About 555km now to Santiago. Today was super sunny, nary a cloud, and about 24C. We walked about 20km. Tomorrow will be a doozy, as we have to go about 30km, and climb about 500m. The only problem I'm having is that by about 15km, the balls of my feet start killing, just from all the steps. We are definitely out of La Rioja, and it is obvious. The vineyards have given way to a patchwork of wheat and other crops. Today's path followed alonside the N-120, a two-lane highway, so the scenery was less appealing.

When we arrive at our destination, our tradition is to get cleaned up, and sit in a plaza (piaza, square) and have a coffee or beer and people watch. These towns are all along the Way, and thus fill with pilgrims each evening. We have termed the gait so frequently seen, the Camino Shuffle. One may observe people grunting and groaning as they push themselves up from their tables, or shuffle along with feet coated with gauze or bandages. Also common are knee braces and tensor bands everywhere. A man told us yesterday that his wife had picked up a virus, and has had to take a bus from town to town for the last few days. The Camino takes its toll on everyone, each in his own way.