Day 20 June 8 santo Domingo to Belorado

15 miles

We left at 6:45 today, BC time, one of the first peregrinos out of the blocks.  Coffee didn't happen until we were 5 miles down the road.  Addicted? No doubt. Instant relief from all aches and pains. No kidding.  

Another gorgeous day as we left Rioja and entered Castilla y Leon.  

We we're both running on fumes for the last 5 miles but .... here we are at 3Pm to begin the evening routine. Showers, rest, and about 6, head out to eat and see some of the town.  

In for the night now and CC is remarkably watching a Mariner's game via Slingbox. 

Had a delightful dinner at the Albuergue.with two young women, one a mathematics student going to study in Moscow in the Fall and another going to work for General Mills in  Minneapolis. 

Too tired to write more but they sustain my hope that each generation just gets better and smarter and wiser... And funny too. 

Leaving the hospederia. 

Early morning light. 

I'm planting more poppies. Fields and fields here. 

 Adios Rioja. 

Evening light. Stork nest on the top. 

Day 19 June 7 Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada

13.68 miles 32,114 steps. 90 degrees

It was a walk to be remembered today . Happy peregrinos all around! Gorgeous fields of wheat, wine, and chard.  

We are happily ensconced in la hospitaleria Cisterciense in an immaculate room in a remodeled totally modern monastery . Greeted by nuns, food prepared by nuns with a special candy unique to this place. 

Lunch occurred at a golf club restaurant in Ciruelena and proved to have some of the best tapas around. 

Our bodies are strong and stronger.  I no longer have knee or hip issues and I can relax and sleep without my arsenal of therapies. How does walking do this? 

Side by side.... Catch the tune? 

The grapes

Kilometers that is

The famous red earth of Rioja

3 peregrinos- one from Germany , one went to Evergreen, and David is moving to Redmond from Portland.  We'll see then in town later! 

Lunch at the golf course

Craig does it again! 

Santo Domingo de la Calzada has a strong Camino history but I'm not going to write it here. 

After dinner, we went to mass at the cathedral.  How we're all these huge ornate churches built? Every civilization , every religion: built on the backs of some poor souls.  And what is returned ? 

We watched the priest take the last gulf of wine out of the communion chalice!!

A lovely concert ensued after mass. Churches have the best acoustics. 

Early to rise tomorrow. And sans coffee too.  No Internet working here. Will post tomorrow. 

Concert in the church- have recording in iTalk.