Ètape 34: Navarre - Santo Domingo, 21 kms, warmer sun, 21

Chasing La Luna

Shortly after departing Navarre I discovered that I was following the full moon.

It was really quite something to watch it retreat into the west as I continued towards it. Behind me in the east the sun was preparing to make its appearance.

And then it too showed.

Away goes Luna

I chase it across the plain

As el Sol rises

A short walk today as I retrace our 2013 steps. I’ve decided to stay in the same towns until probably Burgos, but I must say, there’s a strong urge to walk on. A few shorter stages won’t hurt and given this is not a destination walk, but rather a purposeful walk it doesn’t really matter where I end up. As long as I have the opportunity to meet others and discuss Alzheimer’s and at the end of each day write a few thoughts then all is well. This morning I was able to discuss the walk with an older fellow from Boston who has lost two close family members to Alzheimer’s. He understands how difficult the disease is for the whole family and profoundly questioned why governments and companies haven’t put more money towards finding a cure as they did with Aides. Of course they are two different situations with Aides pandemic concerns, but his point is well taken. A cure for Alzheimer’s could well lead to a cure for Parkinson’s and visa versa. Food for thought as I walked.

Today there was loads of activity in the vines. It really is time to pick before the weather gets too cold. So all hands on deck to pick by hand and with the help of machines like this one.

It became apparent though that I was transitioning from the grape fields to pasture and other crop lands. I’ll miss those grapes!

These are not stones as I initially thought. Too big for potatoes, but perhaps turnips? A root crop anyway.

If I had to climb, it was a pretty beautiful valley to climb out of! 

Beside the ghost town that supports the ghost golf course.

A bit more climbing, though nothing too onerous.

At the top, Colleen who is again caught up to, and I had a very nice look at Santo Domingo.

Today I gave lunch a skip (having a nice tuna salad mixta as I write) and saw the town before I posted. A few photos from this classic Spanish town on the Camino.

The cathedral.

And a play of light from a stain glass window.

There is a huge gathering in the bar where I’m writing this. Coffee and all types of drinks. Dinner won’t really get underway for another 5 hours and siesta just finished at 16:30. Soon the stores will reopen and the evening activity will begin. Mine will begin here:) 

Two Paradore hotels here, two 2018 Michelin restaurants in the town too. Peter, David and Annemarie eat your hearts out!! Hence the reason I’m saving myself!  The four of us had a few fun meals in these establishments, and while Peter took credit for locating them, I learned this past summer that David was the real source! I should have known as Peter barely knows how to turn his computer on, less so how to Google:)))

Annemarie sent me some other of her valuable Alzheimer’s insights, but I think I’ll save them given I had my breakfast conversation. Time to get organized and then go find some dinner!

Buen Camino!