Day 10 - Wednesday, May 7

Day 10 - Wed. May 7 - Viana to Navarrette - 14 miles from 6:40 am to noon

We went over the 100 mile mark today and we have a long way to go. But still it is a milestone of sorts. 

It was another beautiful morning, clear and cool with a gentle breeze. I hoped I could do the miles today. I wish this cold would go away but it will probably hang on. The coughing stage is about to begin. 

Did not see many other pilgrims today. Did see Mary Jo early on. I think she likes to start early morning. She had prepared a spaghetti dinner for some of the women at her albergue and had a good night of sleep. 

We passed a younger man who had slept outside on a concrete bench. He said it was better than an albergue with all the snoring. A little while later we passes another man who had slept outside on a concrete bench. We slept well at Placio de Pujadas. The start of the walking day does come a bit earlier than my normal get up and go time though. 

Saw our first stork when we entered Logrono. Not a very good picture. 

Stoney noticed it and said "look at that huge bird." We stopped for a short break for cafe con leche and cafe Americano and a pastry in the old section of Logrono. Population of 170,000. 

The city was fairly well marked but we did ask a few times. Walked through a beautiful park 

and along a walking track. We saw hundreds of walkers and joggers as well. We were amazed that an asphalt path goes on for miles and miles and it was heavily used by all ages. Took a shoe off break by a lake. I actually changed shoes. My feet were screaming at me after only 7 miles. The change helped and we moved on. 

Met a woman who lives in Atlanta and is riding a bike on the Camino. She was with a man and wife from Florida who are walking. Not sure how that works out for the group but we did leap frog some and saw her waiting for the walkers. 

The hours seemed to pass quickly and we were surprised to see Navarette. I told Stoney it was a mirage. Just before entering I passed a woman who had an American Assoc. Of Pilgrim patch. 

i said 'hello' and asked her name. Linda from San Diego introduced herself. She walked part of the Camino last year and loved it. She asked to take a picture of my gaiters and shoes. She said she'd never seen anything like them ever. 

 It was a short and steep climb into town (population 2,000). 

El Cantero albergue is on the far side of town but we had no problem finding it. As usual, my feet were screaming. We have a purple room tonight and decor. 

After an hours' rest they were ready to tour the town. 

We visited Iglesia de la Asuncion. Visitors can put 1 Euro in a box to turn the lights on the front altar. It was beautiful. 

The lights were not on long rough for me but I got some video and pictures. Gregorian chant was playing softly over the sound system. The guide book says that this church contains one of the most stunning retablos in Spain (1694-1698). It is Baroque. 

We sat and watched the children play as we waited for the restaurant to open for dinner. The earliest iwe can have dinner is 7:30 pm. Today we have noticed something different - tiny pieces of feathers floating in the air. Strange.