I walked the Camino de Santiago solo in 2014 and Najera was my absolute worst night. I had walked 30 kilometers into town, only to find no open beds, and I wound up sleeping in a storage locker. I called home crying, and wanted nothing more than to be done with the Camino. Later, everyone told me Najera was a beautiful city, but I had no fond memories of my night there. I was hoping to get a second chance at exploring the city on this trip, and it has definitely redeemed itself in my mind.
We started our day with a breakfast buffet at our vineyard hotel, and it was nice to get a breakfast that consisted of more than a chocolate croissant. Then, we set out from Navarrete.
Today’s walk to Najera, took us past endless vineyards, and the path was mostly smooth and flat. We found it to be a relatively boring walk, and the sun became a bit intense in the afternoon, but otherwise, it was pleasant enough. We hit one patch of rough terrain outside of Ventosa, but we managed to wrangle the stroller up, and then it was easy enough from there.
Addie has taken really well to the routine on the Camino. We get up and walk. She walks until she is tired, and then she rides in the stroller. She reads books, plays with her toy cars, and naps in the stroller. After lunch, she usually gets a show or two on the tablet, because it’s a long walk and she deserves a bit of guilt-free downtime. She has a tendency to always fall asleep right before the bumpiest terrain, though, so she’s had a few interrupted naps.
Eloise has also taken well to the Camino. She sleeps and then wakes up to charm new friends.
We reached Najera tired, but not exhausted, and proud that these longer stretches (19 kilometers today) now feel totally manageable.
We booked an Air B&B for the night, and were glad to have some space to spread out, and room for Addie to play with toys. We rested for awhile, and then I convinced Sandra and the girls to walk to the center of town with me to find dinner.
To our delight, we found some sort of medieval festival going on in town. Addie found a trampoline to jump on and a dragon swing to ride, and the look on her face was pure delight. She was very deserving of a fun night.
We went for pizza and walked around a little before calling it a night. These memories of Najera are definitely more pleasant than those of my time here before.
I am so happy you all are feeling good about both the work and the rest in this phase! Love that dragon swing!
I so look forward to your travel stories as I sip my morning coffee.
Love the bonus festivals you have encountered. Especially when children’s activities are included.
So sweet the look on Addie’s face when she is jumping. In her own little world
Hugs & kisses
So glad you had a nicer visit this time, after all this walking, you four need a reliable place to sleep. And i remember that night you slept in a closet of a storage bin in some faraway place. Thats why i have grey hair! Walk on!
Love reading all of your family adventures! Taking kids back to a place you’ve traveled before is definitely one of the best parts of parenting.
I do not know how you make up that rough trail pushing the stroller with the weight of Addie and Eloise in it ! I would have given up or rented a car by now. You both have true grit and determination to make it this far . Very proud of you all.
Good to hear that all of you did not end up sleeping in a shed like last time ! Your logistic planning is getting much better :).
Eloise looks so adorable and happy in that picture! She seems to be really thriving on this adventure!
I’m also glad this visit to Najera was better than your last one. Seems like everyone had fun this time around at least!