Day 12 – Navarrete to Azofra
23k – 195k to date
Today was a day of contrasts of climates as I move into the more semi-arid region of La Rioja, the best wine producing region in Spain. The grapes are very close to ripe and a couple of vineyards are already harvesting. It is interesting to watch them harvest, the workers cut the grape clumps by hand with a short curved hand knife. It is backbreaking work as the grapes are generally toward the bottom of the plant. Once cut, the grapes are placed in a 10 gallon container, then dumped into a bucket on the front of a tractor, then finally dumped into a container that looks like a grain cart. I assume the winery is the next stop. Interesting process. The grapes are all reds and look delicious.
The one thing that did not change today was the entire route was lined with vineyards, there is no telling how many acres of vineyards there are in this region. The first section of the hike today was 17k with no town or village passed through. I am glad I stocked up on water before I left. We went through the city of Najera, it was the dirtiest town we have been in. Then another 6k to my home for the night. The municipal hostel here is an old warehouse that has three floors but with fiberboard walls put up, functional, but not fancy.
When we walk through a bigger city, like Najera today, it is a little disconcerting. We are use to the “rural” life and increased traffic and noise seems harder to deal with. I know I have mentioned that before, but it is amazing how your outlook and perception changes in just one week!
It is fun meeting new people along the way. As you meet people, those you see several times become friends and they always respond with smiles, hellos or conversations. While I am technically alone, I am not alone. I usually walk my own pace, so I have no walking partners as some have become, but once evening is here, there are those that want to visit. Richard, from last night’s dinner, just stopped by and visited about today and tomorrow’s plans. I will lose him tomorrow as he is doing slightly higher kilometers than I am. It is nice to be able to stop and visit with new people and learn about their lives.
As Forrest Gump said, that is all I have to say about the that…
ECCLESSIASTIES 3:11
Sounds and looks like you are having an amazing journey,. We got your team drafted, Ed said Vegas if you win. Don’t know if it’s Vegas worthy,maybe I might need to help! Take care.