Day 8 - Logrono to Najera

We leave behind Logrono after a very noisy night. Seems it is the stag and hen night capital of Spain, not nice when they come back to the hostel at 5am and wake every one.

Anyway we found a super bar and gorged ourselves on delicious Tapas and of course Rioja. So the posh restaurant blow out. Tony topped off his dinner with 4 helpings of Bulls noses, yes Bulls noses.

Good job the Bulls nose didn't blow out!


We set off for Najera, a long slog of 30km in the rain again, passing through Navarette & Ventosa.

The view back to Logrono over the reservoir. The ground under foot has now turned a rich red colour famous for the La Rioja region.


Leave it alone Tony, I think you've had enough Bull's noses.














Now that's the way to do it.

We met Helen and Judy just outside Ventosa, Pilgrims on horse back all the way from St Jean Pied de Port and going to Santiago.

Their horses were beautiful and in lovely condition; they obviously look after them very well. It's a real challenge on horse back, where to stop over night and feed and water them.

Hats off to you girls, good luck and Bon Camino.




 
We descend into Najera, another historic town, capital of the Kingdom of Navarre in the 11th & 12th century.

The mountains in the distance are all perfectly flat topped, probably by glacial erosion. We then got caught in a hail storm. What ever can they throw at us next!


Pride of place is the Monasterio Santa Maria de la Real.

Very important for the Camino in the Middle Ages.

It's hard to imagine what a monks life was like; bloody cold in the winter I bet. Tony said it was nothing like living in Monkshill (heathen!).

We are off to Santo Domingo de Calzada tomorrow, only 21km, so a relatively light day (and well earned).

Locals say the weather will turn on Tuesday, I forgot to ask which way !!