Camino de Santiago

We got started early this morning. I had a pep talk with my feet (especially the one with plantar fasciitis). This is the day we would get to our half way mark in Sahagun. But I think we had a misunderstanding, for once we got there , I think my feet thought they were done for the day. They did not want to go the extra 6-7 miles to Bercianos! We made it anyway! 15.8 miles and 36210 steps. I’ve noticed that the vineyards and olive groves are replaced by corn and potatoes now in the fields along with the wheat and still wild flowers along the way. Came across a marker this morning in memory of a Methodist Pilgrim that passed in 2013 on the Way. Also I find I spend a lot of my time with my shadow. Long stretches where Steve will walk ahead and then wait for me to catch up. A lot of time spent in your head…..
We chose not to get our certificate in Sahagun. We did get a stamp instead and then moved on to our place in Bercianos. The Albergue La Perala is new with a wonderful sitting area outside to enjoy a refreshment or visit with friends. We cleaned up, had lunch, washed our clothes and hung them on the line. It was 40 degrees when we started this morning, so I had everything on. It’s hard to get things washed all at once but I managed to wash the 2 tops I have and wear my rain jacket while they dried.
We ran into an old roomie, Stuart (Great Britain) and met a friend of his Luke from Belgium. Later at the Albergue, another roomie Fran came in for lunch before heading to his Albergue. We met him at the same time we met Stuart. I was the only female in a room of 5 guys. I remember when I met him, he introduced himself and said his name is Francisco from Valencia Spain but his friends call him Fran and he wanted me to call him Fran. When we saw each other again today, he runs over like we were old friends and grabs us by the shoulders and leans in and kisses each cheek—-that is how friendships are on the Camino. We are sharing a common road that we hope will lead to the same end.
Tomorrow we will head to Leon. A much bigger city. So today I am grateful to get to the half way point in our journey, grateful for the friends we meet and continue to see and grateful for clean clothes!En savoir plus