September 7, 2022
Villafranca Montes De Oca, Spain
Dear Family & Friends:
Logrono to Najera, September 5, 2022 (18.5 miles)
Najera to Santo Domingo de La Caza, September 6, 2022 (13 miles)
Santo Domingo de La Caza to Villafranca Montes De Oca, September 7, 2022 (21.6 miles)
These were three long days on the Camino. In this blog post, I will let the photos do the talking since long text dialogue cannot measure up to the photos. This country is breathtakingly beautiful.
The 18.5 mile walk to Najera was long and hot, with little help from the weather. My favorite village along the way was Navarrete, a classic hilltop town known for its wine. The highlight of the day was my visit to Iglesia de la Asuncion, the town church built in the 16th Century. I love the churches in Spain. Every town has its own 16th to 17th Century church. Unfortunately, the churches are almost always closed when I pass by them. This time, Iglesia de la Asunciion was open. In this post, you will see a couple of photos. I was especially moved by the painting depicting St. John the Baptist baptizing Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan. For stunning video, visit my Facebook page.
The 13 mile walk to Najera to Santo Domingo de La Caza was special because the weather improved so much. There was some cloud cover and a mild breeze, which made the walk enjoyable.
The 21.6 mile walk to Villafranca Montes De Oca was in perfect Camino de Santiago weather. I had constant cloud cover and a cool, almost cold, headwind the entire journey. I think the oppressive heat is now behind me. Admission: I took a cab to Villafranca for the last 5 miles because 21 miles is too much walking in one day for me. Please don’t turn me in to the Camino Policia!
A new issue has emerged to take the place of the heat. For decades, I have suffered from chronic back pain. The doctors have recommended against surgery. I have managed this back pain with stretching and regular exercise. Over the years, this has worked well. In the last few days, this back pain has emerged. The Aleve and Ibuprofin were not helping. So, I lightened my back pack by shipping gear to the next city, I stop and rest frequently and I visited a pharmacy today. The wonderful pharmacist gave me some new meds. Let’s hope they help. I am taking a rest day in Villafranca Montes De Oca tomorrow to give my poor old back a day to recover. No need for concern. Read the message on the rock photo. That was God speaking to me.
Leaving Logrono
Approaching Navarrete
Iglesia de La Asuncion
On the way to Santo Domingo de La Calzada
On the way to Villafranca Montes de Oca
Beautiful images. Glad you were able to go in that one church. Inspirational. Is there a best time of year to go?? Hills look so dry, and harvested. Spring has too much rain??
I think the Fall is the best season to walk to Camino de Santiago. The heat is not so bad and there are fewer people on the trail
Bill
Hope your back gets the rest it needs. Great pictures! Cathy and I are now boarded for our flight to Lisbon with a connection in Toronto. (Keeping our fingers crossed we don’t have a situation like your overnighter in Dallas). Hopefully we can meet up with you at some point when we get up to Spain.
You are putting in some serious days no shame in a small ride!!!
Mark and Cathy.
Buen Camino
Bill, you inspired over a thousand of my former students to believe in their dreams and in themselves. I know that is a core value you hold dear, and Mark and I are super thankful for your example! Take care and be kind to your back.
Very inspiring, Bill!
I love old churches too!
So yeah — God’s got your back!
Silly pun intended 🙂
but very true 🙏🏽
Take care — God bless!
Bill, the photos are a flashback reminder of how much there is to see and enjoy in Spain—the natural and the man made. The church art is exquisite—you’ll never tire of it. Choosing the path of least resistance
(Sending your backpack ahead) will be a benefit.
Blessings,
Rick
Bill,
Love reading your travel notes and you are incredible. I appreciate how candid and honest you are in relating your challenges and accomplishments! Hang in there………..I know you will get through the back pain. Jane
Bill,
You are one amazing, strong, articulate, inspiring man!
I feel so privileged to be tagging along with you!
You capture every last detail of this amazing spiritual journey along the Way to St James….by your commentary & photography…..we are able to be immersed ourselves with these spiritual roots, thank you for that!
Take good care, listen to your body……. CU up the road!
Bill don’t push it. Plan for shorter days, if possible. Take care of yourself.
Bill
I walked the Camino del Norte in 2012. One of my epiphanies during the way showed me an image of Spain as a body. The various routes to Santiago are as vasculature leading to the heart and we as peregrinos are the lifeblood that keeps the way alive. I have nothing but admiration for anyone who can endure the task and keep an eye for all the beauty along the path.
Buen Camino
Thanks so much for taking us with you Bill. Feel better back👍👍 What a beautiful journey you are on
Hope you are also enjoying Spanish food. Just as delicious and regionally varied as Italian and infinitely better than the vastly over- rated French. Gambas con ajillo also probably excellent for back pain!