Small World

Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain
We decided to send our backpacks ahead today, as both of us have picked up the Camino cough and are engaged in a serious competition to see who can hock up a lung first. For the record, Mike is winning. It's supposed to be partly sunny today with rain later in the week. Fortunately, from our sailing days we know that the weather forecast is simply a starting point and it's always a good idea to take a look and trust what you see. Those clouds on the horizon sure looked like rain. So, after we left our backpacks containing our ponchos at the pickup point, we quickly retraced our steps to retrieve the ponchos. Sure enough, within the hour we were wearing them. I also got a chance to try out my new tips. My poles have small points that not only make quite a clatter on city streets but can be downright tricky when they catch in cracks. We finally found a pair of rubber tips that fit and slip on easily when needed. Whenever I broke them out today, Mike was sure to say, "nice tips!" My mother definitely got it right when she told us we were easily amused. We came across a couple today who had baby on board signs dangling from their backpacks. Couldn't resist such a conversation piece. Jonathan and Marina are from Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, currently residing in Texas. They were familiar with Puerto la Cruz, where I grew up. Small world. We agreed that the current situation is very sad, and they said their family didn't want them to come home because of it. Marina is 4 months pregnant and what a shame to not be able to share this time with her family. We had a lively discussion of the importance of leadership and voting. When we get to the Cruz de Ferro, we'll be praying for Venezuela as well as the USA. Entering the town of Ciruena, ancient was juxtaposed with modern as we passed by a golf course. Now how many pilgrims do you suppose are toting golf clubs in their packs? We all have our own ideas of the essentials. We arrived in Santo Domingo de la Calzada around 1pm. Santo Domingo was an 11th century monk/engineer who dedicated his life to looking out for the pilgrims by building many of the roads, bridges, churches and hospices to facilitate the journey. He located this town strategically to facilitate safe passage for pilgrims. We are treating ourselves to a stay at Parador Santo Domingo Bernardo de Fresneda, located in the medieval Monastery of San Francisco. The historic site with thick stone walls is truly amazing. Should be a quiet place for a good night’s rest.Read more