706 km to Santiago de Compostela
I have had a nagging pain on the right leg for years but very manageable. Yesterday it got worse and we discovered a big bruce on the leg so after only 12 km I wimped out and decided to stay in the village of Nájera. On the way we passed el Alto de San Anton where we had a fantastic view of la Sierra de la Demanda, covered with snow, and el Pico de San Lorenzo, the tallest mountain in la Rioja.
On the way down to Nájera, we found a resting area with a big sign with another story of Roland. It narrates that as Roland approached this area with his knights he found the giant Ferragut, a Muslim knight, in a castle in Nájera. Ferragut challenged Roland to combat and he accepted. Ferragut weighted over 200 kg and his skin was impenetrable. Roland fought him for 2 whole days with swords, sticks and anything imaginable. When Roland was exhausted he managed to stick his sword in the only place Farragut was vulnerable: in his navel killing him. This way the French paladin gained the title as the best knight of the Christians.
Walking into town we found the Convent of Santa Elena, one of the town notable points, where there is a congregation of the sisters the poor Clarisas. The monastery and claustro are from the XVI century.
Nájera is a small village, the old town is in a narrow area between a mountain and the river. We found several albergues closed but eventually we stayed at a hostel. We found a bar with a nice pilgrim menu and after a good meal retired to rest early. I am hoping that the leg will be in better shape tomorrow.
St. Clair, Santa Clara, you are an example of humility help us follow your example and pray for us.
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