Camino de Santiago - Frances

It is said that you will travel through stages of experiences while walking the Camino; the first physical, then mental and finally spiritual. From Peg’s and my experience so far, we are hoping for a quick end to the physical stage and will welcome the mental.

My tendon is doing amazingly well. I think the lighter days and new shoes have really helped (oh, and the miracle gel). But things were more challenging for Peg this morning. She has had a cough and stuffy head for the last couple of days. Today she woke feeling miserable. We canceled our very hard to get reservation for the night and tried to extend our stay in Burgos. Saturday night in Burgos with a fall festival was very busy with tourists and pilgrims and town was sold out. After lots of frustrations looking for a place for the night we found one.... an 8 mile walk away. It was such a relief to find a spot, but the walk was long. That said it was still a beautiful day to walk with a light sprinkle at the end.

We had a great chat in a little bar with Beto from Mexico who is friends with the owners of Casa Ramos restaurant in Chico. What a small world. And little rewards for the day, we are in a very modern hotel that upgraded us to a two level, two bedroom suite with a living room, kitchen and most importantly, a washing machine!! The second reward was that Peg tested negative for COVID which we are hearing is making the rounds through the pilgrim family. Tomorrow’s a new day.

Buen Camino.Lue lisää

Before I get into the day I just have to comment on something really special in Spain, the showers. Oh my word, in California we have those low flow shower nozzles. They don’t have those here. When you turn the shower on, if you’re not careful, you might knock yourself to the ground. The pressure and volume is amazing!

Now to the day - Peg woke up still feeling bad after a rough night of coughing and a horrible sore throat. When we discover the town doctor and pharmacy did not open until 11:00 we decided to start walking in hopes of finding medicine along the way. Sabrina at the hostel got us coffee and a Spanish standard, fresh squeezed orange juice, and we where off. This was our first full day on the Meseta, a vast plain that goes on for a week. The weather was perfect hiking weather with amazing color and a constantly changing landscape. Many see the Meseta as boring flats to be endured. We found them to be beautiful with big skies, easily competing with Montana. The walking was easy and Peg tackled it with grace. I was very proud of her, knowing how she felt.

We grabbed lunch in Boadilla del Camino in a fancy place that was playing jazz from NPR which was very out of place in the small farming town. From here we had a 4 mile walk along a beautiful canal into the town of Fromista. Peg found the pharmacy and got setup with a special 'bag of cures' to fix her up.

Today finished up at 17 miles. Tomorrow will likely be a lighter day around 12.Lue lisää