tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57774528928115040192024-03-20T02:02:49.912-07:00Walking My CaminoDana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-47161529184018228842023-05-24T07:09:00.001-07:002023-05-24T07:09:55.565-07:00TO THE END OF THE EARTH<div style="text-align: center;">I WALK SLOWLY BUT I NEVER WALK BACKWARDS</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">It was great to be back in Santiago, a city I am somewhat familiar with. I don’t get lost too often now that I have visited the city after each Camino, but it still happens. The walking center of the city is mostly narrow streets and alleyways that usually don’t go in a straight line. You discover new ways to get back to your hotel just about every time you go out. In the limited time that I was with Kelly, I was amazed on how well she knows the city. Of course she has been there numerous times with her tour groups. And she knows the people. Cafe baristas, restaurant owners, store keepers and the all important volunteers at the Pilgrims Office. Giving her double cheek kisses upon seen her. I think she is making a name for herself in the tourist industry.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><img id="id_f47a_27fc_fb7b_9c7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81rSRaUnzxjEW5qKC1JWod1JBFTS2OQghTigV4n5dZE2icYlH6a9XnjgkOpaMelsRIkWlll6dwX1ahbvvdnxO12KqetP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_251f_2191_2fa7_34bf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81q_2H9k8M2aZtiZwYjEkm3JOLiZQC2ysJl7J4ZFE1AFfPunPy6lWZrD_mfdyTI5IKCT5u74JfYRq0r3v7DAkPAc4VNIVg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">KELLY AT THE END OF THE EARTH<br></span><br>Santiago is also wonderful for seeing old friends, as in Jose from Portugal, or pilgrims you met along the way. Conversations start easily in a city full of pilgrims and tourists. Someone sits at a table next to you in a restaurant, “Did you walk? How far? Where did you start? Or someone asking about your Camino. In a crowded restaurant in the city’s marketplace, Joaquín, a expatriate from Mexico living in New York City was seated next to Kelly and I while having lunch. Conversation ensued and the lunch stretched into 2-1/2 hours. This seems to be common place in Spain as meals with good conversation go slowly. Normally the midday meal starts around 1:30 or 2, with dinner being served after 8:00. Many restaurants close after lunch and reopen at dinner time. It is a different way of eating…..slowly.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><img id="id_2ed3_960e_3246_286f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81quZRVbjq0_QshD_PCqShdt_3UAsqC774JW6hz-cSAM1G40Svt66aJ-gcm0EPvMGXJXo3AsLZ35Feb0xUT8oVn1xIZpcw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">JOSE, MY FRIEND FROM PORTUGAL </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><img id="id_a21b_9ddd_59a2_ed6d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81qjwuQFiEu0IRABtv7iIO7eijLedRMdYBCj8CffGxrkhtTZ9udUjSklQhn_yHkgBc_18Q1fE4R_EdHytblntjwVIsKVBA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">JOAQUIN <br></span><br>But I didn’t end my Camino in Santiago. Changing up the schedule on the fly gave me an opportunity to see old friends in Santiago and continue walking to the coast. Also I needed a break after only having one rest day since the Pamplona. There are two destinations to choose from on the coast, Finisterre or Muxia, known as the End of the Earth back in the day. Some walk to both and then walk back to Santiago. I have previously been to both locations by bus and car. Finisterre is the traditional place where pilgrims walk to but I chose Muxia because it is more scenic in my opinion. Also and important factor to me is that fewer pilgrims choose Muxia and I wanted time to walk without seeing so many pilgrims. Services for pilgrims are fewer so you do see more pilgrims at the limited albergues where you can stay, but few on the path.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; min-height: 13.1px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">So, four more days of walking adding a tad over 50 miles, through forests, and up and down a bunch of hills. And it was very peaceful walking on pathways where I saw hardly anybody.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><img id="id_3260_30a_1169_10ac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81pTN_4PP8Gjy_jRA3jlUQelS2bvCSyHDv57Qj5-IjYQSoni5xsQf1jS8pqtLVTj6_tBliLhaHqMZUl-Fnnt6DEvXvFrlQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_7942_a943_20d7_9a90" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81qOmO1FpD4lJROm-_SpHubYQFvAzjgjeZ98E_Ab3T8LIZsE9Q67rzEB-9RUg-oNOEFtBXo0FM9MLwcje3tNAKoUhwIaPg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_d505_eedc_611e_164c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81qgX69SjVNi0adW9BUg-NysnRW4F32wCUCP88uii8tGKuHC146fh6fuH5okf7Dd0c6jSzvriIol8FHKrRmEKvegJT2UTw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_cc52_1890_2a83_3e68" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81oYbPdlgIBYrqWiaEw3kTHkY2zWkIJV5R3QM4fTJNoXk3oN5jY9FG8Ys6ER_b5IGeonrvKd4bW0pxph5wtE-Y9ozmL8Mg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">A CAMINO SUNRISE<br></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">I noticed that the pilgrims that I do see are different than those I saw before Santiago. There were four of us at an albergue, the only pilgrims and we were discussing this difference over dinner. Each of us had walked previous pilgrimages and we all agreed that many of the pilgrims we see and meet are different than those of previous times. I have mentioned before here and on Facebook, that I have encountered rude pilgrims in bars and albergues. The others at the table concurred that the Camino has changed. Perhaps because the Camino was shut down during Covid and now there is a rush of people wanting to walk. We also agreed that many of today’s pilgrims aren’t pilgrims at all, but tourists.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; min-height: 13.1px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">So now I am in Muxia for a few days, staying in a small apartment with the all important washing machine. You grow to appreciate having clean clothes. And now the feet can rest and heal. Actually since I walked most of the Camino in my sandals my feet have been pretty happy, but one of the sandals is about to give up. Just hoping it will last till I get home.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><img id="id_262_e0d2_dfe3_2b98" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81pH6tloT9GaFLkTMM1YBhRd6q0UeRnM6Writ-YDHc29I_r9X5cHNwTq3NM4zsieXFs179H4Jf1B-zAouIq-OoTgc2l79g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><img id="id_24aa_484c_591a_ccf8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81oFBS9LugEm9_XdhbRCM-_FyjtxwUtKcEdYH_eTNIdvQOWXaZImGnDJ8iOXaSjFU22ECUpa53jfOL-qqO72kn0saVebHw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1966_9779_bf4b_8548" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81q8oY_a_Ar1vflX1PHLFpvTRayh8fEjt4kzdiUoqQxFIvcItFCPMlcptPQ-Q-BZjf_niDs4s_vuCBmjdE6DpDhFOsU7hQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_4d4d_d5b9_fef1_949d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81ozbMipDoGJgAPCrXoDoPpUPhfcr9MJwh_TKs7wKjj7uTxJgpKLLDPwp_CRrACszKGm97h9ZQX2rAQsE4UVjjpS3AXgXQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9d2d_7a9f_7a85_3685" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81rkCKM4GOZAUOy-SuHJ-og8-pt7ENCJsopwFBNLeADZPFgw6UnFX0-sq4XpSoVU_AhTgIH15wV3VVCH-nR9xjs0MVJdEw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">MUXIA</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">Muxia has a population of around 4700 people and has a small boat harbor. Fishing is an important part of the community and fresh fish is readily available in the local restaurants. Sea food offerings take up most of the space on menu and beef, pork and chicken take a back seat. There is a church at the end of the world in Muxia. Santuario da Virginia da Barca sits on the rocks facing the ocean. Inside there are models of ships and fishing vessels. Built in the 17th century, it was destroyed by fire after being stuck by lightning on Christmas Day in 2013. The monolith on the hill above the church represents the lightning bolt.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">So, the Camino ends or does it? Every Camino is different and this, possibly my last, will be etched in my memory in both positive and negative ways. I really had the sense of being alone this time, and I consider that a positive. Really the only negative were the few pilgrims who by their actions spoil the camaraderie I felt on past Caminos. They were the tourists. The last 4 days were the most enjoyable in two ways. Seeing no one on the path for hours, but having great conversations in the evenings over dinner. Nicole, from France, Laura, from Spain, and Alex and his wife Adriane from Germany. These pilgrims restored my faith that this is a pilgrimage and not just an excursion for tourists. They are the true pilgrims.