Day Eight: Logrono to Ventosa

Today is another beautiful day on the Camino de Santiago! The sun is shining and the pilgrims are glowing. The day started with a quite confusing exit from Logrono -- the path was not well marked and we made a few wrong turns; but soon we were going the right way and were headed out of town. Just outside Logrono was a gorgeous park and lake -- the atmosphere was so peaceful! The sun, the water, the mountains, the fishermen, the children -- amazing. We sat for a bit to soak it all in and then were headed on our way. Just at the edge of the park was a pilgrim who looked like he belonged oh the hippie era: long beard and sandals widdeling walking sticks; but he is a registered stop on the Camino and has a stamp, so we stopped to say hello, accepted his gifts of oranges, an continued walking. 

The first town we came to on our trek was nearly fourteen kilometers from our start, so we were happy to stop for a bit and enjoy a coffee con leche and visit with other pilgrims. One pilgrim we have been seeing frequently is a guy from Germany who is carrying a tent with him and camping the Camino. His pack weighs 30 kilos -- can you imagine?!? Mine weighs plenty and it's nowhere near thirty pounds. We also went in at the church in this town -- I swear they get prettier as we continue. The alter piece was so intricately beautiful with its depictions of the Blessed Mother, the apostles, Jesus in the cross, and so many of the saints, especially depictions of the martyrs. 

Originally this morning our plan was to walk all the way to Najara, but when we arrived here this afternoon we knew it was time to stop. Not only were our bodies tired, but we have gotten ahead of so many if our fellow pilgrims and we are missing seeing them! We thought if we made today a bit shorter and rested that tomorrow we could cover more ground and hopefully give the rest time to catch back up to us! 

The Albergue we are at tonight is so pretty -- it is what you would expect a traditional Spanish home to be with colorful tiles everywhere and the ceramic roof and wood beam ceilings. The owners greeted us at the door with mugs of cool water and invited us to sit and meditate as they burned incense (probably to cover up the smell of the pilgrims). We went to our room and took a long nap before going out to explore the town. We ate dinner at a local cafe (pilgrim menu for only ten euro) and are now all tucked in at our Albergue ready for a restful night. 

Here are some pictures from today: 

Early morning walking -- let's do this! 

Such a tranquil place to bask in God's greatness. 

Per Danielle's request: my passport is starting to fill!! I love getting new stamps everywhere I go!! 

 Pilgrims place handmade crosses on the fence -- the fence when on for over a mile, filled with crosses. Mine is the one on the bottom right with the green arms. 

There's always gonna be another mountain, I'm always gonna wanna make it move. It's always gonna be an uphill battle; sometimes I'm gonna have to lose. It's not about how fast I get there. It's not about what's waiting on the other side ... it's the climb. 

Feet update: they are doing well!! Aside from the ridiculous tan lines I have everywhere from boots and tall socks. Blech. Also: the KT tape is amazing! Thanks so much, Jen, for suggesting it!! This picture will also have to serve as a picture of my bed seeing as I forgot to take one and am now tucked in it with zero intention of moving. 

I had a lot of time to think as we walked today, and today my mind kept wandering back to an event that happened this morning. Let's be honest: pilgrims are a little obnoxious. We wander around with monstrous packs, taking up space on park benches for afternoon naps and in cafés during morning coffee time. And on top of that, our spanish is no bueno and we smell. But despite all of this, people see us on the street and greet us and wish us a good Camino. Buen Camino they tell us with a smile and a wave. They offer us places to rest and to drink and welcome us. Well this morning, walking just behind us, was a wandering non-pilgrim. He too carried all his belongings in his back and had an appearance that suggested he spends his days on the move -- no one offered him a kind word. No hello, no smile, no pointing out of places for water or food. In fact, as we were welcomed into the panaderia, he was shooed away and told not to come back. How sad that some of God's children are treated so much better than others. How sad that we don't recognize all of those we encounter as people placed in our lives by God. We all bring such wonderful gifts to the table -- something I am learning from and about all my fellow pilgrims. If we could only recognize the God in everyone, what a beautiful world we would live in. 

I want to wish a happy First Communion to all the second graders who are making their First Communion this weekend and last weekend -- welcome to the Supper of the Lord!! 

You are all in my prayers. 

Buen Camino. 

Jena