Today we cheated. We bussed 30km to Logrono. Man it was good!
We didn’t REALLY cheat. We only have 26 walking days and to do the full 800, we’d need about 35 at least – with no rest days. And you really need rest days.
We knew before we came that we’d have to bus at points. Today was the first.
We left Los Arcos at 8:50 on a bus. Driving along the highway you could catch glimpses of the trail as it wove on occasion close to the road, and up in the hills. We recognized some pilgrims, and had an unsettled “cheater” feeling. But it still felt great to arrive at our daily destination in 35 minutes, rather than 8 hours!
A Mexican girl that we have talked with along the way was also on our bus. She has been struggling with knee pain and has been forced to visit a doctor. She had a new brace on this morning and was planning to meet her friends in Logrono this evening after they finished the walk.
When we arrived at the bus depot in Logrono, she talked with information for us and translated where we should go to find a hotel. Sweet girl. (We’ve named her Anna – but I plan to ask her real name!)
Well staying at a hotel is a luxury not all pilgrims use, we wouldn’t dare take up space at an albergue after bussing. That’s a no no. Those beds need to be saved for the tired pilgrims who walked (not bussed!)
Our hotel is fabulous. Nothing overly fancy, but to us it’s like the hilton. We each had long, hot baths and facetimed family. We went for lunch, and laid in bed for most of the day. No sleeping bags, no bunk beds, no sharing the shower and toilet with strangers. Can’t get much better than that!
Our view out the front door of our hotel.
While walking through a store today to buy fruit, Karis found the closest thing to ichiban that she has seen while here in Spain. She vows to carry it in her pack until she finds a place to cook it. Happy girl!
Tomorrow is a new day. Our feet are feeling better as are our souls, and we are ready to go again.
Thanks for all of your support and encouragement!! It’s very much appreciated!! 🙂