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><img id="id_8c43_3321_3267_e26b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81oWwY3OGwDv7UqYcuPO6ucKiMkt3J0TlPnQkajjKrDZwRmGJeHA7rb2iEG6hLWDB-810krqf8gW6NIQGvKnU7Nwo4eRug" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">LAURA (SPAIN) NICOLE (FRANCE)<br></span><br><img id="id_1475_bd3c_6cac_3118" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81qrxpQKmchWq_blI3-xFT6zuglAE5_urEiQoLokPMBtLXigaleoflKVpFGGd4xcN2XAsBN9T7hJj--W9fzSOD-hkSSuxw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">ALEX AND ADRIANE (GERMANY)<br></span><br>In a few days I will start my journey home. Back to Santiago by bus, train to Madrid then the flight home. I miss home and it’s comforts, but most I miss Cathie. It will be good to be back.</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal; min-height: 13.1px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;">In case you ask, 395 miles, not counting looking for a bar.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><img id="id_d22f_dc42_2107_f43a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81rQvwk0mm9jbDfpAEf43FrgdLs-taTKjYvXN6JJ7UM3rULg3Kl9uWdtLkI8bdZWurAAUhQK2aOv9Qa5dEK2ApB1-5FzCA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">MUXIA<br></span><br><img id="id_d768_b002_c740_8f39" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81rer41PBPemxc5YTOpxb_LDQEES_RtKV1R2XdaSKEg5Q8rCjsPypV77bAsTm9bq8mQ2lOA8FfMgGPQ_nQOMtLWkGnI4sg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8a5b_537f_2dac_3ef5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81robhgIx_ESG4HNk9fEmVpcviUcQ5t0n6upUO2-Z9xF-GkrVI4hoCd9jxwwLwXVD-GqJ7hsjWGzm025OiT54rKDeb_y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>EARLY MORNING LIGHT</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br><img id="id_e452_418_868e_6e24" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81qzSoBjAjkhw_UTWb9Dv4eP3HQPBtOqOwYyUjLlGI3fo3EoJYb1Dd62NNsaTP2KLHIPy1Mvwn_QpdW5ZLC5eT1e0N8Nqg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">BILL BENNETT (AUSTRALIA)<br></span><br><img id="id_4180_5e0e_e4bf_55bc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81p8Wr1xt8_k8H5fsUAnuotlPbmkUbgjdQfKszioLWWanrcUDDZj0bBhXQqlHpoFNnhaCg5f9QFh7Pui9pulDYChP6zA1w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>JOSE AND HIS FELLOW PILGRIMS</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><br><img id="id_41b1_8847_6ab8_eb63" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AFGJ81q8wA7qUyhA2M9Pcda94BwTlWucY18nBNNiiXF_D7QQcbWPQv-PTaSDk4wzpSrqLpcrhnkaSnq9198c8L6DzykkPQW-mg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-feature-settings: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-variation-settings: normal;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">THE GREAT DIVIDE FINISTERRE TO THE LEFT, MUXIA TO THE RIGHT</span><br><br></p><div><br></div></div> <br><br>Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-25118529041802873812023-05-17T09:07:00.001-07:002024-03-11T13:41:35.264-07:00AMAZING EXPERENCES ON THE CAMINO<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19.2px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19.19px;">We meet the people we’er supposed to when the time is just right</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">After Villafranca del Bierzo there is a 13 mile walk along side a rural highway, almost walking entirely on pavement. The grade is gentle, but you are going up hill. Even though it is next to the road, it is actually a very beautiful walk. It is in the bottom of a deep valley alongside a rushing river. The weather is cool and there are cafes along the way. There were some pushy pilgrims in the first stop for coffee in a very crowded and busy bar. I waited my turn to be served, but others didn’t. I am seeing more and more of this. I was talking to some fellow pilgrims who have also walked before, and they said they are noticing the same thing. The people walking of more like tourist, rather than pilgrims. I finished my coffee and got out of there. A couple of miles down the road, I stopped in another cafe and I was the only customer. I ordered and ate the best bowl of Lentil Soup I have ever had. See, the 2nd bar is cool.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkExmReB0WBjXmtuX2GtDlx1-LQMqmD51P1nTRKOUnxJsPLkvlSN0ChKhHG5mSDbMaXZ9VRricq0T7cttZo3tBeSvNXVHljMquuupFXOSulMat5iVXIKOxBjsv-ssBZBuaAQeNds0TEfMTNNINuOKgKHUT0Ec3oPZzh2Vv50Pp2acu6FCuXO_ujTJusaX/s4032/IMG_0032.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkExmReB0WBjXmtuX2GtDlx1-LQMqmD51P1nTRKOUnxJsPLkvlSN0ChKhHG5mSDbMaXZ9VRricq0T7cttZo3tBeSvNXVHljMquuupFXOSulMat5iVXIKOxBjsv-ssBZBuaAQeNds0TEfMTNNINuOKgKHUT0Ec3oPZzh2Vv50Pp2acu6FCuXO_ujTJusaX/w400-h300/IMG_0032.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1HC0ykfDvqcdkevzolMPIj0grOXawde5Wi1l8uYlCkg-eHaaXgAQRIHnXT74gMuvCbiU7rWMPDRguBDRCqaNFr1w6SYCIIAt9HaiY9xNSnqU7YWGegBBi5RXZMcHxoqm_oUaxvppWszkpq9qdZZY4itbEPMVZYtzz_G7ogfadvuRAp2VmLeuAbQjYzlK/s4032/IMG_0036.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1HC0ykfDvqcdkevzolMPIj0grOXawde5Wi1l8uYlCkg-eHaaXgAQRIHnXT74gMuvCbiU7rWMPDRguBDRCqaNFr1w6SYCIIAt9HaiY9xNSnqU7YWGegBBi5RXZMcHxoqm_oUaxvppWszkpq9qdZZY4itbEPMVZYtzz_G7ogfadvuRAp2VmLeuAbQjYzlK/w400-h300/IMG_0036.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BUSY BAR</div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">At the end of the valley, one arrives in Las Herrerias, a small enclave with several options for lodging. It is a great overnight spot as the next part of the trail is steep, very steep, muddy and slippery. This is the 3rd time I climbed this mountain and for a change it wasn’t raining. It is near the top of this hill that you enter Galicia, the province of Spain where Santiago is. After reaching the summit the village of O’Cebrero, a collection of old stone buildings some with thatched roofs. After a breakfast of eggs and toast, I continued on to the small hamlet of Fonfría my next stop for the night. The Albergue there has a communal dinner in traditional building called a palloza. You are seated as you enter the building and it is the luck of the draw who you are sitting next to. So in my case, there were French to the left of me and Koreans to the right, and not a lick of English was spoke by either group. I did manage to communicate to them to pass the wine. It as a very good dinner with plenty of food to go around.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFej3uJES8a3HCu5bh-9VMosfl2hmY5e6GNLVnwmWXrWv6o3Lu-aZQTLu75N002Fz_Lb-YBE0MNLv_jcF2f7XE8p-SetE3TMa5DA2pxjZa7WgablBXsp0zjOHjCEYi8IZyj94CiOB_I-0MAjPJuAEdghXgFfTKWPDaw17E_rcC2PLXxAZqgmKB8Jr9mnq/s4032/IMG_0053.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFej3uJES8a3HCu5bh-9VMosfl2hmY5e6GNLVnwmWXrWv6o3Lu-aZQTLu75N002Fz_Lb-YBE0MNLv_jcF2f7XE8p-SetE3TMa5DA2pxjZa7WgablBXsp0zjOHjCEYi8IZyj94CiOB_I-0MAjPJuAEdghXgFfTKWPDaw17E_rcC2PLXxAZqgmKB8Jr9mnq/w400-h300/IMG_0053.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakwtP77YeGeM1YOm3zjs-kUE8QCA-6XyuME3_v9B6H0lDulHh-teOGJcm5296Q7oWJKxPx_d4fz7KuX5_NKRKpPt4A2KlAdqivNabLRDtgJ5nFFPLUzNoXEiTu6uAx4EABo67ASOXKSfTaMeL3sro-3AlJPOOgFGkOhHUvEGjftz1pPC9zOWgjFNR6nJT/s4032/IMG_0091.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakwtP77YeGeM1YOm3zjs-kUE8QCA-6XyuME3_v9B6H0lDulHh-teOGJcm5296Q7oWJKxPx_d4fz7KuX5_NKRKpPt4A2KlAdqivNabLRDtgJ5nFFPLUzNoXEiTu6uAx4EABo67ASOXKSfTaMeL3sro-3AlJPOOgFGkOhHUvEGjftz1pPC9zOWgjFNR6nJT/w400-h300/IMG_0091.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnnd53rX9V6POckn-x04-UkEjUcogB3zEdrRGOjk1KtscZXY-lEnhEu4SKasBispuG6aCWOozuLYoSasZGZlK8m2ibFrRi-F-5BjRoq8TwONU0PtEV7EHLLyQXCiwYTND4P_KlsTjaPlsyM9kpGW3lxCw35bQ5zm-P7rb_dkIT0x9P_C14arBYLjgr3OE/s4032/IMG_0092.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnnd53rX9V6POckn-x04-UkEjUcogB3zEdrRGOjk1KtscZXY-lEnhEu4SKasBispuG6aCWOozuLYoSasZGZlK8m2ibFrRi-F-5BjRoq8TwONU0PtEV7EHLLyQXCiwYTND4P_KlsTjaPlsyM9kpGW3lxCw35bQ5zm-P7rb_dkIT0x9P_C14arBYLjgr3OE/w400-h300/IMG_0092.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vP-2E3QQWf3FpohW33bGAMEtW9efo_T9jXN_-bQnk0KIjlwuiBweHfcFjwSGgOzV4emzWZQSULaqDomLLWN8PUyG9WWBmxk5JcRyTeZemHY0KplCr7nH83WHa5OmOKn-lDin5ltjXtCe9_lr6JOZz-R9qsbdUdQxWjJJdRHIX2C9V3VAdZmYaMu4D50p/s4032/IMG_0104.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vP-2E3QQWf3FpohW33bGAMEtW9efo_T9jXN_-bQnk0KIjlwuiBweHfcFjwSGgOzV4emzWZQSULaqDomLLWN8PUyG9WWBmxk5JcRyTeZemHY0KplCr7nH83WHa5OmOKn-lDin5ltjXtCe9_lr6JOZz-R9qsbdUdQxWjJJdRHIX2C9V3VAdZmYaMu4D50p/w400-h300/IMG_0104.