Random Thoughts from the Trail
October 10, 2013
So………….we are still at it; hiking, that is! Not so much to write about. It is just something you have to experience. We have fallen right into the routine of waking, packing, eating, and walking in the early morning….. all without much conversation. We walk, stop for rest breaks and food breaks, chat with fellow Pilgrims, usually wish those we pass by, or more often than not, those passing us by a ‘BUEN CAMINO’, whine a bit about the climb, or the heat, or the insects, note all the beautiful fields, animals, houses, flowers, sunsets, unexpected vistas and consult the guide book often checking out the upcoming terrain or the next village and as the day wears on, the distance to our next bed. Upon arrival at the alberque, we present our passports and our Pilgrim passport, sometimes leave our boots in the lobby, are usually issued a sheet and pillowcase and shown to our sleeping quarters. Once again, we begin, as we’ve always been doing just this: unpacking our belongings, organizing for shower time and waiting our turn for the showers. Laundry time and perhaps a nap time ensue. As soon as possible, we usually gather around a table to discuss the day’s events and greet other Pilgrims. We are always ready for dinner before the restaurants are ready to serve. After dinner and a few glasses of wine, we retire with ear plugs, very early, to begin the whole routing again the next day!
Praise the Lord! My blisters are better and I was able to walk practically pain-free on day 9 of the Camino. Those of you that know me, know that I am plagued with blisters. I’ve come to expect it and am so grateful that the worse is behind me. I was determined not to whine about it but can certainly be joyful that they are gone! It seems we all have our specific challenges on the walk. We’ve met several who have had to spend some time in hospitals or stay off the trail for many days. We have been most fortunate. Knock on wood.
Not only am I blister-free but 3 out of the 4 of us were pack-free today. We’ve resisted the urge until now to use the baggage service. For 3 Euros, our packs will be delivered to our next alberque. The only trick is to decide in advance exactly where we want to stop walking each day. Of course, one of us—no name needed, considers that ‘cheating’, and wouldn’t play along. Maybe we will only do it just this once. Maybe! But, what a difference 20 pounds make! It makes the good feet even better!
Are we wasteful or what? Here, when you flip a light switch, the light stays on for maybe 20 or 30 seconds. If you are on the toilet, or in the shower. Tough luck. The light is off until you hit the switch again. Sometimes the showers are the same. The water is on a timer and you must constantly turn it back on. Hot water in the sinks…never. Paper towels—nope. Toilet paper—if you are lucky. Toilets –no two are the same. And, there are cats everywhere. Flies, too. Guess the flies follow the cattle. Still lots of dairy cows and corn fields. Guess those go together, too. Love that smell. NOT!
Alberque Boni in Salceda was a real find! Boni himself attended to our every need. He was quite a character and reminded us a bit of our earlier days with Alberto in Zancudo.
No tapas in this part of Spain but lots of French fries, bread, and meat. The salads are pitiful so we are looking forward to fresh vegetables soon.
