Puerto de Béjar

After the detour to Hervás this morning there was a bit of hearty road walking as I went further into the hills. Up and up. Today was basically all up hill but actually in hindsight quite manageable.
At one point I was greeted by friendly goats; and two donkeys who made the most mournful crying sound so I would pluck some grass for them. They were tricksters because they were well fed and looked well loved.
I was wanting to go to the Albergue in Puento (where I am tonight) but when I got to Baŋos I was tired and hot and thought I would stop so headed up another hill to the Albergue Turistica - only to find it was ‘completo’ - full - as was everywhere else. I finally realised it was Friday and all the oldies were there for the Spa for the weekend. Oops!
So … no choice but to head to the next town an hour away, which doesn’t sound too bad except it was 2.00 pm by then; and quite hot; and it was all up hill; and the hill looked really steep on the contour map; and the mind made it seem really difficult.
Amazingly enough it was fine - apart from being hot.
The body felt strong and of course the pack gets lighter as you drink the water you are carrying.
There was a bit of road walking but the path also went over a cute bumpy (Roman?) back road and through a narrow bush track. Sorry no photos as I was just concentrating on getting there while still practicing appreciating where I was- not very successfullyé I must admit. (Lessons from the plains).
And between Banjos and Puerto I crossed un-noticed from Extremadura into Castilla y Léon.
The lovely pilgrims-only Albergue here in Puerto is so sweet. The pilgrim-only Albergues have a completely different energy to the Turistica ones. They are staffed by volunteers and have a gentle sweet energy. I am the only one here this afternoon. The hospitalarios have been so kind. The Albergue is right on the Camino but on the edge of town about 20 minutes from shops and bars - so they have food in the fridge that I can eat. And real coffee and eggs for breakfast. Wonderful. They are so welcoming- quite unlike the host at Banjos who just said they were full and didn’t even think to offer a hot tired woman a seat and a glass of water till I asked. I’m so glad I didn’t stay there.
Today I saw that the mind still goes to the worst case scenario - I can’t; it’s too hard; I won’t make it; the place will be full; I’m too tired, old, hot … people will think I am crazy etc etc.
However I am sure there will be many more unexpected events and challenges to give me the opportunity to practice staying with what actually is rather than acting from unfounded assumptions.
Buen Camino

PS. A young couple on bikes from the UK just arrived. A chance to practice my English 🤣😂🤣Read more