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnFt5aZTyq89fcEga1ttE0XQWLaHEHU2g64x-O5ajIOqKD9zN0DxNYwe7G0KdmvTBbtyETvyB3t76zZKNlACxMuUiFEDXVp0lSFy0pFNPNb4cgv3rcuWf1H5OxlueEdv8OjlhjfKH6MD_Y2Yfm_byvJ4L0-h80TsMn-VjHOyQ2CP3UtRoD9_JJdz6ns6f/s4032/IMG_0105.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRnFt5aZTyq89fcEga1ttE0XQWLaHEHU2g64x-O5ajIOqKD9zN0DxNYwe7G0KdmvTBbtyETvyB3t76zZKNlACxMuUiFEDXVp0lSFy0pFNPNb4cgv3rcuWf1H5OxlueEdv8OjlhjfKH6MD_Y2Yfm_byvJ4L0-h80TsMn-VjHOyQ2CP3UtRoD9_JJdz6ns6f/w400-h300/IMG_0105.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPU7Qggz51XXUW78GXuaYatbUrprb0WsdqtbllHKamhkz_7bcd43pDPwC0nR0mgnOTuUmCLbBRJWvLQ-Bhrbw4zRBQLGTAPrTbhZ7u5wLWaF2dKvt8zR3HhopPLGsU6I8lcnoyIcQ3wKyCFiNYuHQY2zq4jYaB1BU29OR_uBBhMSHYufT0M9ASx0xug6T/s4032/IMG_0112.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPU7Qggz51XXUW78GXuaYatbUrprb0WsdqtbllHKamhkz_7bcd43pDPwC0nR0mgnOTuUmCLbBRJWvLQ-Bhrbw4zRBQLGTAPrTbhZ7u5wLWaF2dKvt8zR3HhopPLGsU6I8lcnoyIcQ3wKyCFiNYuHQY2zq4jYaB1BU29OR_uBBhMSHYufT0M9ASx0xug6T/w400-h300/IMG_0112.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;">The next day was mostly downhill and the little guy with the knife switched sides and stabbed me a few times in my right thigh. But I made it to Samos, where I stayed in a very nice hotel. Samos is the end of my walking for a few days, as I definitely needed some time off from the trail after 18 days without a break. The next morning I took a taxi to the train station in Sarria where a bus replaced the train for some reason to a few towns away. Then a train into Santiago. Sarria is 100k from Santiago is from where one must walk if they want their Compstella, or certificate issued by the pilgrims office. Since I have already done this section twice and it is the most crowded part of the Camino, I have opted to skip it. Instead after several days off in Santiago, I will continue to walk to Muxia on the coast.</span></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">While in Santiago I was able to meet up with two of my friends from previous trips to Spain. Kelly, who I walked with in 2015, now brings pilgrims from Taiwan to walk the Camino. Kelly and her group of 10, arrived the same day a I did. It was good see her again and she invited me to go with her, her friend Xquín and her tour group the next day to Finisterre and Muxia on the Coast. It was a long day on a bus, but it got me off my feet and it included a very nice lunch in a seaside restaurant.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHboTbqhwYDhgFr7OcmMz80_rLD1q-rJSSbA0vieySXlBlBfS5m-qVeNEvVYTwLuK6jRjJsyff5nnQlWvRIB3l8TY3DP7i45qtvyR1uuxpGaCcZ-ly2zdU0qGOSvv4AqjATdmXG26VbrILAjUpkqFgsDwjpWWBfhdDV59vDVcsg2tMO0oDg7N9LE3HEgoI/s4032/IMG_3376.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHboTbqhwYDhgFr7OcmMz80_rLD1q-rJSSbA0vieySXlBlBfS5m-qVeNEvVYTwLuK6jRjJsyff5nnQlWvRIB3l8TY3DP7i45qtvyR1uuxpGaCcZ-ly2zdU0qGOSvv4AqjATdmXG26VbrILAjUpkqFgsDwjpWWBfhdDV59vDVcsg2tMO0oDg7N9LE3HEgoI/w400-h300/IMG_3376.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">KELLY AND XQUÍN</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQHC5Tgv-YiUwGk6PwbYfqk24NB396QAkUI65EiNUj7UtPrVpdS8xlYK6KrAjyOYbLG2nJIfhbZmQhzCMl7jFocWggoLTR_BxHj9i1QzRXByj7EHtagTEtizYpmCbsX28bQJ79dLyPjOytO4N_d6ppDGARQTpNgTGJ5wrtkkED541-aitTGPOHrOypQU8/s4032/IMG_3378.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQHC5Tgv-YiUwGk6PwbYfqk24NB396QAkUI65EiNUj7UtPrVpdS8xlYK6KrAjyOYbLG2nJIfhbZmQhzCMl7jFocWggoLTR_BxHj9i1QzRXByj7EHtagTEtizYpmCbsX28bQJ79dLyPjOytO4N_d6ppDGARQTpNgTGJ5wrtkkED541-aitTGPOHrOypQU8/w400-h300/IMG_3378.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">KELLY’S TOUR GROUP</div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">That evening I met up with Jose, From Portugal. Cathie and I stayed in Jose’s B&B in Porto, Portugal when we were there in 2017. Jose walks the Portuguese Way every year and it just so happened that he had arrived a day earlier. So, he invited me to go with him and three of his pilgrim friends and participate in their celebration of their arrival in Santiago. And boy, and do they celebrate. Three different bars and restaurants with lots of food and copious amounts of wine. There was singing, and laughing late into the night.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11a0tZ0tNo7RyfGaBmnIxz3P4_FKqKYRcL7FcddrLUXF0dvb9Ko9xGhVKVp8TUN16o_RIRSyxwLHxJmTQwvruPGXRrhy_yyooAfqb-tR-WkfGUGLnoRiR2s9sl3PXa-hc3gN76zaQHHTqKYdblbVs_73SOoYYGOrCNASgWBkMa9wM_uJy6U9l-vgqDJLc/s4032/IMG_0171.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11a0tZ0tNo7RyfGaBmnIxz3P4_FKqKYRcL7FcddrLUXF0dvb9Ko9xGhVKVp8TUN16o_RIRSyxwLHxJmTQwvruPGXRrhy_yyooAfqb-tR-WkfGUGLnoRiR2s9sl3PXa-hc3gN76zaQHHTqKYdblbVs_73SOoYYGOrCNASgWBkMa9wM_uJy6U9l-vgqDJLc/w400-h300/IMG_0171.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">JOSE AND FRIENDS</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovwTsTV6a-tjazAvP-Nl8w-mIB1CIgH1_fgk0Wyk3hisVdUjcoQvgITFLDtK7JpobUx1faUHg2_DKMO_YLEDkCWdBIRgJWHAKyXt7T5viyTTnqASB5NN4rUuK10ZLoJQsdaJzBvfJZPJp_EJX4KuPQDjwogu0t_FOngnjjVNgqY3NNaPbWtClMIGLCXPs/s4032/IMG_0176.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovwTsTV6a-tjazAvP-Nl8w-mIB1CIgH1_fgk0Wyk3hisVdUjcoQvgITFLDtK7JpobUx1faUHg2_DKMO_YLEDkCWdBIRgJWHAKyXt7T5viyTTnqASB5NN4rUuK10ZLoJQsdaJzBvfJZPJp_EJX4KuPQDjwogu0t_FOngnjjVNgqY3NNaPbWtClMIGLCXPs/w300-h400/IMG_0176.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />Lastly another surprise, who would have foretold this. So I go to a restaurant because Kelly said it was good. Mostly seafood. The waiter seats me in a back room past the kitchen. There is a group of people in the small room and one of them looks familiar. I think he is Bill Bennett an Australian filmmaker who walked the Camino in 2013 and wrote a blog which I followed at the time. He later wrote a book called “The Way My Way.” I also read the book. Very good by the way and funny. So finally after hearing Australian accents I ask if he was Bill Bennett and it’s him. He is is Spain making a movie based on his book. In his blog and book he writes about suffering with extreme knee pain while walking. While in Burgos he visits the Cathedral. There are several side chapels and in one there is a star made of marble in the floor. Directly above there is a corresponding star in glass in the ceiling. He stands on the star and writes that the a feeling of calmness came over him while standing there. I don’t remember how long he stood there, but several minutes at least. The next day he had no pain and has been pain free since. So when I walked my first Camino in 2015, I was having pain in the balls of my feet So I figured, what have I got to loose. I stood in the same place and the next day I had no pain and have been pain free since. I told him my story and he was so grateful that we ran into each other so I could share my experience with him. I believe what happened to me, validates what he experienced on his Camino. Just a chance meeting, amazing! Here is a link to Bills Blog </p><a href="https://pgstheway.com/" id="id_3085_b125_6e28_be19">PGS The Way</a><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHEbSoUolr4aU_ESfaNEpNiAIO-6kA844WgrdoAxdg1LxHceZ6f90dDCrdE5G7FWy-tsDfC8gPjTvG4ffMr7yO-OBlZ4xGczA2lsFB9cT1B5vuM1cEcoOF7RPUcoQtFqvBakjy1LX-YrCmFWt6rViJlp2WkwFGt8GrqCsXrKciEgurrF__gpoM8q7Ux1d/s4032/IMG_0188.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHEbSoUolr4aU_ESfaNEpNiAIO-6kA844WgrdoAxdg1LxHceZ6f90dDCrdE5G7FWy-tsDfC8gPjTvG4ffMr7yO-OBlZ4xGczA2lsFB9cT1B5vuM1cEcoOF7RPUcoQtFqvBakjy1LX-YrCmFWt6rViJlp2WkwFGt8GrqCsXrKciEgurrF__gpoM8q7Ux1d/w300-h400/IMG_0188.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-48203149360281103962023-05-11T08:30:00.001-07:002024-03-07T14:20:07.043-08:00OVER HILLS AND MOUNTAINS AND BACK IN WINE COUNTRY<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">EXPERIENCE DOES FOR THE SOUL WHAT EDUCATION DOES FOR THE MIND</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 24 through 29. Villar de Mazarife to Villafranca del Bierzo. 57.5 miles. After one more day with little inclines, I stopped overnight in Hospital de Órbigo. Usually when a town has Hospital in it’s name suggests that there is or was a hospital there. In earlier times along the Camino, a hospital was a place where pilgrims were cared for. Not necessarily sick and injured but others as well. Today the folks, many times volunteers, who care for pilgrims in a albergue are called hospitaleros. These people basically run the albergues from checking pilgrims in, to cooking and cleaning. They are there to assist the pilgrims who are in need of information, where to seek medical attention and a whole host of other duties.