It was another beautiful day today, perfect weather, and amazing vistas. We started out with a climb out of Najera, and if you look to the right you'll see Diane's shadow. The picture following shows Diane against the backdrop of a hill of clay, and it is a mountain of clay that forms the backdrop for the whole town of Najera (see yesterday's blog). Pictured on the way down are Jeff and Chris, way ahead of us as I had to make one of 3 woodsy pit stops today (it was definitely the red bean stew I had for dinner last night!
Along the way, old irrigation systems to water the vineyards remained in place, even as new systems were being used...
...and another very striking thing is that no matter how old the home may be, people seem to be very particular about having stylish front doors. This one is a beauty...
Although the path we walked on for most of this day was a rocky one (the bottom of our feet feel very battered at the moment), the scenery was once again breath taking. I could describe it in words, but I'll let my camera do the talking....
Aren't those green colours above amazing?
Once in a while we do stop to tend our feet and take a breather....
...and we watch others work while we enjoy our walk...
We did get a little wet today, but not from the rain. I wish I could have pictured the way Chris danced from side to side to avoid the sprinklers, you'll just have to take my word for it that it was hilarious to watch!
We were very glad to finally arrive, and we are in a very clean and comfortable little hotel just behind the town's cathedral. The interesting thing about this cathedral is that it houses a chicken coop containing 2 chickens, to commemorate an ancient miracle/legend. It seems that centuries ago a pilgrim couple and their son stopped here at an inn, where the innkeeper's pretty daughter tried to seduce the boy. When he refused her advances, she hid a silver cup (shades of the Joseph story!) in his pack and then accused him of theft. The poor boy was condemned to hang and the sentence was carried out. Later that day, the parents rushed to the sheriff's house and declared that their son - due to the intervention of Santo Domingo - was still alive. Hearing this news, the sheriff declared that their son was no more alive than the rooster on his plate that he was about to eat, whereupon the rooster apparently stood up on the plate and crowed loudly! Seeing this miracle, the sheriff rushed to the gallows and cut down the boy, who was indeed still alive, and granted him a full pardon. Well, you make of that whatever you will. I wouldn't preach it, but it's a fun story and a good reason to keep chickens in this church below...
As always at the end of the day, we find the cosiest outdoor cafe and enjoy a cold one, accompanied by a pizza this time, before showering and resting and having a late dinner.
Distance today: 21 kms
Time on the road: 5:40
Total distance to date: 217.1 kms
Walking days remaining: 26
Hello dear Pilgrims! Janette here, sitting at the breakfast table on a sunny Surrey morning across from Joe, who says 'hello!' We give thanks for your good health and that you all look so happy!! Praying today's walk will go well. The pictures are so beautiful - gives us a really good taste of what you're experiencing together. My guess is this trip will remain a highlight of your lives :)
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Thanks for sharing your awesome photos! You are creating "bucket lists" around here and beyond (I'm sure). Wishing you continued strength and health and good times.
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