Day 39. A Balsa to Sarria

These old buildings with the thick stone walls are so cold! There were only three of us in the Albergue, so we were able to double up on blankets. But I also had on my puffy and every item I brought with me. Had not done that in a while. Once we got started, we had a very steep incline. Nothing like getting your heart pumping and warming up. We met Beverly from Georgia on the route. She is 65 and is a world traveler. She was in Gambia just before starting the Camino. She is still on her Malaria medication. Love her adventurous spirit!
Ran into Stuart at a little Donotivo (donation) spot this morning. Had to use the WC while there and I never felt so special! The views were spectacular once we got through all the mud and muck. Well worth the climb. Unfortunately, I am starting to get shin splints. Probably from the hike from O’Ceberio. Another round of steroids for me. Good grief! I don’t think I have walked normally for 3 weeks, since Burgos anyway!
Found our Pension for the night and of course it was at the top of many many steps. Once up there the host told us room was not ready. Good way to get the boarder to order food while they wait! Also waiting was JoAnn from Australia. On her first Camino as well. We are talking about going to a Pilgrims Mass at the Chapel of San Lazaro. A 13 th century building that would care for those with leparosy. Sarria is a starting place for many pilgrims. Also it is a place where many routes converge to travel on to Santiago. From here on the route will be quite busy with “fresh” pilgrims. We look rather worse for wear. Part of the walking wounded. Already it is hard to find places to stay along the route. We will trust that the Camino will provide. Today we walked/limped 11.7 miles (26792 steps). Today I am grateful for the 2 new pilgrims we have met, grateful for the steroids and grateful to be able to wash my hair today! (It’s the little things)Read more