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Hospital de Órbigo boasts a long stone bridge with 20 arches and is close to 1000 feet long. Arriving pilgrims cross this 13th century bridge which spans the Órbigo River.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlUPr6YuVt7YbCfiLVRNbv_ydElrrU72GXLRRbEmBjJOPVc_6YJcVtLx0BwcjOOdwrDVcGq_iVAIfBPETbm8Ez89mCUZNCsDBrqpQVGSw43EYB4k5Dsp0oCl0WtlbFPnyv-WyVPpmIbsAqCGOYDjPvOULIVKeGohyw7JXOvLIQpvttJtlila1KVSdjnhB/s4032/IMG_9904.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlUPr6YuVt7YbCfiLVRNbv_ydElrrU72GXLRRbEmBjJOPVc_6YJcVtLx0BwcjOOdwrDVcGq_iVAIfBPETbm8Ez89mCUZNCsDBrqpQVGSw43EYB4k5Dsp0oCl0WtlbFPnyv-WyVPpmIbsAqCGOYDjPvOULIVKeGohyw7JXOvLIQpvttJtlila1KVSdjnhB/w400-h300/IMG_9904.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YXUeQ9nTa7Zk_E1JGJHYg2hmfiPYflUEv2fJyZjNqbitSwgEEaBYhZdcqNyX-iUYifwQ0GkgJiea9FxtZ4bMZ8vkqXpwNeblYaNTWzyyE8rrU8uVuclk67S68FXkXOU9qMfJzQ5G7CianrBczdOgTMUlj_oheebMLg1yPEBluS-Z7on3dMwU6dokzZS-/s4032/IMG_9905.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YXUeQ9nTa7Zk_E1JGJHYg2hmfiPYflUEv2fJyZjNqbitSwgEEaBYhZdcqNyX-iUYifwQ0GkgJiea9FxtZ4bMZ8vkqXpwNeblYaNTWzyyE8rrU8uVuclk67S68FXkXOU9qMfJzQ5G7CianrBczdOgTMUlj_oheebMLg1yPEBluS-Z7on3dMwU6dokzZS-/w400-h300/IMG_9905.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19.2px;">After thunderstorms last night, the skies have cleared and it was a great day for walking. The landscape has changed and there are now ups and downs to contend with, but the scenery has improved. Along the Camino you come across many places where someone has set up a small stand and offers fruit, cold drinks and more. Most of these entrepreneurs ask only for a donation and most are on the honor system. Leave some change if you can, if you can’t, well that’s ok too. The King of these Entrepreneurs is David, who has been feeding pilgrims for years. He is along side the path about 4 miles before reaching the City of Astorga out in the middle of nowhere. He provides fruit, drinks, hot coffee, cheese and sausage all for a donation. He also will let you sleep in one of his open air beds.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGllcrm9LOnqQ5sPVKTdEEC2XkWK0AHOxbfaBBcJfvozMxH1zbP6XJ_47rn_o_QhfOO6CDUEKm0XbY91t4_gnbtqVh1v76gyDmOimp7c1NBkD36w3p69jBJXLXkPW-KDJkdzALxH9DpNEKT_epGNhrAoJedQP7ttq0m2kk-dsN94tl7lCBvtarEityKAq/s4032/IMG_9913.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGllcrm9LOnqQ5sPVKTdEEC2XkWK0AHOxbfaBBcJfvozMxH1zbP6XJ_47rn_o_QhfOO6CDUEKm0XbY91t4_gnbtqVh1v76gyDmOimp7c1NBkD36w3p69jBJXLXkPW-KDJkdzALxH9DpNEKT_epGNhrAoJedQP7ttq0m2kk-dsN94tl7lCBvtarEityKAq/w400-h300/IMG_9913.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyyAzXLpl9uM2zPbe1GDE_g8PHYsfhxsHZE9E-1rP_mvGVr2M2Vjnc2y4TzE2fcCMax4yHtebMA1vyO4bwB2OcLgbqdI-PjylPVAqP6q5YorTmVzzl5jJKCdzpXD2dz1GAe0DQb-dqfdzJ3i_k-5OSJLJhYw4t2lQarmsEuP_7YqOzEz5d3ki6dyg0JiP/s4032/IMG_9915.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyyAzXLpl9uM2zPbe1GDE_g8PHYsfhxsHZE9E-1rP_mvGVr2M2Vjnc2y4TzE2fcCMax4yHtebMA1vyO4bwB2OcLgbqdI-PjylPVAqP6q5YorTmVzzl5jJKCdzpXD2dz1GAe0DQb-dqfdzJ3i_k-5OSJLJhYw4t2lQarmsEuP_7YqOzEz5d3ki6dyg0JiP/w400-h300/IMG_9915.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbTMz3gxRgl0_Rgd7PaEYfEbUT71Bu22SsclRnl2ycSBtED7k_f73cwAIWhoK351ZC1gQFwNjE40GCckRRed_Bs_vvfftDc5BgNftzvsu60oIjccIBV7WSGJvx7XBwtTwz_14ZMqrGf03oCZIxE3UvMZoJEFFKbOW2WUhKpYCPbvE66_k0i8uYqcvjhz3/s4032/IMG_9916.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbTMz3gxRgl0_Rgd7PaEYfEbUT71Bu22SsclRnl2ycSBtED7k_f73cwAIWhoK351ZC1gQFwNjE40GCckRRed_Bs_vvfftDc5BgNftzvsu60oIjccIBV7WSGJvx7XBwtTwz_14ZMqrGf03oCZIxE3UvMZoJEFFKbOW2WUhKpYCPbvE66_k0i8uYqcvjhz3/w400-h300/IMG_9916.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9cVA28QF1Y7El9hBNtn397GMmSNFogIBhp2lG6O8mxQz9u0HVjADm8lw_zrGydtvdmi9Rlf7lL97XGc55Xz9AOF0_wKmvJkPlM1RIEXHG-0msz3rsJcK2u62_E9k0JUsY_sKzz-DSlu15rWn-JLwnuKik-jo-YzMcTcexb_CdCthIZO2Ohn-wdch2NqP/s4032/IMG_9919.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9cVA28QF1Y7El9hBNtn397GMmSNFogIBhp2lG6O8mxQz9u0HVjADm8lw_zrGydtvdmi9Rlf7lL97XGc55Xz9AOF0_wKmvJkPlM1RIEXHG-0msz3rsJcK2u62_E9k0JUsY_sKzz-DSlu15rWn-JLwnuKik-jo-YzMcTcexb_CdCthIZO2Ohn-wdch2NqP/w400-h300/IMG_9919.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">DAVID</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOAOKg4iezKM-d8Wq246Zfw2q4xo26mlLkjuct_LMCQdHaQax8yyH4hU3080IOcAsbWUSZC4gaDEqdax3zBX34l-z5HnepivExJrTpJ18waSp9dc-ekd8U1FUnmUJzNQVnjaPc2gcYULgHors1d3lXBX9Tvn-5ugSHC1u5EOX80TRrQ6m2u_8wyPDeS4b/s4032/IMG_9922.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOAOKg4iezKM-d8Wq246Zfw2q4xo26mlLkjuct_LMCQdHaQax8yyH4hU3080IOcAsbWUSZC4gaDEqdax3zBX34l-z5HnepivExJrTpJ18waSp9dc-ekd8U1FUnmUJzNQVnjaPc2gcYULgHors1d3lXBX9Tvn-5ugSHC1u5EOX80TRrQ6m2u_8wyPDeS4b/w400-h300/IMG_9922.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHmO7URSwQlmijl05OISfTm2c_q9ts6ZcSb_bON1xje9HUPgMkHVe2LUeWVrhjafAtefBm435LBgH42zLlnsKPFwImxCMR1LpoBWs-WvmlGd1VqPuVicIN8asCXBMAXvuyK6B7UPgfYz_LbkwOevX6Yh6GeW6S5eB9n-3iu_2fu7rU1zCBPleBTynLbH6/s4032/IMG_9925.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHmO7URSwQlmijl05OISfTm2c_q9ts6ZcSb_bON1xje9HUPgMkHVe2LUeWVrhjafAtefBm435LBgH42zLlnsKPFwImxCMR1LpoBWs-WvmlGd1VqPuVicIN8asCXBMAXvuyK6B7UPgfYz_LbkwOevX6Yh6GeW6S5eB9n-3iu_2fu7rU1zCBPleBTynLbH6/w400-h300/IMG_9925.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PALACIO DE GAUDI</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmeE5IYK2z3aqXsoIZGYkUtjg8MZrppvtnlShKqx3k1So_R57DDFtu9lxyC_RjSOmqiDvv1pwH6hVnRkvDkiNs0e85L0a7VVKWYe2nvFRrNsdtRLa2NhWbs9uoec7CHpPNcJIirvlnLRQHoEajL-bz6UFhzvPb5GhTChm_ze2AvQZH_BIOeqsw4ISUGIA/s4032/IMG_9926.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCmeE5IYK2z3aqXsoIZGYkUtjg8MZrppvtnlShKqx3k1So_R57DDFtu9lxyC_RjSOmqiDvv1pwH6hVnRkvDkiNs0e85L0a7VVKWYe2nvFRrNsdtRLa2NhWbs9uoec7CHpPNcJIirvlnLRQHoEajL-bz6UFhzvPb5GhTChm_ze2AvQZH_BIOeqsw4ISUGIA/w400-h300/IMG_9926.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ASTORGA PLAZA MAYOR</div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">After an overnight in Astoria, a beautiful city by the way, we begin the slow but steady climb to the high point on the Camino. After another night in Rabanal del Camino, the climb begins in earnest, reaching just under 5000 feet. And what would a pilgrimage over the mountains be without some rain. Wind, fog and rain accompanied us for the first 3 hours or so until reaching Cruz de Ferro. The Iron Cross is where pilgrims leave a stone that they have brought from their their home which represents one’s burdens. You cast off your burden and now it its lighter.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEHBhQeZIifvPC8L-j8eBn5CIenh1s6nYLVwlwyBYs_igwAe82DVLLZP4J1ESxSTeS-ul7-1pmQZ78AU0iTMg3TaJpARMbi7vVZe4KzHVnSBHj8TTbPbDrRk7r7hdrBBsKJAh0j_o-k2BiEMTQpjJXF85PEagdIfgmaKHbfymeITRGiGibOhF-51JaFB1/s4032/IMG_9949.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEHBhQeZIifvPC8L-j8eBn5CIenh1s6nYLVwlwyBYs_igwAe82DVLLZP4J1ESxSTeS-ul7-1pmQZ78AU0iTMg3TaJpARMbi7vVZe4KzHVnSBHj8TTbPbDrRk7r7hdrBBsKJAh0j_o-k2BiEMTQpjJXF85PEagdIfgmaKHbfymeITRGiGibOhF-51JaFB1/w400-h300/IMG_9949.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2-Bk4UMTLQOTtLaCeqZ8RnBmZD1v_h3TNRVzAcJtv4iIOHEAp7AtMCmg78I3JlxJABnwP5W43fq9q1miuCRhc5m-W4eg63yw0bDgNHndjBJGA6Aef-hodsoct1GQo-oxLO37cwZsLrICvkIPI4nw61XDNGfo_MsGDkqB96SBNqSePqKCJFkmz-zku19s/s4032/IMG_9950.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2-Bk4UMTLQOTtLaCeqZ8RnBmZD1v_h3TNRVzAcJtv4iIOHEAp7AtMCmg78I3JlxJABnwP5W43fq9q1miuCRhc5m-W4eg63yw0bDgNHndjBJGA6Aef-hodsoct1GQo-oxLO37cwZsLrICvkIPI4nw61XDNGfo_MsGDkqB96SBNqSePqKCJFkmz-zku19s/w400-h300/IMG_9950.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CRUZde FERRO</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT0aecGLW_ef8Stxio9IUkzB7l-Wb33lWL8dhTeYu7oDB5-yqG70DB7DCMedY3Sah9qIaly9Jx4c6HfEpytepJiE6rLvc3XL73SvUVFikBMoRQ3xjRc2xLASBpvdKgFOwzpME3nB7MI4l1KuxVJSWbjT-MTVOhZS9s1AQZAdiidePX1qrNWgXd1WZgVug/s4032/IMG_9952.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQT0aecGLW_ef8Stxio9IUkzB7l-Wb33lWL8dhTeYu7oDB5-yqG70DB7DCMedY3Sah9qIaly9Jx4c6HfEpytepJiE6rLvc3XL73SvUVFikBMoRQ3xjRc2xLASBpvdKgFOwzpME3nB7MI4l1KuxVJSWbjT-MTVOhZS9s1AQZAdiidePX1qrNWgXd1WZgVug/w400-h300/IMG_9952.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />Having reached the high point, the day continues down the other side of the mountains. Going up is hard enough, but down in my opinion, is harder From the top to the bottom it is a steep, toe mashing decent into Molinaseca the next stop. With a decent of 3040 feet on loose rocks making for questionable footing, it seems to never end. Upon reaching Molinaseca, I managed to drag myself to the nearest shop with ice cream to begin my recovery from the nightmarish decent. This was my longest day at 15.8 miles.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmkWVi8WtY42DZdDOrB76EpD7g8cEdtZj5YXfC7S_q3cyzRelg2MhaZ-bpQKpb0M_bWUj-MFoqJTkW3362ZKDy4jqZ2_-eNnbKAArZlwDJhGNuajv3BpiVwLsSYoNvcqY_KeU1Ztlb8yfqo04XLvt-NX6FCpxLAGoiCEmGVqY3gPtNYaxrzj3rBKjcWA8/s4032/IMG_9962.