STAGE 6 - LOS ARCOS to LOGROñO

 Well, after 43,986 steps (around 18.75 miles) we made it into Logroño! It was a long, exhausting day with a lot of uphill and downhill stretches. Here is what we saw along the way...

Los Arcos is not the most exciting place along the trail. We stayed at the same place we have used in previous years. Sadly, the heating system turned off in the middle of the night and left us very cold. We got up, had a meager breakfast and set out. Now, the landscape is amazing. Hills lining the valley with fields. The only challenge was the incessant wind. When it was behind us we moved a little faster; when it was coming at us, we slowed down. There were moments when the wind was so strong that it would push us to the side and almost knock Jannette over. All day we were under constant threat of rain, but happily nothing came of the threats.

The town of Sansol in the distance (and of course on a hill, as are all the small medieval towns in the area. This down was established in 1019.

This little town, Torres del Rio, has one of the most "enigmatic" churches along the Camino. It has an octagonal shape with several of the interior elements reflecting the Muslim influence that dominated this area in the 11th and 12th centuries.

To get to Torres del Río you have to climb up to Sansol, then down to this bridge and then back up the neighboring hill to to the town. Once at the top of the hill you come face-to-face with the Iglesia de Santo Sepulcro.

This beautiful little church dates from the 12th century and was believed to have been constructed by the Knights Templar as a funerary chapel. The simplicity of its design and the interior designs that reflect the Islamic influence of the area makes it a unique piece of architecture. Sadly, it was closed but the photo below is from our previous visit to the church. This is the ceiling.

We continued our journey through vineyards that have been prepped for the season. Sometime in April these stumps will vine out to produce the wine for which this regions is known.

I don't know if the photo below does justice to where we are at the top of the rolling hills.

Near the top of the Alto del Poyo you will find these cairns. Scattered among them are pictures, cards, memorials, etc. of people who have died along the Camino or whose loved ones have left momentos of their life.

A little further down from the cairns is this tree that has been decorated with ribbons, flags, pictures, etc. in memorium of loved ones. You see, for many who engage spiritually with the Camino it is a time of reflection and of remembering loved ones who have passed on. Many people we have met during our walks along the Camino share their tender feelings of love and spiritual peace that comes from walking and talking with God.

At the highest point along this stage is the Ermita de la Nuestra Señora del Poyo. On the side facing the Camino is a representation of the Virgen holding the Christ child. Across the top it reads: "Nuestra Señora del Poyo." Under her feet it reads: "Bless the people of Bargota, protect the pilgrims."

One of the steep climbs. You can see where we started below where the tree groves are.

This is Viana, the last city before the five mile walk to Logroño.

Frequently along the Camino you will come across plaques or memorials to individuals who, during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) were taken prisoner and shot because of their political beliefs. This one remembers a group of 27 individuals from Abalos y San Vicente de la Sonsierra who were assassinated. The final comment in bold is sobering: "People that forget their history are condemned to repeat it."

This is Logroño from about three miles out. So close yet still so far. In 2022 we had been watching as a huge storm was brewing over the horizon. We were moving as quickly as possible but then the winds started to pick up and lightening could be seen in the not so distant distance. We started to move faster. We got almost to the bridge that leads into the city when a drenching rain began to fall. We started running for shelter as the lightening flashed around us. Clearly we survived, but moving towards Lorgroño today with clouds gathering brought back those memories.

Now, a little aside. We are moving into early spring and the flowers are starting to bloom. I have made a conscious effort to take some photos of the flowers. You see, I am a very blessed man on many levels, but there are two people who deserve some recognition. First, my sister Barbara. She loved flowers and helped to inspire me to become a gardener. Barbara passed away shortly after we arrived in Spain. It has been hard, but seeing the flowers has made it easier. This Camino experience is dedicated to her. The second person is my art teacher, Martha Harding. Martha has encouraged me to develop my artistic talent. She has taught me see the world's colors differently and has opened up new horizons of expression. Like my sister, she loves flowers. To these two amazing women I dedicate the following photos: