Logrono and pinchos

Having walked a little further yesterday, the walk to Logrono was considerably shorter, and somewhat easier.  Breakfast, as previously said, was fresh coffee, bread and jam, and Madeline cakes, or Magdalena's.  We walked through rolling hills and vineyards, and although the clouds were dark and low, it didn't rain and the scenery was beautiful.  There were one of two steep inclines, but on the  whole it was a pleasant walk.

We reached Viana, and stopped for "second breakfast".  We have become hobbits!  Second breakfast is usually coffee, tea or colacao (hot chocolate) and a serving of tortilla de patata ( Spanish potato omelet).  Again, we met several other walkers who we had met previously, and the cry of  "buen Camino" or "have a good walk" is a constant.  It was a little chilly, but the food was warming, and we soon continued.   Viana was full of school children trying out their English, and I surprised them with some Spanish and their teacher seemed rather impressed.

We  were quickly out of Viana,and once more walking through the rich red dirt and the vineyards of Rioja.  The path leveled out and the walking was easy.  We arrived in Logrono before the albergue opened.  I went to checkout the other albergue,but decided to stay where we were.  The dormitories were crowded, with the bunks closely packed, but I was in one corner, and had a little extra room to put my backpack.  We showered, washed clothes and went to find a bank and somewhere to eat .  That bank was a good walk away, and walking back, there was a kebab shop.  We were so hungry that fast food was needed, and it was not too bad.

Back at the albergue,was had a rest, and then got ready to go out to eat.  Jonathan wanted to try the cafe/restaurant recommended in the guide book, but as we were leaving, Maricruz, the lovely Spanish lady from a couple of days ago invited us to join her and her family for pinchos, so we did.  Pinchos arer a wonderful Spanish tradition of going from one bar to another, having a drink and eating a small snack.  It was wonderful.  Nico and Jonathan soon got into the idea and began to speak some Spanish as well.  We had a wide variety of pinchos, and the time flew by.  We had to keep and eye on the time, as the albergues close and lock their doors at 10pm,  so that pilgrims who rise early are not disturbed.

We were back at just before lights out, and went happily to bed.