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmkWVi8WtY42DZdDOrB76EpD7g8cEdtZj5YXfC7S_q3cyzRelg2MhaZ-bpQKpb0M_bWUj-MFoqJTkW3362ZKDy4jqZ2_-eNnbKAArZlwDJhGNuajv3BpiVwLsSYoNvcqY_KeU1Ztlb8yfqo04XLvt-NX6FCpxLAGoiCEmGVqY3gPtNYaxrzj3rBKjcWA8/w400-h300/IMG_9962.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXz8N3WtQKB_wFpjU0vij9L2QsIFbF2_G0LYkiHi7PNpMGDVj7uyTxfxayMsi_OVPtVKQOrFmB1MzdWSpk9Y0U89A7zJoNcRkDDdGZ-8LxZE07frwiRyhhBMTeCcd0uiF9wIt3Al76WRWidgCVSjNcQL2ICtCFT7DxbiMqDdnDXxn42RlS5HTjkPYXsPWu/s4032/IMG_9971.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXz8N3WtQKB_wFpjU0vij9L2QsIFbF2_G0LYkiHi7PNpMGDVj7uyTxfxayMsi_OVPtVKQOrFmB1MzdWSpk9Y0U89A7zJoNcRkDDdGZ-8LxZE07frwiRyhhBMTeCcd0uiF9wIt3Al76WRWidgCVSjNcQL2ICtCFT7DxbiMqDdnDXxn42RlS5HTjkPYXsPWu/w400-h300/IMG_9971.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIw0crDWD8H9Ca8XfXqZIVl5BRghjyehKoAduAfZUsU-hPF2oOxxEglZs9u9Lf3iDlXMG6TaPnpYyXXkZ7X358TMlWFKVWqXHeWhoLGMykZ76xrkDdSut9uC8SX0P0I76dL4qnEs138_x7NrLdXFZ8n3GDE-Eg2A8jjhAYFK9Tkp65TYjb9HYmF7xMr2b/s4032/IMG_9973.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIw0crDWD8H9Ca8XfXqZIVl5BRghjyehKoAduAfZUsU-hPF2oOxxEglZs9u9Lf3iDlXMG6TaPnpYyXXkZ7X358TMlWFKVWqXHeWhoLGMykZ76xrkDdSut9uC8SX0P0I76dL4qnEs138_x7NrLdXFZ8n3GDE-Eg2A8jjhAYFK9Tkp65TYjb9HYmF7xMr2b/w400-h300/IMG_9973.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSrg14f3npnDiLnZGhQzY9KTkIIOIz5ap_P1JvNVlmX6F-wy0ACMpux4lrDfWXKBvA1pBulwvWuZy1mqA00BeT5iuuNKSIrj1Y9DfoZ2trqlDKrTaSl46KheI32UbP1Oh3KBkQ8PUOWnh0z7k68GVWBXotK7NKXtRBWjTgP959iq4yunUn2hGW7uzu114/s4032/IMG_9974.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSrg14f3npnDiLnZGhQzY9KTkIIOIz5ap_P1JvNVlmX6F-wy0ACMpux4lrDfWXKBvA1pBulwvWuZy1mqA00BeT5iuuNKSIrj1Y9DfoZ2trqlDKrTaSl46KheI32UbP1Oh3KBkQ8PUOWnh0z7k68GVWBXotK7NKXtRBWjTgP959iq4yunUn2hGW7uzu114/w400-h300/IMG_9974.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqzUH-OZIC9QPY3xJtWZsSmWiiBfftE0K7DsWWaGyD7p2-xOSFCL-vtLOkALmP7I7vbiygErGt2l2h7rEN4_3M7XaFxWsMbB1tdis7VbNXpK3lNdnLinb3-XA7vJmLi5LuJsS6gIe94UltDNPEDq-2V9PoSQOw7GeI1Q173Ehbeyydlfqvv9TmseJQO0e/s4032/IMG_9975.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqzUH-OZIC9QPY3xJtWZsSmWiiBfftE0K7DsWWaGyD7p2-xOSFCL-vtLOkALmP7I7vbiygErGt2l2h7rEN4_3M7XaFxWsMbB1tdis7VbNXpK3lNdnLinb3-XA7vJmLi5LuJsS6gIe94UltDNPEDq-2V9PoSQOw7GeI1Q173Ehbeyydlfqvv9TmseJQO0e/w400-h300/IMG_9975.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">After yesterday, a short easy day was in store. Most of it was on pavement, mostly level. The pavement part not so good, the level part really good. Leaving Molinaseca, no bars or cafes were open for breakfast, so on to the next town, which is Ponferrada, a large city. Found a really nice Bakery/Cafe which had Huevos Benedictinos on the menu. They also had pancakes, rarely found in Spain, much less the Camino. Went off trail looking for an ATM, saw parts of the city most pilgrims miss. In Pilgrim lore, Ponferrada is famous for it’s Templar Castle. An imposing structure that was home to the Templar Knights, who among other things, protected pilgrims on their way to Santiago. The exit of the city follows the river which runs through a large park. Then it’s residential areas, farms and a couple of villages before reaching Camponaraya, my next stop for the night.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzjMkMo0E54MCJrjsrJQ5dcHl-dBX75YVzInl59YiKhz2e6EMilvclmkvrDS6HFzIktj0uLRF1oaq-q3JPPTyuHcjNY9YpVbrzRpEBhpeM3stiMcnE4MmpDjlZ2CD5vJs0s6YUPRb5aY9YBbr2xiYhLfwM_eYHRX10evjNl2djzVQXYSNbY34M2X1NMSb/s4032/IMG_9982.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzjMkMo0E54MCJrjsrJQ5dcHl-dBX75YVzInl59YiKhz2e6EMilvclmkvrDS6HFzIktj0uLRF1oaq-q3JPPTyuHcjNY9YpVbrzRpEBhpeM3stiMcnE4MmpDjlZ2CD5vJs0s6YUPRb5aY9YBbr2xiYhLfwM_eYHRX10evjNl2djzVQXYSNbY34M2X1NMSb/w400-h300/IMG_9982.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNcf5xwMhmkoKap__pX7f5colklK5To24oAXWbLcWTh7dnK8E_MAtmdKQxkFXliQUdjrdUTy8n9UV82HOswu7lQIT3W2zZC1v31Ntmh7LsA2IkF37-OIt3cCjuS6PviYveqU9HY8Jtcckm-grPZe-Ae4ITu143IuwI8oluCFeHVRK8bhmHa0TqWoohBMd/s4032/IMG_9984.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNcf5xwMhmkoKap__pX7f5colklK5To24oAXWbLcWTh7dnK8E_MAtmdKQxkFXliQUdjrdUTy8n9UV82HOswu7lQIT3W2zZC1v31Ntmh7LsA2IkF37-OIt3cCjuS6PviYveqU9HY8Jtcckm-grPZe-Ae4ITu143IuwI8oluCFeHVRK8bhmHa0TqWoohBMd/w400-h300/IMG_9984.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PONFERADA</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-SliMFm9j_6PxVOslrJjkm8qg7XCYXmjtxfEOi79vHWyK66IisrJly5VWq6rfEO8UCv2lXPE3_lUDZwnEEfJTCm5Fv1SGkPjnCqbORkx8zl6E7hZhj2e8DzAA6MjpUKvKrCR1E5BXisHNEXr3Xf1nnIpjEr9oWfrHStEzkHtnXNwMmi6eobzzJXrjot2/s4032/IMG_9985.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-SliMFm9j_6PxVOslrJjkm8qg7XCYXmjtxfEOi79vHWyK66IisrJly5VWq6rfEO8UCv2lXPE3_lUDZwnEEfJTCm5Fv1SGkPjnCqbORkx8zl6E7hZhj2e8DzAA6MjpUKvKrCR1E5BXisHNEXr3Xf1nnIpjEr9oWfrHStEzkHtnXNwMmi6eobzzJXrjot2/w400-h300/IMG_9985.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">A short 8.5 mile easy day was in store, arriving in Villafranca at 11:30. The scenery is definitely changing, with rolling hills planted with grapes, as we have entered another Spanish wine region. Scattered among the grapes are a few olive orchards along with cherries. Passed and photographed the “most photographed house on the Camino”, or so it is said.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe3R6YgzeoVT7rWKxE0jzemmIIwIs8lOvyDhdvBoSO7hIsArUi0sDkVKCfeaIJbBwG4jRGN52MxvhNfD_xHPOwdSjXsxSq8xE_wxtMH4HY5755P1x44KgZPPYjjiSGfEDmNKfaigrIp-zL4sh-TwBFlSJlMMZpzdEuFOnoVcaCD2XrrPiOXGovrAv3k4D/s4032/IMG_0002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe3R6YgzeoVT7rWKxE0jzemmIIwIs8lOvyDhdvBoSO7hIsArUi0sDkVKCfeaIJbBwG4jRGN52MxvhNfD_xHPOwdSjXsxSq8xE_wxtMH4HY5755P1x44KgZPPYjjiSGfEDmNKfaigrIp-zL4sh-TwBFlSJlMMZpzdEuFOnoVcaCD2XrrPiOXGovrAv3k4D/w400-h300/IMG_0002.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2tKBkNiKINf2EQ5CCXxCkcr1es0T2sEf1enbNduoGa_JTggpOolhFy5PCjHYqxDUpf8Z-Zl32Aye7qz8ZsHzwmNMQMon8PrcU7gt8KgvBL9isf9H2eQnHbWo3edM3uPf4cM5s98y_gTQBZ7U-FafJtOip-voRFVg7rAce85wgQeqixsHXLes2SAuz_Kb/s4032/IMG_0006.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2tKBkNiKINf2EQ5CCXxCkcr1es0T2sEf1enbNduoGa_JTggpOolhFy5PCjHYqxDUpf8Z-Zl32Aye7qz8ZsHzwmNMQMon8PrcU7gt8KgvBL9isf9H2eQnHbWo3edM3uPf4cM5s98y_gTQBZ7U-FafJtOip-voRFVg7rAce85wgQeqixsHXLes2SAuz_Kb/w400-h300/IMG_0006.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_1Aq8m5wTgdkyehW8YmWo2XYkzVy1s5Tn_LAACd393lr7Z-j78Gi5fFogFNQMPxjNTSjjTpUnMil-HEUADZxE1KIaaQdwXqlQEWQ2qbZ8ZMvah-n6Xe4lFIDuIIKvphhiAfTkFGjORyjxDgDfXz9Iy4VQ4fR3Em2RJzj1hxZvEnVKaNLlBd30cp4MW81/s4032/IMG_0007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_1Aq8m5wTgdkyehW8YmWo2XYkzVy1s5Tn_LAACd393lr7Z-j78Gi5fFogFNQMPxjNTSjjTpUnMil-HEUADZxE1KIaaQdwXqlQEWQ2qbZ8ZMvah-n6Xe4lFIDuIIKvphhiAfTkFGjORyjxDgDfXz9Iy4VQ4fR3Em2RJzj1hxZvEnVKaNLlBd30cp4MW81/w400-h300/IMG_0007.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4XuQY8EW1CWN7TPzsVGzuPCq9raAvF7vhzopn5gW-y7NNLayWbuN-YBKAnT-ncny7aNREzLOdf6FnlRKRAnpaoYodRTIwk8mcnwdrZKODbfDvrp6THig1jwCZYO-1EXCetWDUENkmKNZ8LO1qhfejjrAs5NA-3ciSL5sl6AN8M-LZ4YWrq431Yb3NK8n/s4032/IMG_0025.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4XuQY8EW1CWN7TPzsVGzuPCq9raAvF7vhzopn5gW-y7NNLayWbuN-YBKAnT-ncny7aNREzLOdf6FnlRKRAnpaoYodRTIwk8mcnwdrZKODbfDvrp6THig1jwCZYO-1EXCetWDUENkmKNZ8LO1qhfejjrAs5NA-3ciSL5sl6AN8M-LZ4YWrq431Yb3NK8n/w300-h400/IMG_0025.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />The Camino doesn’t seem as crowded as it was several weeks ago. Today I saw few pilgrims while walking. Villafranca, is at the end of stage in most guides, but there are few pilgrims in the restaurants in the town plaza. When I was here 5 years ago, the place was packed. I’m sure they’re out there somewhere, just not where I am now.</p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-42495619199022214982023-05-06T06:47:00.001-07:002024-03-07T13:12:21.815-08:00EASY WALKING ON THE MESETA<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19.2px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19.19px;">I DO NOT WALK TO ADD DAYS TO MY LIFE. I WALK TO ADD LIFE TO MY DAY</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 20 8.4 miles. Shagún to Calzadilla de los Hermanillos</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Short day, as planned. Taking the alternate route on the old Roman Road. Very few people take this route and after leaving the main Camino, I saw no one. Arrived here a 11:30, got checked in by the same woman who checked me in 5 years ago. When walked 5 years ago, I made a video of my walk. I would normally video when checking in and getting my passport stamped. So I played the portion of the video when she checked me in and she was tickled by it. She told me to wait, while she got here mother and uncle so they could watch it too.