Collins Camino

I write this from Burgos, in a hotel called Los Vegas. For a 13.5 Euro dinner they give you 3 courses and a whole bottle of wine. A pretty good deal in my book!

Los Acros to Logrono ~17.2mi

While this hike is called the ‘knee breaker’ in some camino circles, it felt like a breeze. Most of the day I walked and talked with Johann from Silicon Valley, a great guy. I don’t think we broke conversation once throughout the day. He was making a time lapse of his camino, and in this video you can see parts of me throughout! https://youtu.be/qdFHoJiava8?si=wsHfox0chOZLrffw

Once we made it to Logrono, I met with Daniel and Anna for a couple drinks, then went off to dinner in the Albergue. Spoke with Inez and her husband James, both from California. Absolutely lovely folks. (Not to foreshadow, but you’ll see photos and stories with them later!). Also met a texan couple I’ve been walking by/with over the past few days. Great folks. Walking into Logrono, I met Wendy and Barbara, two lovely ladies from Connecticut and who have been friends for a long time. Later in the evening I met a group of wine salesmen and women from all over the US, they welcomed me into their group and I was able to learn a bit more about wine. Its not just spicy grape juice.

Logrono Rest Day

Took an exploration day for Logrono — a beautiful city. Walked throughout, went to a museum of Rioja, very cool to see the history of the region. Apparently Rioja is known for its wine. I tried multiple types. Still think it’s spicy grape juice, but it tasted good and created some good memories with new friends! Met with David and some folks he’s been walking with, the Camino Youngsters. All under 30. I joined them for Pinchos on Calles de Laurel. (The fries were tiny, finger for scale).

Logrono to Najera

Twas a long pavement filled walk out of Logrono. Got a late start, but was a good hike day. Said goodbye to a group I had run into multiple times on the camino, all from Mexico. Great folks, and they wanted to exchange emails to stay in touch. Barbara and I had taken a sneaky selfie when taking a photo of them on the bridge into Logorno! Met Sergio from Spain (Selfie is from Burgos); he is interested in researching the definition of love across all cultures, and wants to travel the world to figure it out. His current definition: Love is the gift of presence with the other person. Hikers passed a donation fridge with beer and popcicles in the middle of a bean field. A great site, but neglected to take a photo. The Albergue had the best dinner and breakfast I’ve had yet on the camino. The husband/wife duo really tried to make a positive experience!

Najera to Santo Domingo

Long but somewhat steady day. Met and walked with Vallerie from Germany in the morning, then walked with the Camino Youngsters for most of the day, and also caught a lunch and beer with Barbara and Wendy at a golf course along the way. I of course purchased a ball marker. Ate dinner with the Camino Youngsters, was able to watch the play-by-play on ESPN for the Alabama/Wisconsin game. Roll Tide. A marching band played through the streets of Santo Domingo de la cruzado. We all stayed in the big albergue in town. Turns out, a good family friend Mike; who has also completed the camino, took a very similar image in the morning hike (first photo).

Santo Domingo to Belerado

A long walk today. Walked a lot with David from the Camino Youngsters, also met Christine from Tampa. Was hot and sunny today, apparently I’ve developed a very funny tan, according to Tai from the Netherlands, also a Camino Youngster! The big news from the day was the pool at the albergue — was incredible! Ice cold water… Great on the legs and joints. The crew hung out around the pool, a good time all around.