Logrono To Granon

Sunrise at the lake outside Logrono.

Camino January 2025

Day 8 – Logrono to Najera

Friday 1/10/25 – 17.8 miles

Last night I attended my first mass of this trip. I had dinner with Florida, then we met up with Italy at the church. We were the only Pilgrims and there were about 20 locals. At dinner Florida said he was definitely staying in Logrono for a rest day. He is the only person I have met from an English speaking country.

I had my breakfast that I bought at the grocery store and headed out about 7:45. The hotel had a full “American” buffet. It was tempting as I walked past to stay and eat some more. I had an 18 mile day, and Navarette was the only town. Today was sunny and warm – 60 and I miscalculated my water. Not a big deal, just didn’t drink as much as I should have.

The path was all rolling hills with vineyards everywhere, a very pleasant day for walking. I saw the same man and woman (separately) I have seen every day recently. Four days ago, I thought they were both Korean, but they are both Chinese. I also passed Italy a bit after the lake. In Navarette I saw the 2 young Korean woman I had dinner with on night 2. They are both elementary school teachers. In Navarette I saw Italy again and also 3 new women from a distance, so no idea their story, but they did have backpacks. It is just nice to see other walkers around.

Tonight, in Najera I headed out for dinner at 6pm, thinking someone would be open for food. As I am looking around, I get a text from Florida. He had decided to walk today after all, and was in town, staying at the same Hostal as me. We met up, but no luck finding a place with a kitchen open. It is a Friday night, but the kitchens open at either 8 or 9. Too late for me. We had a beer and some appetizers and called it a night at 8:30.

Day 9 – Najera to Granon

Saturday 1/11/2025 – 17.4 miles

The forecast was for rain all night, stopping in the morning. I texted Florida at 7:15 this morning that I planned to leave at 8:15. Sunrise is 8:45. He gave me the thumbs up, and sure enough, he was outside ready to go. It continued to spit light rain most of the morning. We stopped in Azofra (4 miles) for breakfast, then continued on. He had made a reservation in Santo Domingo – 13.5 miles in. I was headed to the next village – Granon. We continue to see the same few people on the path. We did see Italy again. He also stopped in Santo Domingo. Florida is a slower walker and he is tired, partly because he has been trying to keep my pace. He speaks Spanish, but most of the walkers we meet are Korean or Chinese, so we have enjoyed each others company.

Today, I met my second person from an English speaking country, a woman from Ireland. She works full time but takes 3 weeks a year to walk. She started from her house in Ireland and is headed to Rome. She has walked a lot of the Via Francigena, but somehow is now walking the Camino Frances backwards to Logrono, then headed to Barcelona. Next year she will continue her trek toward Rome. (And many of you think I am crazy.)

I was anticipating the winter walkers would be a strong hiking community. That has not been the case. I have not me a single person (besides Ireland) who has done a previous distance walk. I have been following the basic schedule most people follow on the Camino. Over the next 3 days I am planning to get “a day ahead” to see if there are some English speakers. Obviously I will keep you posted.

For lunch today I went to a Turkish/Indian place in Santo Domingo. It was the highest rated restaurant in town according to Google. Cooper loved having his Kabobs last summer on his walk. He is always trying to get me to try new foods. I had my standard fresh orange juice and chocolate croissant for breakfast, so figured I could take a chance on lunch. I had chicken in a cream sauce with white rice and a garlic bread. It was very good. There was also a hot sauce that I enjoyed. The menu was only Spanish, so not sure any details.

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzue