First things first: i have an update on yesterday’s update about Stephen ( blister man). He has started hiking the camino again. Secondly, my baby toe blister is somewhat better today. i’m going out today and buy some new socks. Thirdly, I just ate lunch with my friend Rick and he had just visited the podiatrist. This is the result of that visit.

Yesterday as we were entering Najera there was a large group of young people in a marching band and singers. They came up to the bar where we were having a beer. Later that evening they came to where were eating. Spaniards have so much fun.

As I was walking today I wondered what I could write about. We’re starting to get into much more flat country although I can see tall hills and mountains in distance. Today was only about 60 degrees and cloudy. We hiked only about 13 miles for a total of 131 miles to date.

Found 3 concrete lounge chairs and yes I am wearing the same clothes as yesterday

Then we came upon a nearly deserted residential area Cirinuela. Apparently the place was built in early 2000’s and went bankrupt in 2008. it’s almost totally deserted. There’s a golf course without players, pool without swimmers, and the majority of condos(?) with no one. it’s like someone dropped a dirty bomb. Everything is still maintained as normal .

We are staying in a private room with four single beds and our own bathroom. Nice.

44€ a night for two tired pilgrims

We are still very much in Rioja grape country. the first 3-4 days we saw livestock and the past 4-5 days we see grain (primarily wheat) and vineyards. still very beautiful and much easier to hike.

By the way, there’s 33 stages to the camino. I just made a reservation in Santiago for June 22-23.