Now I am into the wine country of Rioja and have found that ‘The rain in Spain does not fall mainly on the plain’! I awoke in the town of Najera this morning to a leaden sky and a light sou’ westerly breeze blowing hot, humid air from the interior. So it is out with the umbrella this morning!
I left Kevin behind in Logroño with a toothache and hopefully we will meet again should the Camino permit It. Now that sounds crazy, I know, but this whole trek is an objective lesson in serendipity. Faith is being rekindled in all sorts of strange ways. Yesterday it was Patricia, an angel from Brazil, who taught me about faith in a way I’d never before considered. Today? Who knows…
The walk from Logroño has brought me through the village of Navarette, to Najera and will eventually, ‘Camino willing’, take me to the beautiful city of Burgos. The grapes are truly magnificent and the path winds through vineyards up and down gravelly tracked hills. The clouds hug the mountains which stretch away into the northern Basque Country towards Bilbao.
Ah well… The sun has emerged and my coffee has finished, in this cosy little cafe near the Albergue here in Najera. It is time to go again and step into the footprints of the thousands who have trodden the way before me. The sense of history is powerful and I love this pilgrimage. I am discovering so much about myself as I walk, reflected in the eyes of others.
Some folk have completed the Camino many times, and maybe now I can understand why… The sense of belonging to something bigger than oneself, the sense of community, so often absent in our hectic lives…
All of this and probably more.
Yesterday Patricia said to me: “The Camino chooses you, you do not choose it.”
I’m not sure, but my friend, I am open to the possibility…
A Viking Saga 
Are you aiming for Santo Domingo de la Calzada today? Judging from the russet tone in the leaves, the grape harvest is not far away. The beautiful landscape is the perfect backdrop to your spiritual journey. Enjoy!
Have a great day.
x
Thanks Simona! No, stopped very early in Azofra… Feeling ultra lazy!
Keep right on to the end of the ……. Camino !
Yours, Mike
I’ll try my best… I’m getting so lazy that I’ve almost ground to a halt!
Awesome mural painting in that cafe.
Yes, I thought so!
Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you ! Keep smiling ,you’re obviously meeting some wonderful folk,what a journey.
Keep the news flowing too.
Ruth
Thanks Ruth,
Useful words and valuable advice as usual! I’ll keep right on in rain or shine!
Enchanting. You write so beautifully. More please!
Keep going Poppy.
Love, Christine xx
Thanks Christine! Knowing this helps and inspires me. I’m glad you’re on the road with me!
well did you eat any, love the mock stain windows in the cafe.glad that the people you meet are bring more into your life and that you have slowed down to watch the world go by. you have planned this for a long time don’t rush enjoy every moment.
Cx
Don’t worry, I never rush. I have been slow all along the Camino this far. Just approaching Burgos now and hope to be there for the next few days as it is a beautiful city. Hope all is well with you.