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCYtMF0_bLiPIcIPQcaO54X3B8PYFhikDtxa4RD6hjjiOo7Kvip4L8fdkuvgY-tkxrsdm1hQhyFl68U6ZBL1x20TvIdR1k0GJ-6i8jYuvxNSbuMuC-JUKxldU2aWyrx2UBoOTKGElPWVBpQadShArNmSojig_x3omDnog98gCRDwYZfN9bbGTMxhv5aW7/s4032/IMG_9797.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCYtMF0_bLiPIcIPQcaO54X3B8PYFhikDtxa4RD6hjjiOo7Kvip4L8fdkuvgY-tkxrsdm1hQhyFl68U6ZBL1x20TvIdR1k0GJ-6i8jYuvxNSbuMuC-JUKxldU2aWyrx2UBoOTKGElPWVBpQadShArNmSojig_x3omDnog98gCRDwYZfN9bbGTMxhv5aW7/w400-h300/IMG_9797.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">My pack had not arrived yet, so I ordered my Bocadillo Especial, which they happily made for me. More pilgrims arrived throughout the day and most of us sat out on the patio enjoying drinks and conversation. Some spent the afternoon glued to their devices trying to book accommodations ahead. When I started walking, the Camino wasn’t too crowded, but that seems to have changed. People are booking ahead, and it is getting difficult to find availability in some towns. I have booked all the way to Santiago, but not from Santiago to the coast. So I started searching for rooms. Many places were booked, even though many pilgrims don’t extend their pilgrimage all the way to the coast. I spent a couple of hours, finding and reserving places with good reviews, so now I can rest easy.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">As I mentioned, I have stayed here before. Albergue Via Trajana didn’t disappoint this time either. With a cool shaded patio for beer and wine, it is a great place for recovering from the walk and meeting with other pilgrims. The staff is friendly and accommodating. Not much in the way of eating establishments in this town, but Via Trajana provides a varied menu for snacks and full meals. The nights dinner includes lamb, which you don’t see often on an Albergue’s menu. Great dinner and conversation with fellow pilgrims.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtH_cdFFTBKHYLVB7j6U4OczeTOVA4qKtwZ6u7zKPaahq9A9MwUBRvSVvXLLkud9qo5nkBKLGrjixQOXpykxKRPPv-RpTCYpwhAwtf3zmGUJApWT3YGxH6-jNtXlychzIQ8tD1NdGT-yadZTRzUx7sBsKgO-W8i0HNsTXk9ptaIX1cEt9Y0oV12q5Xtbz/s4032/IMG_3953.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNtH_cdFFTBKHYLVB7j6U4OczeTOVA4qKtwZ6u7zKPaahq9A9MwUBRvSVvXLLkud9qo5nkBKLGrjixQOXpykxKRPPv-RpTCYpwhAwtf3zmGUJApWT3YGxH6-jNtXlychzIQ8tD1NdGT-yadZTRzUx7sBsKgO-W8i0HNsTXk9ptaIX1cEt9Y0oV12q5Xtbz/w400-h300/IMG_3953.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJLK2tOGtIo1dQ4NBJsUCGurY_PT1vNxwTkcBQnMFahvjQ-akMAgP7gLPrWT5jtz54ivFULz9_PIC7_MESJz-oHDervOqq1_BcMEKrVeSXCM72QxXatb9rqXhvWjvFUbrXeYq66EFeuDWKGW3GVn9B4J1V-AMYQFffxZ8Tql5121nXuv-HPHsH0KjtuVm/s4032/IMG_9806.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJLK2tOGtIo1dQ4NBJsUCGurY_PT1vNxwTkcBQnMFahvjQ-akMAgP7gLPrWT5jtz54ivFULz9_PIC7_MESJz-oHDervOqq1_BcMEKrVeSXCM72QxXatb9rqXhvWjvFUbrXeYq66EFeuDWKGW3GVn9B4J1V-AMYQFffxZ8Tql5121nXuv-HPHsH0KjtuVm/w400-h300/IMG_9806.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 21. 14.7 miles (by bus) Cazdilla de los Hernamillos to Mansilla de los Mulas</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">I have walked the next section before and I knew I didn’t want to do it again. Flat, dry, hot with little or no vegetation. So, Patricia at the albergue happened to mention that the bus runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So I along with 3 other pilgrims devised a plan to sleep in late, take our time with breakfast and enjoy the ride. It was a great plan as temperatures hit the low 80’s. It was a money saver also. Each day I have been shipping my pack ahead at the cost of 6€. The bus ride cost 4.65€, saving me 1.35€, enough for another glass of Vino Tinto and the end of the day. If I continued doing this I could save a bunch and have the bonus of another glass of wine to boot. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrcesCON0_t-i66i6soNj8hG-O3C7wkkVhYlyGYy7v2TTpQsgd0asPBt6tFPsslzfVbNHsoD2t4PjZKADmiPYvQVSc6OSykV1Rllb9REJO0yKurHAcoTnOX6ldeEmQGt3y4WFiH5L-qOzMPg5GHA1FB-NJUnm5Xc9dZB4YTRHW8aSRY8W3o08ZwXnvd_i/s4032/IMG_9809.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrcesCON0_t-i66i6soNj8hG-O3C7wkkVhYlyGYy7v2TTpQsgd0asPBt6tFPsslzfVbNHsoD2t4PjZKADmiPYvQVSc6OSykV1Rllb9REJO0yKurHAcoTnOX6ldeEmQGt3y4WFiH5L-qOzMPg5GHA1FB-NJUnm5Xc9dZB4YTRHW8aSRY8W3o08ZwXnvd_i/w400-h300/IMG_9809.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-ZcS5TJQNlt5G3C9rB9GConCy4eh1oBkM7mPw-cHNryNm0LkXbNZmUfEDOpRJ_vjipxDf9VWJbwVTugNn2KTFYmnb78VZWQfQ4lLJm27F7nHkT88mAMNyuBmLhVyHWP5KKcoC33DpPa1hwT_kW05j7BMQ4C0q9cOa2uddX_f02PdE3XcU2t_i6dQV7X8/s4032/IMG_9813.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-ZcS5TJQNlt5G3C9rB9GConCy4eh1oBkM7mPw-cHNryNm0LkXbNZmUfEDOpRJ_vjipxDf9VWJbwVTugNn2KTFYmnb78VZWQfQ4lLJm27F7nHkT88mAMNyuBmLhVyHWP5KKcoC33DpPa1hwT_kW05j7BMQ4C0q9cOa2uddX_f02PdE3XcU2t_i6dQV7X8/w400-h300/IMG_9813.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1te0IweAD1sYcEH-uErDGuNC8LoQXmFJM9R0kX5Uj-RxDnfgfIdzhRwvfxa9BNPcgW2F7-iH84iXzuobmqQ9jl1pkCSMlX9Bye0sN49mtZUDAihAhmdX9WXOozDWe4oVJ8FC9EiFZhfIpvEH5RFN4luZHLHG4iaFyg8qj2_jkCmpyQyWV9A3YmXKGghyK/s4032/IMG_9814.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1te0IweAD1sYcEH-uErDGuNC8LoQXmFJM9R0kX5Uj-RxDnfgfIdzhRwvfxa9BNPcgW2F7-iH84iXzuobmqQ9jl1pkCSMlX9Bye0sN49mtZUDAihAhmdX9WXOozDWe4oVJ8FC9EiFZhfIpvEH5RFN4luZHLHG4iaFyg8qj2_jkCmpyQyWV9A3YmXKGghyK/w400-h300/IMG_9814.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnR3V-WLLAs9LkuU8q_VuOp3QdxOLgj_9mxNTsgtyiO0yPtG3LXJlV6sDmhXkeXllSYyxG_qHY3_QuFU5E2nctDJES9HKRQkPjbo6YdQK1wsEEf1p7ODqa57ym0Z64rjrRYwZgwY4dxJI0qMQSwJ3BCFcQGfYFaeHC8nFGK1wES07yE6M8WnlwLkosfq7/s4032/IMG_9818.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnR3V-WLLAs9LkuU8q_VuOp3QdxOLgj_9mxNTsgtyiO0yPtG3LXJlV6sDmhXkeXllSYyxG_qHY3_QuFU5E2nctDJES9HKRQkPjbo6YdQK1wsEEf1p7ODqa57ym0Z64rjrRYwZgwY4dxJI0qMQSwJ3BCFcQGfYFaeHC8nFGK1wES07yE6M8WnlwLkosfq7/w400-h300/IMG_9818.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />I’ve rented a small apartment for tonight’s stay, it adds another bonus for the day with a washing machine. Tomorrow, Leon.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 22. 11.7 miles. Mansilla las Mules to Leon.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Easy walking day on flat terrain, but next to a highway much of the time. Got cold enough to put the rain jacket on over my fleece for awhile. Not a pleasant walk in the way of scenery. As you approach Leon, you walked through industrial areas, then an hour or more on city streets before hitting the historic center. I stopped along the way to top up my SIM card in a cell phone shop. A word about cell phones. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Depending on what cell plan you have, will depend on the cost of using your phone in Spain. My AT&T plan want’s to charge me $10 a day for some period of time, pulse for the minutes. If you need to keep your phone number then you will probably have to pay for the privilege. I have found that for my needs, I can purchase a SIM card once I’m in Spain at any tobacco shop. This works as long as my phone is unlocked. As and example, I got a SIM card for Movistar network for 10€. It came with 10gig of internet for use in 30 days. I don’t remember how many minutes of talk, but it was a bunch. This does not include international calling. Anyway, 30 days was almost up, so I added another 10€ today to keep the phone working till I leave Spain. There are other European cell plans available to choose from. Most tobacco shops sell plans for most of them. For communication back to home, I have serval options. I can use Skype, Messenger or old fashioned e-mail.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">This is the 3rd time I’ve walked into León and each time the police are there to greet you. Mostly for PR, but they will answer question and give you information about the city. They also give you a piece of candy, so you gotta stop.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpq1iP14EhMVmfZ9-HHKjFBbOUHC1jSztDiaFyUcf0tRgSQswLufBwFp6rh5M3pOIDvxbpxEvwWD-RqaNykN4oHPPAlgAQm__HD2so-kpweG_KkyM6uTnVMET5HEse8J3jdrpu1_z4Wu311fNU8n64DCSdqbWXxlIqzP94cccwPBHRJrUqT4fU6vqAzW9j/s4032/IMG_9851.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpq1iP14EhMVmfZ9-HHKjFBbOUHC1jSztDiaFyUcf0tRgSQswLufBwFp6rh5M3pOIDvxbpxEvwWD-RqaNykN4oHPPAlgAQm__HD2so-kpweG_KkyM6uTnVMET5HEse8J3jdrpu1_z4Wu311fNU8n64DCSdqbWXxlIqzP94cccwPBHRJrUqT4fU6vqAzW9j/w400-h300/IMG_9851.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcUcmWd4bZ-L6BSQJJm91Yn3R9xy6pv86TAMTkQ_n65BhakVEdrJ2klklhGisSG_1g5PEge2oWqe-QLzi3mYPQBMZtMvUtReMkOr7jqsWcjQPgFjfVvYd_W9dTvwSNLYzQhcAZ1ty2qzJQj-UnM2TYdsU7gf4JWQeB0HyaISNm4VHOMuh42B2G8kDUycK/s4032/IMG_9855.