Chugging Along

Covered a lot of ground since Friday.  After a warm and rainy day it was freezing last night.  Staying in albergues (hostels) has drawbacks–for one no heat.  Sparse blankets.  Noisy roomates (snoring, squeaky bunk beds–hitting heads on the top bunk and phones lit up after lights out at 9:30pm.  This can result in long nights.
Needless to say, today I left before 7:00 am finishing at approximately 4:30 pm — a very long day covered 21+ miles or 35 kilometers.

No told me today was a holiday for Spain. I now know May 1 is a national holiday in Spain akin to our Labor Day.  So virtually everyone had three-day weekend. This meant nothing was open!

So what happened today:  first, I found out that this photo is flowers from which canola oil is extracted–so mystery (mine) solved):

This grass I discussed a few days ago is barley and used to make beer–who knew:

I spent today walking through wine fields–some old and some knew — Zoly (from Budapest) who I’d met a day ago said the thicker stocks regenerate and create more wine than the younger thinner stocks–see an example of each below:

The soil looks is similar to what is found in Italian and Californian grape groves–almost like clay and filled with rocks — rocks are everywhere:

Passing through Viana this morning I’d wanted to visit the town’s church, but a funeral was in progress — 

So instead I stopped for a croissant this time with chocolate on the outside, yummy but just not the same as those filled with chocolate:

I liked bakery’s bag it came in don’t you?

As I approached the large city of Logrono–the snow capped mountains appeared in the distance:

My introduction to the city was this lady watering her garden:

This was soon followed by the sight of an impressive community garden filled with veggies and flowers–going locovore appears to be universal:

Shortly thereafter more interesting signage then appeared:

In town as well — see the mini-St James (aka Santiago):

Being a national holiday businesses were closed and recreation with friends and family ruled the day:

Rowing in kayaks on the Rio Ebro River:

Enjoying the extensive park system was the rule of the day.  It took a lot of time to get through the throngs of people biking, fishing, rollerblading or walking.  Some were barbecuing -it smelled really good- it reminded me of Memorial Day or the Fourth of July in the USA:

The streets were nearly vacant:

Looks rather tropical–right?

Logrono had public sculpture:

And lovely fountains:

Who could forget the beautiful churches–this is an impressive facade:

Naturally, as in all cities there is unendorsed art as well–not certain of its meaning–are you?

What’s this doing in the middle of a northern Spanish city? Gotta love the moniker:

Loved the official bike lanes off the street–European idea that I highly favor:

I made it through this rather elongated city when this sign appeared — yup Santiago is definitely getting a bit closer:

So the the journey continues anew tomorrow.

Buen Camino