Today was a solo day. All my friends have walked ahead of me. I expected this because I am choosing to walk short distances each day. At this rate if I were to walk the whole pilgrimage, it would take me 60 days and most people want to do it in 35 to 40 days. I actually didn’t expect to meet and walk with as many people as I have so far.

It was a beautiful day, a little chilly, but that made it perfect for walking. And I only had 6 miles. I remember from last time though, that walking into Logroño is a slog. It was almost exclusively walking on blacktop. The sound of cars on a highway, was constant. Even when I couldn’t see them, I knew they weren’t far away. but this is all part of it. The vast majority of the Camino is in nature.

Some thing that occurred to me today is that there are very few enhancements we, as humans, have made to the Earth. We have been very poor stewards. When you experience the exquisite beauty of nature for an extended period of time, then come upon a city, the stark difference cannot be missed.

Off to a good start, though, I love my silhouette with my backpack in this picture

Off to a good start, though, I love my silhouette with my backpack in this picture

Because I left a little later than usual today, I ran into zero pilgrims until I got to Logroño

Ok, so there was a very, very small stretch of trees

I love this old, stone marker. The scallop shell is symbolic of the Camino.

I saw roses in several places today. Here they were lining a community garden. And several people were inside working on their plots.

Ruh roh! This is just outside the small hotel I have booked for tonight. A festival is going on. They have quit now for fiesta. I suspect the festivities will pick back up after 730. I’ll find out how soundproof my room is then. The Spanish love to party.

A cup of tea and apple cake while I wait for my room as I arrived in town early.