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcUcmWd4bZ-L6BSQJJm91Yn3R9xy6pv86TAMTkQ_n65BhakVEdrJ2klklhGisSG_1g5PEge2oWqe-QLzi3mYPQBMZtMvUtReMkOr7jqsWcjQPgFjfVvYd_W9dTvwSNLYzQhcAZ1ty2qzJQj-UnM2TYdsU7gf4JWQeB0HyaISNm4VHOMuh42B2G8kDUycK/w400-h300/IMG_9855.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">THE CITY WALL</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINSsIV6CeYZrp3HjUcOSOHBHz4y3ZQU9aU03sRcF07WtfbURsMoDWY5fmwIcyolYXZbpYcm6wyV3ilkeKZbdOWFSo8JDgM37D4SyfLzD6zkY4baZ8XTjjrCB-dXjbh5AeMANFg6Sb42Bhej4W4uI8CKDWe8_YTQUPLsfGjGRCt23-P7cqK9T9FU2sg6bx/s4032/IMG_9860.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINSsIV6CeYZrp3HjUcOSOHBHz4y3ZQU9aU03sRcF07WtfbURsMoDWY5fmwIcyolYXZbpYcm6wyV3ilkeKZbdOWFSo8JDgM37D4SyfLzD6zkY4baZ8XTjjrCB-dXjbh5AeMANFg6Sb42Bhej4W4uI8CKDWe8_YTQUPLsfGjGRCt23-P7cqK9T9FU2sg6bx/w400-h300/IMG_9860.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">HISTORIC CITY CENTER</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55XkJxNYAIRviMqz4aBpalopfOwCAsprXaxYL-GwYRDEIXbmJLDXLcKw09lIABFw-vEzOp_igUI7e_kcs183896BGhB9zjac-Vy0c7sPyPFo4j2yetCSensdzvkTa9_ygpqikUeC_3bx5G64I2HRE7ocZvyhJHazxDcowQznY7Du0NevVL6l9F6e63QxE/s4032/IMG_9863.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55XkJxNYAIRviMqz4aBpalopfOwCAsprXaxYL-GwYRDEIXbmJLDXLcKw09lIABFw-vEzOp_igUI7e_kcs183896BGhB9zjac-Vy0c7sPyPFo4j2yetCSensdzvkTa9_ygpqikUeC_3bx5G64I2HRE7ocZvyhJHazxDcowQznY7Du0NevVL6l9F6e63QxE/w300-h400/IMG_9863.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>SANTA MARIA DE REGLA DE LEÓN CATHEDRAL<br /><br />Most restaurants in Spain close during the Siesta and re-open for dinner at 8 or 8:30. In towns that cater to pilgrims many open earlier, around 7. In Leon, most open later rather than early. So, with stomach growling, I began an hunt for something to eat around 6:30. Finally right on the cathedral square, I found an Italian/burger place that was open. Not too bad of a meal, staying away from the fixed price options I ended up with a really nice goat cheese salad and a not too shabby hamburger with a fried egg on top.<p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Then off to bed, falling asleep right away. But sleep didn’t last all night. About 2 am, is when the Spanish start heading home after an evening out. In the walking historic center of the city, where my hotel is, the sounds on the street travel far. And the Spanish, after a night of drinking tend to be loud, I mean really loud. And there’s a bunch of them, yelling, singing, making all kinds of noise. It took from 2 am till about 5:30 for all those Spaniards to leave, walk by my hotel, and disappear out of ear shot. And this is a Thursday. Smaller towns can also get noisy early into the morning on weekends.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 23 13.4 miles Leon to Villar de Mazarife. Leaving the big city of Leon takes awhile. About 2.5 hours and 5 miles of street waking through business and industrial areas. The first 30 minute through the historic center was pleasant and at 7 am, the only people moving were pilgrims. The first open breakfast stop was packed with pilgrims and only one person to serve them. Most pilgrims waiting in line to order were patiently waiting, but there’s always one or two jockeying for a better position at the bar. After stopping for a Pilgrim’s Second Breakfast, there is a choice of routes to take. One, the original route, is along the highway. The other traverses over open country before giving way to farmland. This route, even though slightly longer, is the one I chose. Mostly flat with abundant wildflowers, the better choice, I think. After 9 days I have left the Mesita and in a few days will begin the slow climb to the high point on the Camino. Tonight I am in a One Stork Town.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJFKv1bl0ZOdi_pno8TFA3kQQuw7TwrvTh014uoV39iQSR1EXOEHOClvWPAiHeaB_RqLO9M9gvDZwrhbvMBzci3pYPMOB1lz30NMrBwXzC167TVRKyqRzojBGNV1GkBGuf5yQFPOlj1TOFBvF_Ol-RtLVoghETbPBT4QTJDpW8H7vhiMaEpn8iWFAGZqV/s4032/IMG_9882.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJFKv1bl0ZOdi_pno8TFA3kQQuw7TwrvTh014uoV39iQSR1EXOEHOClvWPAiHeaB_RqLO9M9gvDZwrhbvMBzci3pYPMOB1lz30NMrBwXzC167TVRKyqRzojBGNV1GkBGuf5yQFPOlj1TOFBvF_Ol-RtLVoghETbPBT4QTJDpW8H7vhiMaEpn8iWFAGZqV/w400-h300/IMG_9882.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl3KoKeYfm8hJcKSOUcK_LgqUZYAOf-wklUHyx9wWnYIOshS6x9tBNbtm3nDpeX7I8Gp-8b7fE1p4kWZklwErGvS1nruI5XwWshI_10_y5UTp3VlR3-1fof2wl-4JxIodREALOsAjJs_CMuvtY-tillE1o3bCdUV6uaGmnA5DKp4Z-LH3EnYS7oZ8EEIW/s4032/IMG_9884.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGl3KoKeYfm8hJcKSOUcK_LgqUZYAOf-wklUHyx9wWnYIOshS6x9tBNbtm3nDpeX7I8Gp-8b7fE1p4kWZklwErGvS1nruI5XwWshI_10_y5UTp3VlR3-1fof2wl-4JxIodREALOsAjJs_CMuvtY-tillE1o3bCdUV6uaGmnA5DKp4Z-LH3EnYS7oZ8EEIW/w400-h300/IMG_9884.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqfhZNzo2Nns1T_slSXiPffqvqlSnwK4WvtLmDUej9VuvFKcPa1ci3GDpmnewq1dspPfLRJmLXHh6Ue0S7jt6aanozzQ3S3K4zhcao3z7Ph6ZryuAtZqJ8bs7kDqtYf65NYTiz4mMUn-ALLWYjD1AvJVQ_lumnUNC4eVRCClyyWWIEFlOp4rFfjf8wZsO/s4032/IMG_9890.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqfhZNzo2Nns1T_slSXiPffqvqlSnwK4WvtLmDUej9VuvFKcPa1ci3GDpmnewq1dspPfLRJmLXHh6Ue0S7jt6aanozzQ3S3K4zhcao3z7Ph6ZryuAtZqJ8bs7kDqtYf65NYTiz4mMUn-ALLWYjD1AvJVQ_lumnUNC4eVRCClyyWWIEFlOp4rFfjf8wZsO/w400-h300/IMG_9890.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GwhDHRhbiBi1upCGZxLJnRfvQQRcXgBaVc-OZzjWCU8k5VTGGCLsc4x1CkRbKq_3k4KJhEp3wId41lRk-7UgCq8py1MK2n7wAnSiU0b_MWRSmtvDxJIxySrqMFAmMzDkDannxtzSPuAOynshtjN3tde38OqlQoknVcGGJuxGbzdDy9_mIEhixZ6fJLKt/s4032/IMG_9893.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GwhDHRhbiBi1upCGZxLJnRfvQQRcXgBaVc-OZzjWCU8k5VTGGCLsc4x1CkRbKq_3k4KJhEp3wId41lRk-7UgCq8py1MK2n7wAnSiU0b_MWRSmtvDxJIxySrqMFAmMzDkDannxtzSPuAOynshtjN3tde38OqlQoknVcGGJuxGbzdDy9_mIEhixZ6fJLKt/w400-h300/IMG_9893.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-64786623510016971122023-05-01T08:05:00.001-07:002024-01-12T12:22:14.227-08:00THE JOURNEY IS YOUR HOME<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19.2px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19.19px;">AN EARLY MORNING WALK IS A BLESSING FOR THE WHOLE DAY</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Although I have a wife and family that is my forever home, which I always return to, for me this journey also feels like home. I am at peace when I am walking, deep in my own thoughts, only hearing my foot steps on the path. There is a calmness that I feel here and I am comfortable, not worrying about where my next meal will be or where I will sleep. It is simple without the normal stresses of life. That is why I walk the Camino. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 16 12.8 miles. Castrojeriz to Boadilla del Camino</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Leaving Castrojeriz at 6:30 as the forecast says it’s gonna be warm. Walking through the town in the dark, the street lights reflection off the stone buildings gave the town a golden glow. As it gets lighter, we exit the villiage, back on dirt roads cutting through fields of grain and hay. Then the climb begins. The steep slope up to the Alto de Mostelares, with a drop of 145 meters in 1.7 kilometers down the other side. The Alto de Mostelares gives us an incredible view with the plateau stretching out endlessly in front of us.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt4dK6g3vAQ_NClAkKnRssXer6GgWta0mss-8IcgULQ7mbC_DTMLtZvdHqulwaWcF_ybnR_b2GC2YtIM2NySGCvA6-mG3MtULcX5QYvBNxHj2aDjFJxkCRS2MoqZ0zluZYR-POeMyZUu3AOgTg_A9hgcOteUBxrrunako1SZwjYbLbJo8HkQP8Bt438k3/s4032/IMG_9674.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt4dK6g3vAQ_NClAkKnRssXer6GgWta0mss-8IcgULQ7mbC_DTMLtZvdHqulwaWcF_ybnR_b2GC2YtIM2NySGCvA6-mG3MtULcX5QYvBNxHj2aDjFJxkCRS2MoqZ0zluZYR-POeMyZUu3AOgTg_A9hgcOteUBxrrunako1SZwjYbLbJo8HkQP8Bt438k3/w400-h300/IMG_9674.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8Fn947wAIXHDdKLLaDAAOlxax05pXm8xO1IRJCXAz3a9u6v-bn46Rf34nhyoRoFQk_uOHOgS79Ha8j8ou07I8kl2uzafeQ-i_RkMaXAW2tGf1KmU95m5mJ71Sq3cWigFLWj7Z9bUcF35VTsa28jRtoa49A2tBVZRSc6Ka0pjta0QjYA9teRBBmEJhrFH/s4032/IMG_9678.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8Fn947wAIXHDdKLLaDAAOlxax05pXm8xO1IRJCXAz3a9u6v-bn46Rf34nhyoRoFQk_uOHOgS79Ha8j8ou07I8kl2uzafeQ-i_RkMaXAW2tGf1KmU95m5mJ71Sq3cWigFLWj7Z9bUcF35VTsa28jRtoa49A2tBVZRSc6Ka0pjta0QjYA9teRBBmEJhrFH/w400-h300/IMG_9678.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro0bv397KbLLAq9yFqMRvkmy7AfYEDMh7BtPUJ9rwThGBUpkEnPhn3GXzQBmLO5-0j5ixYXEa9EVP6x1UMHYPQs3YDnXFZCdvQ6RW_B1iZCBLoZvBq3z2uHrSMkXa9WeZOKYKt1A440jbVhUtOj4HvxTrhMPCLK-lwGerhfByEiAJgKt-2P0KDGc3pGC8/s4032/IMG_9685.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro0bv397KbLLAq9yFqMRvkmy7AfYEDMh7BtPUJ9rwThGBUpkEnPhn3GXzQBmLO5-0j5ixYXEa9EVP6x1UMHYPQs3YDnXFZCdvQ6RW_B1iZCBLoZvBq3z2uHrSMkXa9WeZOKYKt1A440jbVhUtOj4HvxTrhMPCLK-lwGerhfByEiAJgKt-2P0KDGc3pGC8/w400-h300/IMG_9685.