Day #8: Estella to Navarette, 21 miles
Day #9: Navarette to Azofra, 14 miles
Sunday, August 31
When I walk at home I go about 4-4 1/2 miles per hour. Yesterday we covered 21 miles in 11 1/2 hours-an awfully slow pace! But at home I don't go so far or carry 25 pounds on my back or take long siestas mid-walk. It was an awfully long walk and I was dead tired by the time we got to Navarette. The reason we went so far was because the stages recommended in the guidebook that most people use land you in bigger towns and crowded hostels most nights. We were trying (and hopefully succeeding) in getting on track to stop in smaller villages most nights. 
Monday, September 1
Yesterday we left the Navarra region and entered La Rioja-red soil for growing lots of grapes for their famous eponymous wine. Beautiful fields, less mileage today, and a really nice hostel tonight.
Chris you should be a Photo Journalist. Your pictures and commentary are perfection! I am so happy but concerned a bit about you and Gracie walking so far each day carrying that much weight. If I was with you, I probably would be calling for a Taxi Cab, lol. Regarding your comment on the opulence of the church you took a beautiful photo of, you have to remember the Times in those days. The Church held great power over the people and it was the center of their lives. Also, as I am first to acknowledge, the church in those days was extremely Political in the way it was organized. Enough of that. So, you have to lighten your back pack (to make room for my souvenirs) lol, and take it a bit easier some days. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you and Gracie every day! How I wish I had done this year's ago; however I am in a way by following you on your journey! Keep the pictures and Posts coming....but most important of all...ENJOY EVERY MOMENT! Miss you bunches, your absentee fellow travel companion and friend, Paul
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