Today we weren’t sure what to expect given the 18 miles of walking we did yesterday and with my brother sick last night and me dealing with several blister issues.
Thankfully, my brother woke up feeling better and I was able to Compeed patch four trouble areas on my feet. The walk from Nájera to Santo Domingo de le Calzada was a fairly steady, but not too steep climb for the first 60% of the 13 mile hike. We stopped in Azofra and had a coffee and croissant then again at the Rioja Alta Golf Club for a light lunch. The town was a little strange as it looked like a failed attempt at a housing community. Seemed to be abandoned apartment buildings all over the place and not one person in sight. Almost out of an episode of the Last of Us.
The majority of the walk past by Rioja wineries and Spain wine country is amazingly scenic. Some of the wide open spaces we saw today were jaw dropping. Pictures can’t properly capture the moment. The visit to the Santo Domingo cathedral was a town highlight. Some pics in the gallery below.
Lastly, we had dinner at a Michelin restaurant tonight, Restaurante Los Caballeros. I would say that it was good, but not great…especially for the cost. Some pics from today:
Wow. I’m in Awe.
I’m thoroughly enjoying your posts, Dave.
Sitting here at work (not working), looking at this scenery and taking deep breaths to somehow try to capture some of that Rioja air ;). I’m glad your bro is feeling better and you’re managing your blisters! Godspeed from here.