Day 13: To Espinosa del Camino

Today was a day of rain, flowers and reflection.
I left the Albergue about 7:15 this morning and before very long I was taking off my pack to put on my poncho in the rain, it stayed on until I was just a few kilometers from Espinosa del Camino about 27 kilometers (17miles) later.
Despite the rain, it was a nice day because every few kilometers I walked through a tiny town and would take off my shoes for a moment and enjoy a cup of coffee. I also ran into a few friends during my coffee stops and that’s always a highlight. (That also no doubt added to my time, but it was well worth the breaks.) Perhaps because I hiked alone all day, today was a longer day. (I’ve found I’m a slightly slower walker than many, but if I’m with someone, I will match their pace.)
One of the remarkable things about the Camino is the amount of resources and support it gets from the communities. In addition to the artwork you often pass, (I passed several murals today celebrating the pilgrims), there are regular fuentes (water fountains) and amazingly well marked trails (it's hard to miss the yellow arrows (or inlaid bronze shells on the sidewalks in larger cities)) that are well kept, mowed and some even have stone pathways where regular paths may be subject to erosion. Many paths seem to follow rural roadways, but many no doubt cross private land.
Another random example today of supporting the pilgrims, this afternoon I passed a chair placed under a tree, literally in the middle of nowhere, just to provide a place to rest if you need it.
Today someone in front of me was leaving little bouquets of wildflowers in the road. At first I thought someone had dropped one, then after passing others on the trail it was obvious it was a pattern (a gift to the walkers). Although I only photographed a couple, I passed at least 4 of them on todays hike. I have no idea who left them, but I do know they no doubt brought smiles to many Peregrinos following behind them.
Near the end of the day, I met a nice horse and rider that is doing the Camino. When I arrived at my Albergue “La Taberna”, I discovered the rider is staying here also.
(The horse is sleeping outside.)Read more