Day 8: Juanita Beach Park to Denny Park and back

 Day 8 Highlights:

Before I share today’s journey, a few things to catch up on.  First, as I inspect my guidebook more closely, I was remiss in not telling you that the first 7 days of the real Camino cover the Basque Country and Navarro.  Days 8-12 would be touring La Rioja & Castilla y Leon. 

Second, my blisters took charge last night and after gentle minor surgery by my husband, I was able to return to walking today but had to listen to my feet - they insisted that I do less.  Fortunately, I had banked 10 extra miles on previous days so now I am slightly less than half a mile in arrears.

Day 8 would have had me slogging 18.4 miles, which, even though the book says would have had me strolling through a pleasant reservoir park, peek in the church of Navarrete with its spectacular golden retablo [a painting or other image above and behind an altar – thanks dictionary.com], and lounge by the river of Najera, I managed a slow but steady 8.3 miles, starting at Juanita Beach Park. 

Juanita Beach is the City of Kirkland’s second little downtown centering around (you guessed it) the beach with panoramic views of hills adorned with very nice houses dripping off their sides.  I arrived 15 minutes before "senior hours" but saw lots of people who I keep thinking are my grandparents but we're the same age. 

I walked through the park to Juanita Bay and carefully negotiated the bike lane of Juanita Drive which hugs the shores of Lake Washington.  I enjoyed the coolness of the pacific northwest occasional misting rain which saturated the hundred shades of green that paint our forests.  I did bring an umbrella, even if that isn't a cool Camino thing to do.  Well, it’s my Faux-mino (thank you Lisa for the new word) and the umbrella was just the ticket.

When I got to Denny Park, I took several shots of what I thought was an eagle majestically swooping over the lake.  After examining the pictures, I wasn’t sure if it really was an eagle.   I consulted my daughter-in-law Lisa – my go to naturalist and she said:  “Looks like an eagle to me”. Sold.  Enjoy the (faux?) eagle shot below.

So Day 8 was short and sweet. I was grateful to get home before 11 am, made a big omelet to share with Hubbie, and got to clean my house.  (Is it bad when you dust and find dead bugs?)

Day 8’s subdued weather and early hour made me even more excited for what comes next.  I took a picture of my feet so they know I appreciate the extra service they are providing me. 

See you on Day 9.  ¡Buen Camino!






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