When it comes to blogging... Distance 27.8 km (17.2 mi / 18.7) to go -615.6 km

I'm beginning to feel a little like Elizabeth Taylor's eighth husband:

I know what to do but I don't know if I can make it exciting for you!

Today was a long, hard day through beautiful countryside. My longest mileage to date on the Camino and tomorrow calls for more of the same. I can tell you this however - ain't going to happen!

First off there is the weather; it's suppose to rain tomorrow which reduces the fun meter to a lower setting.

Then there's the distance following an 18,7 mile day! My feet are tired and sore, not blistered but tired and sore. The last 4 km seemed to never end, hiking on pavement through city streets. I knew it was going to be tough so I decided last night that tonight would be hotel night. And a very fine hotel it is too.

My day started just after sunrise when I left the albergue without waiting for breakfast. It had been optional at check-in and I opted out. Fortuitous as it turned out because as I left people were gathering for their morning repast, only to find nothing! Senorita Kontxita (Conchita, in Basque) was still sleeping.

The Peregrinos were unhappy.

As it worked out I left town as Yogi was leaving, he having slept later than desired. We had not walked together yet, despite the many times we had met up. So we hiked and talked. An accomplished hiker, he has done about two thirds of the AT (the Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine over it's 2200 mile course, and is considered one of the premiere treks in the U.S.). We had a good walk and, by 8:30, had reached Sansol, about 4 miles down the trail, so we stopped at the only bar in town for breakfast. This "technique" is working well and many people have begun hiking before breakfast.

Yogi finished before me and we separated, as it turned out, for the day. I saw him numerous times during the remainder of the day but always as he was leaving a rest stop as I arrived. He too planned to get a hotel room tonight if the one albergue that he had heard about turned out not to be as spectacular as the description made it out to be.

One of the many incredible churches we saw today was the Iglesias de Santo Sepulcro, linked to the Knights Templer and dating to the 12th century.

I also came across this pilgrims wayside as my room mates from Belgium last night were looking also. They are on bike (they road across Belgium and France, going as far as Leon). The very friendly and informed gentleman explained some of the history to me. It dates to the original Camino when the Way of Sant Lago was established by King Alphonso II. As more and more peregrinos followed the Way they built chapels as a refuge from the rain (which, contrary to common knowledge, does NOT fall mainly in the plain). 

By the time I hit Viana I was more than ready for lunch. Directly across from the little cafe where I ate was the magnificent Viana Iglesia de Santa Maria, built in 1507! Originally buried inside, Cesare Borgia (illegitimate son of Rodrigo Borgia who was elected Pope Alexander VI) was relocated outside after his mausoleum was vandalized. 

After lunch it was decided to strike out across the Spanish countryside for the major population hub of Logrono  (roughly the size of Boise). The country was ablaze with wild flowers, growing between vineyards and groves of olive trees.

I also found signs that Scott had passed this way!

Once I made it to Logrono the only question was where to stay. I did pretty good!

Now can anyone explain to me...

Do fancy hotels singe the complimentary strawberry left in your room or is this thing rotting on the table?

... and what's up with the partial shower enclosure?

Keep your left elbow bent my dear Alicia, I'll be home soon!