After a day of rest, it’s only proper to walk our longest distance to date. Close to 18 miles, and honestly after finding our apartment, and taking the extra steps from trail to park to toilet, it’s 18 miles, no question. But my little team of walkers are seasoned and somewhat professional, so they did the not so impossible, climb about 2000’ and walk 18 miles today!

We packed up and left at 7am sharp! Very impressive from the get go. As we left Lograno, we meandered through the city streets for a couple of miles, walked through the University Campus, customary for pilgrims and headed towards the hills. It was downright frigid this morning, and actually cool all day. Maybe 50’s with some clouds but no rain to speak of. The ground was wet from the torrential downpour from the night before. Spain is starting to grow on me. Cool days, for now and rain while everyone sleeps. Seems like the perfect place to hang out for a month or so.

We passed a small lake, where the locals were fishing. They said there were bass and carp. I did see a few jump but no bites. As we walked across the bridge, there must’ve been 50-60 Big Mouth Bass with their mouths wide open looking for something to eat. I wanted to yell to the fishermen, hey they’re all over here! There was a swarm or pod or a flock of fish over here guys!

Our plan was to get as many miles as possible first thing in the morning. My gang of COP (Caminos Old People) were pushing themselves. Maybe after their Union Approved day off and spa day, yes, massages all around, may have contributed to their much better attitudes. No griping, no whining, just good vibes and happy thoughts. Well, mostly.

As we followed the well-maintained trail, we scared up a flock of pigeons that were laying low in the fields. There had to be some 50-100 birds following each other, dancing along the grasslands, not sure what exactly they were doing. But they seemed to have this choreographed movement, slowly diving to and fro. Until the big bad dog scared them away. Them dogs, they love to chase birds.

We made it to our brunch stop around 1030 in the small town of Navarrete. Every pilgrim this side of Lograno had the same idea. Soup was on the menu and that sounded perfect. George followed suit and we sat and waited. M&M had sandwiches and pastries which they received immediately. George and I waited ever so patiently. But when it came, it was well worth it. Vegetable based soup with garbanzo beans, zucchini, carrots and some incredible seasonings. It made my belly very happy.

As we were getting ready to leave, George pointed out Brad who also was sick with the flu from Day One. He’s feeling much better now. We all headed out of town together. He’s from the East Coast but has worked in Yosemite and near the Cascades in Washington. We talked all sorts of trail-talk, different places we’ve hiked and want to do in the not-so-distant future. Before long, I realized we had covered ten miles by Noon! It was actually 1150 and I let out a huge congratulations to Team COP. That was a huge accomplishment, setting us up to get in town by 3pm. Oh my goodness, I think I have a promising team after all.

We had only 8 miles to go, a bit more climbing but it was easy peasy. We had a grand day with vistas in every direction. There are vineyards as far as the eye can see. It’s really something out of sorts to see so many grapes outside of California.

When we reached our plateau, we finally had a look at the Nájera region. It was a cross between Sedona, Flagstaff and Utah. There are these beautiful red rocks and mountains that surround the valley of vineyards. It is such a contrast and so out of place. But just breathtaking.

The last few miles M&M took the lead. George and I held back, taking pictures, talking to other Pilgrims and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. As we neared the town, we all met up and with trusty ole Google, we made our way through Najara. It was a bit industrial at first, but the deeper we got, the town turned into the old charming villages that we are so accustomed to visiting. We crossed the river, and headed towards the base of the red rocks that we spotted miles back.

Moody got us all checked in and settled. What a cool spot, again. My crew is beginning to be quite the asset. There was a bit of a mutiny in the beginning with my COP Team, but as our miles accumulate, I believe they are coming around. Although I did hear that Moody has secretly pocketed the number of a 24-hour taxi, just in case!

Yet, as we were relaxing in the Apartment, Moody said that he was looking for more of a challenge. A longer trail, more miles, bigger climbs and I’m grinning from ear to ear. Then the others called his bluff and burst my bubble. He just wants the Gold Star for the day. I was tempted to give it to him but when all was said and done, Mel actually was awarded the dubious honor. She was a work horse today, never heard her complain and she was like a mountain goat, climbing over the many passes today! In fact she came out, chest pumped, legs in a low squat and taunting the trail. Bring it on! I am a Beast! Mel, you have come a long, long way, and earned the very first, one and only Gold Star ⭐️

There is something to be said about edifying and lifting each other up. When we surround ourselves with positive individuals and God-loving people, it is easy to want to please one another. During these past few days, it has been such a joy to see friends who typically don’t call themselves hikers become just that! I am here to say that I’m watching Moody & Mel become strong and powerful on the trail. What an inspiration they are and so exciting to follow them on this journey. Way to go M&M You are warriors and beasts!

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬ ‭