Los Arcos to Logrono (Camino de Santiago)

It was a long day today, 17.3 miles. The morning walk went up and over a couple of steep hills before flattening for miles on a dirt track through open farmland of wheat and vineyards. The scenery was peaceful and with an overcast sky and a cool breeze the hiking was pleasant. Today we left the province of Navarra and entered Rioja. Our first and only rest stop was in the village of Viana. A row of cafes lined the narrow street in front of the cathedral of Iglesia Santa Maria. Pilgrims from many countries sat relaxing and laughing. We visited the cathedral with its dark damp interior. I sat alone and prayed. The last few miles from Viana to Logrono were incredibly painful. As we walked down the steep pavement I began to get shin splints. The miles felt like they took all day with each step filling my legs with pain. I pushed on and made it to the alberque in Logrono. After a lunch I rested the afternoon and evening with worried thoughts that I may not be able to continue tomorrow. Journal: “Each day takes me farther along but I still have such a long way to go and its daunting.  I know I can keep doing one day at a time and have come a long distance so far. I will keep telling myself that all will go well.”