Day 8 - 14.3km - Legrono to Navarette

It's a short day today. So let's take our time in the morning. We don't have to set off early so we can lie in. Lets pack our bags and set off a bit later.

7.35 we leave the accomodation on our way for a shorter day. Nik has taken his new anti-inflammatory, got the ankle compression strap on and sent his bag ahead. We are not going for so it will be a steady morning.

Leaving Legrono means walking through narrow Spanish city towns and large churches. We passed the parliament building for the parliament of the region of Rioja which we are currently in, before heading out of town and back to our usual tracks through fields and vineyards. We bumped into a red squirrel on our path, and after a little temptation he took a small bit of croissant from my hand.

The Camino took us through Grajera Park. A large park with a big lake. As we walked over a small bridge Nik spotted a large carp then I spotted a shoal of them. Perhaps we could just get some rods and relax here for a few hours?

One thing we have noticed as we walk is a lot of graffiti. It's all over the place. The cities are covered but even some of the more beautiful areas are affected. One marvellous piece did catch my eye and give me a chuckle today ...

At the edge of the park, and old man sat in a little hut selling fruit so we grabbed an orange and walked on to find a nice little spot to eat it. And do some push ups. Yup that's going to be a thing now!

It was a pleasant walk and we reached the town of Navarette around 11.30.

The church here is stunning. The interior was dim and we walked around and then sat in the pews looking at the artwork when the lights came on illuminating the spectacle in front of us. It was a peaceful few minutes of contemplation of the struggles of the last few days. Maybe this spirituality stuff is found on the Camino as people insist.

We left the church and found a quiet cafe. They had belly pork. Today is a better day.

We checked into our accomodation. We have a private twin room so we can relax. I asked about laundry and for 7euro they have taken it all away to sort and will bring it back to us in a few hours. Today is definately a better day.

The shower is hot. Today is a great day.

I'm laid writing this and relaxing whilst Nil snores his head off. That's a good rest then.

It will be dinner and more rest this evening so will watch some Netflix.

Chin up pilgrims. We continue walking tomorrow.