Logroño to Nájera day 8

I had been advised that the route out of frantic Logroño was not particularly well marked. My hostel situated right on the Camino made it easier, it was a little disconcerting that I saw no pilgrims for almost 5km, and when I did it was the three jolly Irish chaps.
An early highlight was walking through the nature park outside the city boundaries with its red squirrel population, the extra. 
This was going to be a long day so a coffee stop with a lady from South Africa morphed into brunch in Navarrete at about 12km. I opted for a detour, I think it only added about 3km, and walked with two Swedish ladies to Ventosa where they were staying for the night. Revived by a strawberry and orange smoothie I set out on my own for the final 15k. I saw no one for at least  3 hours and seriously wondered if I had strayed from the route. I used the excellent Camino ninja app for the first time which reassured me I was in the right place. I stopped often to drink and stretch. I reached Nájera at 17.00hrs and the thermometer in the town square showed 35 degrees.
Too tired to wait until places start to serve food, about 8 or 9 in these parts, I bought a supermarket market salad which I ate on the river bank . Followed by an artisan ice cream, yoghurt and amaretto cherry. The main blip is the river view with the backdrop of the red clay cliffs.
Looking forward to an easier day tomorrow and perhaps a more leisurely start. The terrain looks fine with some wilderness areas and a canal to cross.
I’m now into my second week of walking, about 20% complete, 586km/364 ml to go.