Day 31: Canosa to Andria

I was treated to a Liberation Day ceremony last night in Canosa. There was a marching band, vetrans, the laying of the wreath, and a speech from the mayor. I loved it. It was just the boost I needed. The town was very lively with celebrations running into the night. Me? I got a meal and hopped into bed. The Way today (26.20 km) was a little more undulating than the last few days, but really, it was more of the same: sealed road walking, with some dirt, through agricultural land (olive groves and vinyards). Again, it was quite warm, and, with a little shade, of which there was a lot more today, I didn't feel so hot. Because of all the dog drama, I've become hyper sensitive to dogs, I see them everywhere and anticipate, expect really, an attack (it's been wearing me out; I'm a bundle of nerves). Naturally, I try to talk myself down - be rational (LOL); "really, what is the risk, you haven't actually suffered any harm?" Anyway, this morning as I'm approaching the outskirts of Canosa, I look ahead and see five big dogs lying on the footpath (three on left and two on the right). So, I tell myself, don't be an idiot, they are just black garbage bags (I was pretty far away). So, of course, as I get closer, one of the garbage bags crosses the road! It was five big dogs! However, as I got closer, a VW beetle came out of a gate, exactly where the dogs where and by the time it took the man to lock his gate and for us to exchange pleasantries, I was past the dogs! That really helped me get perspective and I've been promised by the Irish pilgrims that they had no trouble whatsoever with dogs between Bari and Santa Maria di Leuca. I may be able to do this after all! I'm more confident anyway.Read more