Day 11: Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado

May 2, 2025May 4, 2025PJ Leave a comment

The weather forecast predicted 100% rain. It wasn’t looking promising as I left town.

Cobblestones and slate get kind of slick when it rains. The thunderstorm started to taper off.

But it just became more ominous.

Until the sun came out!

And then it went away to allow the next thunderstorm to pass. Giant earthworms couldn’t resist emerging. (This one wasn’t giant but happened to match my shoe.)

It was a soggy day. These murals were a welcome sight just outside the door of my hostel where I’d get warm and dry.

Day 10: Nájera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada

May 1, 2025May 2, 2025PJ Leave a comment

Morning walk leaving Nájera.

May 1st is a big deal around here. For starters, I was disappointed that a room was not available for another night after learning there would be a medieval marketplace as part of the Nájera Festival that would be going on through the weekend. I did get to see some of the displays and craft booths being set up as I walked out of town.

Additionally, it is Mayday or Labour Day, which is a national holiday, so good luck getting supplies from a farmacia or market.

Nothing but nature to see today.

Except for this representation of Santo Domingo, who built a bridge over the Oja River for pilgrims to cross.

Further, in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a drummer and some young women in traditional garb participate in the Procession of the Bread for the Fiesta of the Saint.

Feeling inspired by all the celebrations, we opted to dine at Los Caballeros, a Michelin Guide recommendation.

I suppose we were also celebrating having now walked about 130 miles.

Day 9: Navarrete to Nájera

April 30, 2025April 30, 2025PJ Leave a comment

It would be difficult not to notice that one is in La Rioja while walking this stage of the Camino.

Most of the views are fields of grapes and your shadow.

There are random spots of color but mostly vine rows.

While trying to take a break by this chozo, I was pestered by a very vocal and curious local.

Day 8: Logroño to Navarrete

April 29, 2025May 4, 2025PJ Leave a comment

I hadn’t realized it when I arrived in Logroño but all of Spain and Portugal were experiencing a massive power outage. Even after the power returned, Calle Laurel was pretty quiet, which made it easier to try different pinchos from different places. Overall, it threw a little wrench in my plans so I decided a shorter next day would have to suffice.

The Camino winds through a great green space called Parque de la Grajera. I would have loved to ride the mountain bike trails. I would not have wanted to fall into the reservoir with these guys!

A bull might have been a better mascot. Beaux had to go. He lost a foot, then an ear, and was just too small to photograph. Churches are often a telltale sign that you have arrived.

An excellent dinner with friends followed by a quick stroll to my bed for the night.

Day 7: Sansol to Logroño

April 28, 2025April 29, 2025PJ Leave a comment

Great view of Torres del Río upon leaving Sansol.

Somewhere along the way.

I thought it would be weird to have to pass under this statue every day if I lived in Viana. I found some of the street art along the way to be heartening.