Grañon

2 Sept 2025

Left the town of Nájera and my cute Albergue that was clearly once a private home this morning in the dark. I have to remind myself to sometimes look back upon where I came from, because I can see not only how far I have come, but also how what is behind me might be surprisingly beautiful. I might miss it if I am only focused on what is in front of me. Lesson in life?

I did not make reservations for this evening because I wasn’t sure how far I felt like walking. The guidebook said the town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada was the recommended stop or I could continue on to the town of Grañon. When I got to Santo Domingo I felt pretty good so I pushed on. The walk today was sunny but very, very breezy which was a blessing for me. The country side was grape vines this morning but mostly harvested hay by the afternoon. Grañon is a tiny town with only 250 actual residents. The Camino is big business so I feel good about contributing.

Tonight I am staying at a Donativo- which is a pilgrims-only hostel often run by the church- and this one is actually inside a church! The cost is just your chosen donation. Pilgrims all sleep in a large room on mattresses on the floor. Should be quite the Camino experience! After two long walking days, tomorrow I plan to walk a shorter distance.