and a thunder storm rolls through the area with lightning everywhere and I enjoy the sound of the storm as the night closes. Please enjoy the pictures:

Camino trail with vineyards to the right.

Vineyard

Camino direction sign with a wine bodega in the background

Jeff picturing the grape vine

A kitten crossing the road following his mother

Entering Najera

My Lentil Soup

Salad

A Rose Wine. I had never had Rose and it was very good.

The Pilgrims Albergue next to our apartment.