Today was my second longest day so far, mileage wise, 16.4 miles. I think back to those 5, 8, or even 10 mile hikes I did back home, and how tiring those longer hikes felt, LOL. Today I felt spent…at capacity, but not beyond capacity. Progress!

Leaving Ventosa, the next town was Nájera, which marks the beginning of the Rioja wine region. The wine is fantastic here, and cheap. The soil is red, much like in the southeastern US. Much of the hike today was on remote paths bordering vineyards, and very little shade. It’s been a hot week here…in the upper 80s to mid 90s. Tomorrow is the last hot day before we’re due for some cooler weather. The heat is a definite factor in how much fatigue I’m feeling.

A bit of a lonely hike today. The further I progress into the hike, the more people get spread out. Some people I’ve hiked with are a town or two ahead, some are three towns back. It makes those fleeting moments when we do meet up for a meal or midday break all the more special.

Up early tomorrow to try to beat the heat!