September 1, 2011 - Part 2

I leave the albergue in Logrono at 6:30 am. It´s still dark. I had not planned on doing this. But, at 5:00 in the morning a large group of peregrinos (possibly all German) decided this was the best thing to do. Of course, for whatever reason, none had prepared their backpacks the night before. So the loud whispers and crinkling plastic and flashing lights woke most of us up. And kept me up. So, lets go!

Here I am at 6:30 out on a dark Logrono street beginning the days walk. Policemen in cruisers, strangers on their way to work, all conspire to ensure that I do not get lost. It seems that one has to only stand on the corner looking slightly befuddled to bring out the best in Logrono´s citizens. Buen Camino they say, and off I go newly secure in the straightness of my path.

What a wonderful walk out of Logrono. After a long, very long, walk through the city suburbs and extremities, the path curls around a large reservoir and park area. It then curls up and up, past vineyards, to a stretch overlooking the highway. Here the fence is intertwined with homemade twig and wood crosses; each a small tribute to a the act of pilgrimage.

And, before I forget, the Brierly guide is still one of the best around, but do not take it as gospel. His descriptions of some pathways leave a lot to be desired.... like a dose of reality w0uld be much appreciated. If there is a steep hill facing us early in the day, just say so! Do not give us some nonsense about a bucolic romp through undulating farmland!

An overworked knee, and subsidiary toe problems will likely side-line me for a few days. I shall use the time to update this blog more fully. In the meantime, I hear a glass of good Rioja red calling me.... with some tapas plates supplying a delectable chorus.

Buen Camino for now!