Villamayor de Monjardín

A little later start today as Julianna insisted on making sure we had coffee before we left. At about 8.30 last evening, Enrico arrived at the albergue. I was the only one still awake in our room. Julianna made his bed up for him. Today we found why! He had walked 100km in the past two days (63 miles). His plan today was as long again. Julianna explained she did not sleep last night as she thought surely he must die! He is a lovely young Spaniard, and is fitting his Camino in around work!

As we headed off at 7am it was a little under 10 degrees. We soon met up with Sarah from Canada. A 36 yr old who has left her two young boys aged 4 and 7 with her partner while she walks. She is at a crossroad. An engineer working on helicopters in a job she enjoys, but the end product is used for wars, and that is where she is struggling.

We had decided last night to push on further today, but only if we all agreed. The original plan was 17 miles but we extended it to 22.5. Oh my goodness believe me, I could have quit before leaving the albergue, I had a temperature, ached, a streaming nose, and in general felt rubbish. I am glad I did walk though

Out of town out first stop was the the Irache winery where on one walls facing the Camino, the owners of Bodegas Irache have kindly put a wine fountain, so that pilgrims can serve themselves a free glass of red wine to help them on their way. Tradition requires you to drink it from your camino shell. The inscription reads If you want to go to Santiago with strength and vitality of this great wine, take a sip and toast for happiness, which is exactly what we did.

Today's walk started very much with my counting methodically the rhythmical steps as my feet hit the ground. It never ceases to amaze me how strong the human spirit can be- just how much we can achieve when we least think we can.

The scenery was so so picturesque. Simply beautiful, making the walking easier despite the hills.

There has been so much shared this past few days. Laughs, tough moments, heart felt moments, and souls bared. There is something in a Camino that encourages us to share our experiences in life, our deepest challenges, and our innermost thoughts. Perhaps it is how each of us gets through one of the most gruelling physical challenges we undertake. It is perhaps one of the most magical things in a Camino, and more obvious in this one than my previous one.

We all come here and we leave changed forever. We have this incredible opportunity to look inwards, and to reflect on our lives, to grow and perhaps for me this time I will leave a little lighter.
Yes, souls truly were bared, and many tears were shed.

I guess today's lesson for me is one that I need reminding of over again - that I don't always need to do things alone. That sharing and depending on others is not a bad thing. I would not have gotten through these last few days without the love and support of my Camino family. This group of amazing people.

Today for a change we had a couple of breaks- one for a sit down coffee, and one for lunch. Yes I even had a beer!

We pushed on in beautiful weather, on through to Torres del Rio. A pretty little town. The last section of the walk was shared with a man from Croatia- Domir. The 6 of us are sharing a dorm tonight.

Tomorrow will be a 7.30 start, so a much needed lay in. With only 13 ish miles to do it will be leisurely. Karlin and Eric are then taking a rest day, while I will instead walk on 8 ish miles so as to reduce a long day the following one. We will then again meet up and walk together.

Right enough for now. There is more to be written, but not for on here

Today steps 46716
Miles 22.55
Total miles 139.96Read more