Saturday, May 30, 2026

saturday in viana

 It has been so hot that the walking can be a real challenge by the time 9am comes around.  I left early today.  I think I was out by 5:45am and was treated to a gorgeous sunrise over the hill town that I was walking away from.  I kept having to stop to look back.  I wanted to sit and enjoy it, but the mosquitoes convinced me otherwise.  

I walked without much of a break until about 11 and nearly dropped after climbing that final hill into town. I’d like to say I took a slow, leisurely approach out of joy, but really I was just struggling!  

But I am definitely getting stronger every day.  I’m looking forward to the heat breaking tomorrow so I don’t have to feel as though I’m racing against the sun.  

I wish I had an extra day planned in Logrono.  I really like that little city, but I’m carrying on because I booked ahead.  

I’ve been walking for a week now through the stunning scenery.  In some ways it feels like even more.  My daily distance is definitely shorter than most of the other pilgrims, which means I meet people one day and then say goodbye the next.  In some ways it is frustrating that I am not fit enough to walk more, but I’m enjoying myself immensely.  I think of all of the people who would love to be able to walk 10k per day, and I relish the opportunity to move my body.

Now I’m sitting outside a bar, sipping a Kalimotxo and listening to the hum of Saturday afternoon locals visiting each other.  Finally, a breeze came up.  I think I’ll go to sleep early.

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