The past few days have included a lot of walking, different villages, meeting new friends, and an actual running of the bulls celebration.  We didn’t end up staying for the part where the bulls actually run because we couldn’t find anywhere to stand.  The place was jam packed without the bulls in the equation and we didn’t want to find out what the streets would have been like with bulls running around and big strong Spanish men darting away from them.  We did get to see the pre-celebration which included men running around in oversized heads chasing children down.  Sounds really scary but it was actually adorable to see the kids so excited and fun to see people really enjoying their old traditions.

When my mom had the minor problem with her hip we both started feeling a little home sick.  Her hip feels better so she’s been walking with me and after a couple of days out in the fresh air, we are feeling like ourselves again.  Here is a jumble of pictures from the past couple of days..

Leaving Puente La Reina…

Looking back at Puente La Reina…

Leaving Viana…

Pretty graffiti…

Tires on some hay.. ?

I love the way the balconies are all decorated here.  They definitely have a love for live plants in Spain.

I just thought this sign was funny.  Very simple, cold drinks.  Here look, we even have some samples we’ve tied to this string.

When we got to Logroño there was a huge street fair in the center square.  I think it was the largest crowd of people I’ve ever seen in one space.  All for fruits, vegetables and some flowers.  Check out these fresh peppers..

The moon and the church bells on a Sunday night in Calle de Mercado in Logroño..

I washed my shorts last night and they didn’t dry in time for us to leave in the morning so I had to safety pin my pants to my backpack so they’d dry.  I’m laughing as I type this.  I realize how not normal this is in comparison to everyday life, not backpacking.  I’ve never appreciated a dryer more than on this trip.  This is also funny because the way they are hanging, they almost align with my legs and it looks like I’m wearing the shorts like a paper doll.

Now back to the gorgeous scenery..  This was walking to Navarette.

THIS was the coolest thing I’ve come across so far — a fence covered in crosses that pilgrims have put up.  I thought this was so amazing.  It gives you a sliver of an idea of how many people have actually walked these steps.  The fence literally went on for miles.

So of course, we put crosses up.  This was mine..

and this was my mom’s..

Some were very simple..

Some had a little spice to them..

The cool thing was seeing what people came up with to leave a cross on the fence.  We saw athletic tape, paper,  and even a pair of socks!

It makes you wonder what people were thinking of when they placed the cross up, what was on their mind.  Were they remembering someone, thinking of their faith or just simply placing something to share with future travelers.

Either way, it really touched me.

We’ve made it in for the night and we really love the place we’re staying.  We’re finally staying somewhere I chose and I am quite proud of myself for this one!  For those of you that have never seen a Hostel, this is a really nice one!   They are NOT all like this!

Okay, thanks for checkin’ up!!  Talk to you all soon.