Dave bids farewell to Logrono.
(Because it's a long walk, we did part one of the
journey to Najero on our rest day; so these first pics
in orange rain jackets are actually from yesterday.)
Caught drinking from the doggone fire hydrant again!
In the distance, you can see the town we're headed for.
Can you believe Najera is 17.4 miles away?
No shortage of water out here.
It rained really hard, and we got drenched.
(And that ain't no bull.)
Or on second look, maybe it is!
Interesting forest right off the trail.
This bar owner saved us from the rain yesterday,
so we said farewell before continuing to Najera.
Once the seat of kings, this monastery has royal
tombs and a Camino-worthy statue of St. James.
Alcazar caves, carved in the canyon walls that
guarded the city of Nijera from behind.
The monastery is adjacent to the mountain. Legend
has it that the king saw a figure of the Virgin Mary
in the caves while hunting. He built the monastery
to honor her, believing she helped him in the war.
Here he is, Don Garcia, in front of the cave.
The Monasterio de Santa Maria La Real is magnificent.
Dave is being Dave, walking the hallways in awe.
Here is a view of the monastery and caves from afar.
Quite a sight to see, up close or at a distance.
Dave, out for the count.
This monastery is the most compelling of the
churches we've seen so far. Great legend, too.
If you're ever in the neighborhood, don't miss it!
This bar owner saved us from the rain yesterday,
so we said farewell before continuing to Najera.
Lots of interesting crosses on the Camino...
crosses to bear, and crosses to stand beside.
Heading up another hill past another church on a glorious day.
A farmer making lunch just off the Camino.
We weren't invited.
A stork's nest, atop a steeple.
We arrive in Najera! This is what we feel like–a dead
olive tree. (Looks like he's strutting his stuff, though!)
Mike, skulking in the cloister of the amazing
Monasterio de Santa Maria La Real in Najera.
Once the seat of kings, this monastery has royal
tombs and a Camino-worthy statue of St. James.
Alcazar caves, carved in the canyon walls that
guarded the city of Nijera from behind.
The monastery is adjacent to the mountain. Legend
has it that the king saw a figure of the Virgin Mary
in the caves while hunting. He built the monastery
to honor her, believing she helped him in the war.
And here is his wife, Dona Estefania.
The cave of the Virgin Mary, in the monastery.
Brochure with more details. Click to enlarge.
Quite a sight to see, up close or at a distance.
Mike, chilling out after a long day.
This monastery is the most compelling of the
churches we've seen so far. Great legend, too.
If you're ever in the neighborhood, don't miss it!
A story from Mike:
The Stone in My Pocket
I don't truly know the significance of taking a rock from Maxwell's grave and laying it at the foot of the cross, Cruz de Ferro. But as I walk each day, my hiking stick hits that rock in my lower pocket and makes me think of him. I think of all that we miss and have missed, of all the prayers said, and of the joy and fun times we would have had with Maxwell. But maybe for now we get to have a little Abby. I sure do love Abby. And I miss her more than anything. It's almost like she brings just a tiny part of Maxwell back to us.
A second story from Mike:
Our wives are in the habit of asking how we are doing with our feet, legs, and bodies in general. This consistent walking over long distances is a lot of stress and strain for the old chassis. We run into a lot of people on the Camino who are suffering with various complaints like blisters, muscle strains, or joint problems. Truthfully, my body is sore and tired every afternoon: a couple of toes begin to hurt toward the end of the day, but the rest of my body is fine. We do change our socks every afternoon with between 3-5 miles left on the hike, and it makes a huge difference. I feel very lucky to have no blisters so far.
It is amazing every morning that our bodies are rejuvenated and free of pain. As we start out and throughout the morning, we have little pain that is concerning...maybe some in the left calf, then in the right toes, then in the left knee a twinge, then the left foot on the outside. Then, miraculously, the pain goes away completely as we keep walking, and another one might reappear. Each time, just by walking, it goes away. This seems to happen pretty regularly with no long-term pain or problem. It is pretty amazing. The body is surprisingly resilient.
From Sue: I agree with the word "miraculously" that Mike used. I am sure Mike and Dave are being supported and sustained during this journey. Both of them had priesthood blessings before leaving, and I feel sure they are being watched over every day. Dave texted me this afternoon that he is feeling great. "We are tough old birds," he said.
Sure do love that "old" man of mine...and the One who is taking such good care of him.
The Stone in My Pocket
I don't truly know the significance of taking a rock from Maxwell's grave and laying it at the foot of the cross, Cruz de Ferro. But as I walk each day, my hiking stick hits that rock in my lower pocket and makes me think of him. I think of all that we miss and have missed, of all the prayers said, and of the joy and fun times we would have had with Maxwell. But maybe for now we get to have a little Abby. I sure do love Abby. And I miss her more than anything. It's almost like she brings just a tiny part of Maxwell back to us.
A second story from Mike:
Our wives are in the habit of asking how we are doing with our feet, legs, and bodies in general. This consistent walking over long distances is a lot of stress and strain for the old chassis. We run into a lot of people on the Camino who are suffering with various complaints like blisters, muscle strains, or joint problems. Truthfully, my body is sore and tired every afternoon: a couple of toes begin to hurt toward the end of the day, but the rest of my body is fine. We do change our socks every afternoon with between 3-5 miles left on the hike, and it makes a huge difference. I feel very lucky to have no blisters so far.
It is amazing every morning that our bodies are rejuvenated and free of pain. As we start out and throughout the morning, we have little pain that is concerning...maybe some in the left calf, then in the right toes, then in the left knee a twinge, then the left foot on the outside. Then, miraculously, the pain goes away completely as we keep walking, and another one might reappear. Each time, just by walking, it goes away. This seems to happen pretty regularly with no long-term pain or problem. It is pretty amazing. The body is surprisingly resilient.
From Sue: I agree with the word "miraculously" that Mike used. I am sure Mike and Dave are being supported and sustained during this journey. Both of them had priesthood blessings before leaving, and I feel sure they are being watched over every day. Dave texted me this afternoon that he is feeling great. "We are tough old birds," he said.
Sure do love that "old" man of mine...and the One who is taking such good care of him.
Next up, Santa Domingo de la Calzada - 13 miles!
Click below to support mental health services
and read more about the cause Mike and Dave
are supporting with their walk.
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