We had hail last night. Luckily I was already inside and snug as a bug in a rug. And the rain came down all night long. As we prepared for our longest day yet, I had my rain jacket, backpack cover and umbrella ready. I headed downstairs for breakfast and we were back on the trail by 8am. My Trail Misfits, which I am falling more in love with daily, were locked and loaded ready to carry out our mission. Walk over 17 miles to Lograno and no taxis.

The sky looked pretty dark and glooming, which in my eyes is perfect hiking weather. There were tons of pilgrims on the trail ahead of us, including a huge group from an organized tour. They had matching shirts on, stayed in a close net area and marched like soldiers. But boy oh boy, they were having fun. Within an hour, I pulled out my trusting ole’ umbrella and was using it for a completely different purpose. Not shelter from the sun, but from the rain.

Mel and I took off ahead of the boys. They were commiserating about their mistreatment and the tough day that lies ahead. How dare I make the next city lie some 17-18 miles ahead? Couldn’t I have picked another town to rest in? Nope, there were few choices and being we are getting a full days rest, I prefer a city, not a three-horse town! So Lograno it is and get ready to use an umbrella!

We had more rolling hills but it actually started to climb a bit. Our elevation has increased and we are closing in on some pine trees and high chapperel. The elevation is close to 4000’ with typical vegetation I’d see in high desert-like areas. It really is much different from days passed.

We walked through the first tiny village of Sansol and continued into Torres del Rio. I was ready for a good strong cup of coffee so I asked the Barista for a double shot of espresso. I ended up receiving two cups of espresso. That works too. I need to work on my Spanish skills. Two cups of espresso when mixed together make one double shot, so that’s exactly what I asked for. Add a splash of milk and all is good!

After our mandatory coffee break, we were back. Today’s walk as long as it is, was relatively flat or slightly downhill. Our plan was to knock out the next 8 miles and make it to our one and only option for lunch, Viano. We kept meeting many dog people along the way, which helps us with our longing for Zoey. She is our beautiful and well-behaved four-legged sweetheart that we left at home with my also, so beautiful daughter! As we climbed one of our small hills of the day, we arrived at this makeshift pizza oven looking pile of rock. I’m not sure what it was, but it had this ornate looking peephole. As I was taking one of my umpteen pictures of the day, this cute little wired-hair terrier showed up. Ends up his owners found him in a field abandoned. They think he may have belonged to a hunter and was lost, but it’s hard to say. What a good looking dog and lucky hikers to have such good fortune.

We headed through some low lying vineyards and started to see our city on the hill. Virtually every town or village that we come to is atop a hill. And the tallest structure in the town is always, hands-down a church smack dab in the center. I believe they build the church first and once it’s completed or at least staked out, then they construct their homes and cafes near it. It’s the pinnacle of the Spaniards lives. Church, Community and Cafe’s. The three C’s of a well-balanced, happy and healthy life.

We climbed, of course, through the maze of cobblestoned streets and arrived in the town square. There we saw all the Pilgrims of the day, eating their lunches in front of the restaurants and cafes. We zeroed in on Menu de la Dia for $14. Such a sweet deal. We sat inside, as the locals often do. Only tourists sit outside, especially under the threat of rain, and ordered our Lunch. Red Beans, Mista Salad, Salmon, Pork and Chicken plus Red Wine was included. That’ll power us through the rest of the day. After our hour long lunch break, upon leaving, the town was empty. All that was left was me and my perfectly well-fed partners of the Camino.

We finished our day with gusto and made the last several miles with full belly’s and happy feet. Moody and I stopped and talked with Dennis & his dog Bobby. We had met him previously, a couple of days back on Mother’s Day. He is the proud owner of one big American Bull-Dog. They were resting on the side on the trail and Bobby was down for the day! Dennis is from Germany but has a lot of ties in the US. He was penciling in his journal which I was truly impressed to witness, especially from a young man of 20 something. I asked him what he thought of the trail so far and he was quite amazed by all the coincidences, which he is believing are more of God’s plan. The trail is opening his eyes to what really matters in life, the pure and simple things that we sometimes miss in our everyday lives. His friends had continued on but he planned to meet up in Lograno. Bobby insists on his daily siestas. Smart dog! I think even the dog is appreciating the Spanish ways of life!

Soon we crossed the bridge that I had mentioned would be our landmark that we were right around the corner from our home sweet home. These Pilgrims take everything so literally. It’s “like” right around the corner but around a few longer corners. The moaning and complaining could be heard in the Peanut Gallery! Okay so it’s around three longer corners and then “lo and behold”, we arrived.

We are staying in the heart of Logrona at this Boutique Hotel. Each room has a different theme. George and I have the room inspired by Audrey Hepburn and M&M have Earnest Hemingway. They have a lovely patio that overlooks the park, streets and Church Bell Tower. After cleaning up, showering and changing, we all met on their deck and took in the sights. Along with watching the lightening show and listening to the thunder overhead, we drank a lovely bottle of Vino. Much to my surprise, we arrived to our appointed rooms only five minutes before the downpour and electrical storm began. Now that was no coincidence.

Thank you Lord for protecting us from the storms above and the storms of life. Even though we experience things that are unclear or downright mystifying, we can always, rest assured, that you will never leave our side. Today, one of my dearest friends underwent double knee replacement. I know you are with her Lord, and giving her strength to heal. Much love to you Bertha and know you have a gaggle of Pilgrims here in Spain that are praying for your perfect healing. Godspeed my friend

For my faithful followers, I will be taking a rest day in Lograno. No blog today, but I will resume when I get back on the Camino mañana. Until then, amar, vivir y reír