Los Arcos to Logroño, 17.83 miles

I left early this morning at 6:30 am, in the dark. No, that's not dangerous on the Camino. Anyone that knows me well knows that I am the biggest chicken in the world when it comes to my safety—I get nervous in my electronically gated parking garage if I come home after dark. But the Camino is different. There are plenty of other pilgrims out at that time, it is quiet and peaceful and serene. There are no strangers on the Camino. I felt no fear whatsoever. It was wonderful.

It was a long day. I got to my hotel about 3:00, after stops for breakfast and lunch. I just had dinner with my friend, Liz, from London. I've really enjoyed her company but she is staying an extra day here in Logroño so we will now be on a different schedule and I will most likely never see her again.

I was in a shared room at an Albergue last night. Three women and one man. It sounds weird but it's really not. Two of the four of us snored very loudly. No, I was not one of them, and I know this because I was laying awake all night listening to them. I was very tired today but am in my own room tonight so I know I will sleep much better.

I thought I would tell you more about the paths we walk on. For the most part they are dirt trails but very rocky. I am constantly looking down at my feet so I don't trip. There are some paved paths but few and far between, and some very pebbly dirt paths as well. So the terrain is a challenge most of the day—you must pay attention. When I say the day was relatively flat, that means it was nothing like the first day over the Pyrenees. Every day has hills to climb and descend. Sometimes it's a mile long hill with a steady incline and sometimes it's just a quick steep hill. And then, of course, comes the downhill which I think I've mentioned is harder than the uphill for me. You really have to be cautious because of the rocky terrain. My hiking poles really are my two best friends.

It was significantly cooler today which was a nice break from the heat. Looked like it might rain for awhile but fortunately it did not as I had failed to transfer my rain poncho into my new daypack. It will be in there going forward though.

I am meeting Onno tomorrow morning at 7:00 for the 18 mile walk tomorrow.