Leaving Navarra

On our seventh day walking on the Camino, we have finally moved on from, the Spanish state of Navarra to enter the small state of La Rioja (the Red). Our destination today was the town of Logrono. That is an n with a tilde if I was competent to make that letter on this blog program. Logrono is the capital of La Rioja, which is the home of Rioja wines - delicious Spanish wines of Tepranillo, Garnacha and Graciano (primarily) varietals.We have frequently found ourselves walking in vineyards already and this will become more frequent as we go along in La Rioja. 

Today we started in Los Arcos and fairly quickly left town and headed out across a plain toward the town of sansol and its neighbor Torres del Rio. These are old stone fortified towns with old buildings and very old churches. 

 When we left Torres del Rio, we started to climb a ridge of about 1500 feet and while gradually up for a few miles, got fairly steep to it's summit. From the top, you could see mountains all around, wheat, barley and vinejards plus olive orchards. You could also see our destination, 11 miles away - Logrono.

After a long descent, we got to Viana and were happy to discover to the Pilgrim Oasis group (Americans who are spending their summers running a pilgrim rest stop in Viana and a food truck next to the trail on the other side of Los Arcos). It was good food, drink and fellowship in the least expected spot. They only work during the season, and then they sort of rotate around. As a result, we got to see many of the same folks (from Philadelphia and San Diego) in Viana today as at the truck yesterday. In the Viana storefront, however, they also offer ice baths for aching feet, hydration bladder refills, and good conversation. A delightful ministry to anyone who comes through. 

When everyone was happy, we left the Oasis to look at the cathedral of Viana which was bombed by the Carlists in the 1880's and is maintained as a concert venue  - without roof, but the walls and Apse of the original cathedral. it is beautiful. Then out into the space between there and Logrono. We had the very interesting mural of the Compostela (starry night) in the park and the perfect NW bike rack as we entered Logrono. Then we went by the cathedral of Logrono which is quite amazing, to our hotel.

Kim shot this picture of the cathedral as well. It is quite well maintained and in daily use.