April 21 - Day 8

Day 8 - Los Arcos to Logrono 28 km

Our plan today was pretty loose. Even so it did not go according to plan. (What plan?)

We thought we might grab a snack at the bakery near our albergue. The sign said it was open at 7:00, but it was not. So we had a granola bar and the boiled egg we never ate yesterday (yes it was refrigerated), and set off for the next town.

You never know for sure if there will be a cafe open in the next town, however, so it is best to carry snacks just in case. Well, the next town was San Sol, and the first thing you come to is a brand new Albergue/bar/restaurant. And it was open. Beautiful facility. I almost wish we had stayed there last night.

So we got our cafe con leche, a breakfast tortilla, and a sandwich to eat later. Best to plan ahead. And we set off.

Nice walk today. More agricultural land, rolling hills (too much up but we managed). Lots of vineyards, some olive, canola, peas, and other mystery fields. We crossed into the Rioja region of Spain today, you may be familiar with their wine?

Our big plan for the day today was to walk to Viana (18 k), then decide either to stay there or move on to Logrono. We got to Viana shortly after noon, were very indecisive but finally did decide to carry on. First we borrowed a phone to book ahead for our beds. Success (we thought).

After fortification with a sandwich and a coke, we trudged on. And on. And on. At 28 km, this was our longest distance yet.

Lots of mini-breaks later, we arrived at our albergue in Logrono. And received a blank stare when we said we had reservations. He did not receive any reservation for 4 at lunchtime. No room at the inn, he said. But wait, he’ll help us. The couple checking in ahead of us decided to go somewhere else (they wanted a kitchen). So that was 2 beds. And then he put Rachel and me in a room that looks like where they hang their laundry. But it had two beds! And later we saw the couple who didn’t stay. They found a good room at another place. The Camino provides! For us all!

We like some of the graffiti in the tunnels

Once we showered, etc. we had a small walk to buy snacks for tomorrow (it will be Sunday, nothing will be open), and supper plus gelato, then back to our albergue. Tired!

We have a better plan for tomorrow (we hope).

Today’s lesson: best not to reserve beds by phone yourself unless you speak Español.

Cafe, tortilla, and sandwich for lunch 5 Euro

Coke 1.70 E

Albergue 12 E

Cerveza 1 E

Supermarket snacks for tomorrow 7 E

Supper 7.50 E

Gelato 2.80 E