Day 7, August 31: Viana to Ventosa (29 km; 6:35)

It was still dark when we left Viana at 6:35 am, walking into a brisk headwind and arriving in Logrono within a couple of hours. We toured the baroque, Iglesia de Santa Maria la Redonda, which is filled with images of the saint. As we left Logrono we bought cheese, chorizo and still-warm croissants, and then found a park in which to enjoy our breakfast.

We had planned to tour the church in Navarette, but instead I ended up chasing after a couple of British men, one of whom had forgotten his staff outside the church. It took me a couple of kilometres to catch them. They were grateful and I felt like a good Samaritan.

There were some interesting and original directional markers on this section of the Camino.

Photo 307: Camino marker on the outskirts of Logrono.

Photo 310: First city (Logrono) where the markers were embedded in the street.

Photo 311: Logrono sculpture.

We arrived in Ventosa in the early afternoon and found a great private albergue.

Photo 317: Albergue at Ventosa.

This was the first albergue with triple bunks! We all managed to get a lower bunk as we were amongst the first to arrive. Once again we had the menu de peregrino at the only restaurant in town....eight euros for an excellent three-course meal, including all the Rioja red wine that we could drink.

Photo 316: Two of the basic items I needed on my trip: wine and guidebook.

Photo 320: A delicious paella.

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