27.8 km – 17.3 miles

6:00am – 12:45 walking time

984 feet – 300 meters elevation gain

Today was probably the quickest long day I’ve had on the Camino. I was shocked when I had already walked 20km before 11am. But the walking was easy going hill wise and the temperature was finally very comfortable. That said, my feet still felt like they were going to fall off the last kilometer into the city.

Since I started walking at 6am, it was pitch black aside from the moon, the stars and the glow of cities and towns off in the distance. I brought my headlamp knowing I’d probably have to use it more on this Camino than on past ones since the days will only get shorter. I don’t love walking in the dark, since it means you miss seeing the countryside, but for the long days like today, it makes sense to leave early. Tomorrow will be no exception being that it’s another 28km day.

My first stop today was in a town I had kind of hoped to walk to yesterday, Torres del Rio, but it was far too hot to go past Los Arcos. It was a cute hillside town that I had stayed in last time. There seemed to be thousands of swallows swarming constantly around that town. A neat site to see. After that stop, Tom from Germany walked a ways with me and then Sistine from France. Having the company for some of the walk made it more interesting and made the time pass by faster. There’s a regular group of various pilgrims I see often now and join at breaks. It’s always so easy to meet new people here.

I’m still in the heart of wine country. In fact, if you’ve had a La Rioja region wine, that’s where I’m at.

I found Torreznos on the menu when walking around Logroño after settling into my hotel. I couldn’t help but have some more pork deliciousness. 🥓

When I ordered, I asked for some agua to go with my beer and snack. The bartender asked if I wanted a small one and I said “grande.” He seemed confused that one person would want so much water. Guessing he didn’t walk 28km to get here today. 😉