Day 42 - Across the mountains to Logrono

 A morning like no other… woken by birdsong and the sun rising over the reservoir and streaming into the van. Still on our own here I head down to the waters edge in my nightclothes and breathe. The air is cold but the sun is really warm. We are at about 3500 ft and we can see some snow on distant mountains. The most beautiful place you could hope to wake …. Absolute bliss!


Hard to know how to follow this , the idea of Burgos doesn’t appeal, too big, too busy. Not trying the Rioja towns feels like  an oversight though so we decide on Logrono for a night out tonight!


The journey out gives us a feel for the size of the reservoir which is currently high level and vaste, branching off in all directions. 



We head for the mountain pass which will take us up to the Santa Ana ski lift and then wind back down to the main road into Logrono. Another great drive, pine clad hills, snow caps and even some snow on the road edges at times.

 At the peak it’s over 1850 metres and we have a bit of a leg stretch at the deserted ski runs. The cafe is closed up and the chairs are packed away but the forest is lovely. 


Back down winding roads and through villages, pausing like a new forest tourists to photograph livestock on the road, until we emerge on the main road to Logrono and to look at some fabulous rock formations.
When we get close google, once again, takes us on some unnecessary urban roads, but before we reach the campsite we notice the signs of permitted parking in a huge shady car park ( lots of white vans!) so that’s our stop. Not much further out than the campsite, spacious, shady and free!

There are others in the carpark who have definitely crossed the parking/camping line including our neighbours who have a bbq going and have moved their chairs into the access road!




Early evening (very early by Spanish standards) we head into town , it’s about 20 mins, crossing the beautiful Ebre river once again. There’s a bit of post-work Friday night drinking going on in squares and the main thoroughfares but the famous ‘Calle Laurel’ was pretty quiet so we popped into one of the few bars open for a glass of Rioja. 

Lovely as it was we thought we should try another bar and when we came out the street was waking up. We had a bit of a wander taking in the cathedral and main square and then a quick walk around the block, and we tried another…


This drink/wander pattern was working but the street was filling and the walking bit got harder so we just walked between bars trying Rioja and pinxos. 




It was a mixed crowd of tourists, locals and hen parties and whilst the average age was far younger than us, it didn’t feel uncomfortable and probably helped that we had slipped into the vibe gently. What a fun evening , such a contrast to the tranquility of the last 24 hours but no less pleasurable! 

Slightly wobbly walk back to the van and out like a light!


Miles so far: 2441

Steps today: 12176 (some not in very straight lines) 

Overnight: Paseos de La Norias, Logrono, free

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