605 km to Santiago de Compostela
Last night we went a little early to mass and we found a liturgy in progress. There were 7 priests with red capes. There were sent readings a chants. Very impressive. The cathedral itself is an amazing place for mass and any other liturgies.
This morning we left the hostel early, we were alone on the streets. Almost at the end of the old city we found the church of Santiago Real. It is from the XVI century, it has a carving of Santiago Matamoros (the Moore slayer) over the front door and replaced a IX century church that was built to commemorate the battle of Clavijero. It is said that Spanish Christians were loosing a battle against the Moors when Santiago appeared in a white horse and charged. This changed the battle in favour of the Christians who eventually defeated the moors.
The Camino continues thru city streets for a few kilometres, then thru parkland and then up a hill to el alto Grajera. From there we had magnificent vies of Logroño below in the distance.
Early on we find our German friends, Edith and Sue and we walked with them for a while. We will leave them behind and pass them again many times today. The Camino continues through fields and fields of vineyards. This is expected since we are in la Rioja where the best wines of Spain come from.
Later on we walked for a couple of kilometres by a wire fence. Pilgrims have been making crosses with sticks and knitted them through the wires. There are hundreds of crosses.
We arrived at the town of Navarrete and we meet Edith and Sue again. There is a little plaza in front of the church, la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion. Another XVI century jewel. The ladies left and we stayed to have our lunch. Then Jordyn and Cameron arrived. Jordyn decided to walk despite her hurt knee. It was a nice surprise to see them. Now it was their turn to stay behind eating lunch.
At 3 pm we finally arrived to Ventosa and our hotel, Hotel Agueda. It is very nice. After a shower we went downstairs to find the owners having lunch with friends and family. They received us as if we were old friends.
Another nice surprise, Jordyn and Cameron are staying here too. We had a nice dinner with them.
The bad news, my right leg often hurts because of a pinched nerve. Today it has been particularly bad. I wonder if I can walk tomorrow....
San Juan Diego, friend of Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
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