Day 9 (May 18) – Viana to Navarette : 14 Miles
Today, we crossed the 100 mile mark and entered the Rioja region. I’m sad to leave the beautiful Basque region behind. But, before I travel too far, I want to mention how dedicated the people of the Basque region are to preserving their language and culture. Every street sign, every menu is written in both Spanish and Basque. The Basque language looks very curious…way too many consonants and at least one “X” in every word. I don’t care what letters they use, as long as they spell chocolate, I’m happy. 
Our walk today took us through vineyards and into the large city of Logrono. 
While there, I took the plunge and got a Spanish SIM card. Downloads from WiFi were just too difficult. I now have a Spanish phone number. How Continental!
The walk out of Logrono was through a beautiful linear park. We passsed through a school group of about 50 kids. When they saw us, they started shouting , “Buen Camino”, a greeting we give and receive continually along the way. http://trishdeford.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1396.mov
One of the children, Rafael, approached us with a question. In his halting English, he asked our names and where we were from. Then he asked about our motivation to walk the Camino. We told him that our son had died and we walked the Camino in his memory. Rafael repeated it all back to us and nodded his head sadly and respectfully. Among all those children, it took great confidence for one boy to approach us in the crowd. I wish I had gotten his picture.
And now, it’s time for the complaining part of the day. Ouch! My feet are exhausted. John is having shoulder and back pain.
Some ice, a soak in the cold tub and a nap. Later, some Rioja wine. We’ll be good as new for tomorrow. Buenos noches!
Trish, I love your writing style …..you might come out of this an author !
What’s with John’s RIGHT shoulder pain? He’s a lefty! Must be the backpack.
Frank, funny that you remembered that. It is the backpack. Walking 6-7 hours a day with a heavy pack is taxing.
Trish
I think that little boy was your Sam sighting of the day.
xo
Mag
Trish & John (maybe departed),
Just caught up on last few days and am mesmerized with your daily feats and “de los pies” that carry you onward to your destination(s).
Backpack Tip (If your backpack has a bottom strap and buckle; use to distribute more weight of pack to hips vs. shoulders. Tighten shoulder straps to just prevent sway of pack while in locomotion.)
Buen Camino indeed!
Xo Roland
Brief Report from Maryland: 5/19/18
Stationary weatherftont lingers over Mid-Atlantic. Have had 8 straight days of rain and expecting 8-10 more days.
So Nice to see some sun in your photos!! Sloppy Preakness Day @ Pimlico.
Take Care, Roland
Roland,
Thanks. We’ve got those hip belts cinched tight. Creates a lovely tummy profile.
Yes, sunny, clear days here. We are loving it! Sorry about your soggy conditions.
Thinking of you on your remarkable journey and wishing you peace along the way.
Hi, very nice website, cheers!
——————————————————
Need cheap and reliable hosting? Our shared plans start at $10 for an year and VPS plans for $6/Mo.
——————————————————
Check here: https://www.good-webhosting.com/