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">We leave the Burgos region and cross into the Province of Palencia after crossing the Pisuerga River on the Fitero Bridge. It is dated back to the 11th century, when King Alfonso VI of León ordered it to be built, in order to help the pilgrims cross the river.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMSRj9or5Q5WQWHC8Mse-Ij7QqcAciTLTQwhP1wO6ppkXKALAjG-ptRSIaasRt3FLDrm4q7hVROwyk7DHOKuqEcPYB0b0fqBUyZn7vNd46cq3j3kNXOCXilh8QhrLpWhC2rYa_oZTqIlXL1Th2_WRC-IXMTaBnyypRJXlie8xahfvxLwBk1QYTDjjMXOa/s4032/IMG_9691.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMSRj9or5Q5WQWHC8Mse-Ij7QqcAciTLTQwhP1wO6ppkXKALAjG-ptRSIaasRt3FLDrm4q7hVROwyk7DHOKuqEcPYB0b0fqBUyZn7vNd46cq3j3kNXOCXilh8QhrLpWhC2rYa_oZTqIlXL1Th2_WRC-IXMTaBnyypRJXlie8xahfvxLwBk1QYTDjjMXOa/w400-h300/IMG_9691.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlO-OxFZiWc0EQNNaEl6H33cugGl_43WT-Wtq6iAmeD4LQ-qKM5EXRxACqd6TZ7GYhGWm_zk4Wo9fz9Ioi9yVL8sPefxMvWSzsXAdAo6FqWNcwsfyohP5zwLx_N7C-EhJm4zeT-7-uy9od1tMV25dzpz-0LpKy1m2LaE5d_egMD1ruAhw2HF1RAN3IovL5/s4032/IMG_9690.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlO-OxFZiWc0EQNNaEl6H33cugGl_43WT-Wtq6iAmeD4LQ-qKM5EXRxACqd6TZ7GYhGWm_zk4Wo9fz9Ioi9yVL8sPefxMvWSzsXAdAo6FqWNcwsfyohP5zwLx_N7C-EhJm4zeT-7-uy9od1tMV25dzpz-0LpKy1m2LaE5d_egMD1ruAhw2HF1RAN3IovL5/w400-h300/IMG_9690.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">After the decent, the rest of the day is mostly on level ground, again through grain and hay fields along dirt farm roads. There is only one town along this stretch, Itera de la Vega, where one can stop for refreshments and a meal. The first and second bar were closed, but the 3rd was opened and packed with pilgrims. Being so busy, they weren’t interested in making me my bocadillo especial. So, I had a Cafe con Leche and continued on.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEUl4Y4p2DAJC7lPI0aP9F9O3KbBjJNAi92UD-bGW50I4NbX_zKn8ekiDrh4BcjVnp63q4dc4DU5NFO3kTTDiZNanNPC7aQ3HNMJes35g_p5BnqUl1epe063s4-RX-afMeHu16S8NiiDEYTzxVCaK-HgMvWg4VeLi4_detf6DB8sVBg8hnQYn76KsoGQf/s4032/IMG_9695.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEUl4Y4p2DAJC7lPI0aP9F9O3KbBjJNAi92UD-bGW50I4NbX_zKn8ekiDrh4BcjVnp63q4dc4DU5NFO3kTTDiZNanNPC7aQ3HNMJes35g_p5BnqUl1epe063s4-RX-afMeHu16S8NiiDEYTzxVCaK-HgMvWg4VeLi4_detf6DB8sVBg8hnQYn76KsoGQf/w400-h300/IMG_9695.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">My hotel in Boadilla, Hotel Rural En El Camino, is owned by the same family who own the Albergue of the same name next door. Eduardo, works in all aspects to the business which most caters to pilgrims. He does everything. Checking people in, serving dinner and breakfast at the albergue, tending bar. As I was checking in, Eduardo handed me back my passport, which I placed under my arm while gathering up my pack. I started up the stairs and couldn’t find my passport. I checked pockets, the hotel desk the bar to no avail. When I started to say something to Eduardo about my passport being missing, without missing a beat he says, “It’s under your arm.”</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXPpEQt9foW_J369DRkhP0SRj5xcZ2IpKcrHYdVAoAtBUHXehU3SnUXs1i1ftltnMTjwz728ySwLob15zfrvyrLzP0NAGR7Dw0VPjkNFAf0RXBQidz0bN9DNNku7_CCgLEw1vbC4RXsWOZfcY7XZXq7NVsWlAEVSbTRyMZoNv95PW3x5mQxz0VqwJc_zD/s4032/IMG_9699.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXPpEQt9foW_J369DRkhP0SRj5xcZ2IpKcrHYdVAoAtBUHXehU3SnUXs1i1ftltnMTjwz728ySwLob15zfrvyrLzP0NAGR7Dw0VPjkNFAf0RXBQidz0bN9DNNku7_CCgLEw1vbC4RXsWOZfcY7XZXq7NVsWlAEVSbTRyMZoNv95PW3x5mQxz0VqwJc_zD/w300-h400/IMG_9699.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9bf0tdZHDapXciOMTOgw3mQ83tuDha_fJl0lLJWnHYEoOM2XsPKENTic6W4OBjI2SeIdj3xLwrw-bnlvVetLGrPEY8chkpwX6y9vJcjVyT8H6U711YYG4y2HdYUdMnvCHyAUoh4OQTbkNRVINQLYbo1GL_vc2xm-w0ZGzl4gZYyaL9OkxtxZ9VQFvN_q/s4032/IMG_9698.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu9bf0tdZHDapXciOMTOgw3mQ83tuDha_fJl0lLJWnHYEoOM2XsPKENTic6W4OBjI2SeIdj3xLwrw-bnlvVetLGrPEY8chkpwX6y9vJcjVyT8H6U711YYG4y2HdYUdMnvCHyAUoh4OQTbkNRVINQLYbo1GL_vc2xm-w0ZGzl4gZYyaL9OkxtxZ9VQFvN_q/w400-h300/IMG_9698.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdwF_M9epaW04yKhJP0XRBxpqXnM-lk3ys7eGMTWBrmNc83LfvpTjgyFWrG3ie06_Ry2rX_zgoty54etbgmLKf8Oy69rn3RnNbiHLXf-ma8yEtUzPxfvczUy5AQEMP2_guLkMxPXXSa5DsEQllkcC-dSNI_l6-viFo3y4ZK4TYTOGXwAM2Hsy2cT1AvDG/s4032/IMG_9700.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdwF_M9epaW04yKhJP0XRBxpqXnM-lk3ys7eGMTWBrmNc83LfvpTjgyFWrG3ie06_Ry2rX_zgoty54etbgmLKf8Oy69rn3RnNbiHLXf-ma8yEtUzPxfvczUy5AQEMP2_guLkMxPXXSa5DsEQllkcC-dSNI_l6-viFo3y4ZK4TYTOGXwAM2Hsy2cT1AvDG/w400-h300/IMG_9700.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">THE ALBERGUE</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br />In Boadilla, the only two places to eat are the hotel and the adjacent albergue. The meal is three courses and you get some choices as to kind of soup and your entree. There is no menu for you to choose from and dinner for everyone is served at 7. It’s a communal meal and a good way to meet fellow pilgrims and the food, along with wine was pretty good. If your ever in Boadilla and get a chance to stay in either the hotel or the albergue, do it. It is one of the best run operations along the Camino thanks to Eduardo and his family</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 17 15.5 miles. Boadilla del Camino to Carrión de los Condes. Longest day and everything worked. I started out at 6am in the dark using the flashlight on my phone to see which way the yellow arrows were pointing. Walking alongside Canal de Castilla for the first several miles, I was treated with a beautiful sunrise. The remainder of the day was mostly on flat level terrain on dirt tracks, the vast majority of of which was along side a provincial highway which luckily had very little traffic. I did get up into the high 70’s towards the end of the day, but it was manageable. Carrión is one of my favorite towns on the Camino. On my first Camino, I took a day off there along with my Camino brothers Len and Alex. The town is big enough that it has everything a pilgrim needs and small enough that it only takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk though. Plenty of bars, an ATM, great bakery and a wonderful restaurant, which I ate in again.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1B0GLWT73RyPwwh4qaHreIIYC7mOHiYEg4s0vM3-iQRkdA8PsFN4jRpF-zA1Qy7diis7zjP4Wz0sEgecMtrb66i-harDIuR2bC-Ca7suKkjbMegK3iyKyMUPjJ-oQlMD7ORchzt30KSkwhFY4kdhXElLP6g86Yycqv2AodFhcT_X1uD3JvlKN93XyQhx/s4032/IMG_9708.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1B0GLWT73RyPwwh4qaHreIIYC7mOHiYEg4s0vM3-iQRkdA8PsFN4jRpF-zA1Qy7diis7zjP4Wz0sEgecMtrb66i-harDIuR2bC-Ca7suKkjbMegK3iyKyMUPjJ-oQlMD7ORchzt30KSkwhFY4kdhXElLP6g86Yycqv2AodFhcT_X1uD3JvlKN93XyQhx/w400-h300/IMG_9708.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb07e5cRANghvYByPQvrDsLgMeih8dM3milxKsWPlnVXYtAxlQqFzmL4pm2kfnX2UTSwRgEVMUr69ZjMAB5k0oZBpUufcQZXWLybl3uMTqMRY4codKispCSq9LM2JKAyv1qjQw8ETSJ2NgD0Bg0l9o2_mNuTLPuKJ88RjV_dKY7jYAaKIH2w-SDv5y0Ll/s4032/IMG_9716.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb07e5cRANghvYByPQvrDsLgMeih8dM3milxKsWPlnVXYtAxlQqFzmL4pm2kfnX2UTSwRgEVMUr69ZjMAB5k0oZBpUufcQZXWLybl3uMTqMRY4codKispCSq9LM2JKAyv1qjQw8ETSJ2NgD0Bg0l9o2_mNuTLPuKJ88RjV_dKY7jYAaKIH2w-SDv5y0Ll/w400-h300/IMG_9716.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAARGEJ_I3p57foX03IdTbw0QfpMHwF5Zzr4wV71P00bt4a_SsA1C-8O7wWulfgVIaBo7HttKeHOBvVWB13Zg3vgJ9Jk-p1rTj2b4k5OqpxIPLmpDPo4cm8Aj42_F8DVre4nWz2iW7spRoJ3dUHmOgFStaImMDKFHIY722vtb5T1i7fDrFzWzsMwhP29b/s4032/IMG_9731.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAARGEJ_I3p57foX03IdTbw0QfpMHwF5Zzr4wV71P00bt4a_SsA1C-8O7wWulfgVIaBo7HttKeHOBvVWB13Zg3vgJ9Jk-p1rTj2b4k5OqpxIPLmpDPo4cm8Aj42_F8DVre4nWz2iW7spRoJ3dUHmOgFStaImMDKFHIY722vtb5T1i7fDrFzWzsMwhP29b/w400-h300/IMG_9731.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />Day 18 14.6 miles. Carrión de los Condes to Ledigos. Today was pretty much like yesterday. Flat and level dirt roads across what seems like the endless Mesita. Head down and keep walking. In the past it was 17 km from Carrión to the first place to get refreshments. Now an enterprising person has set up a cafe of sorts along the path, where you and get sandwiches, other snacks and cold drinks, including beer. I kept on moving on, not stopping until the first village.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF7j0Kx9pQDkZCe0oNM4bjUvp2WeW9E10iWV8vVA9FYjxxR-yAgkGBLQ0EbPi35DLtmomO5CiJPBRX3ELLrT5b4Dx4ONy7ROkYDOzP1klVCw1-PVUqHC7dTQIgImuVXEGN3R1Rsww-qOIMKq5UTT9n2IjVf_fTO0ir4c0aYpY6GrKR94291VOo-oo9Tl8/s4032/IMG_9723.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF7j0Kx9pQDkZCe0oNM4bjUvp2WeW9E10iWV8vVA9FYjxxR-yAgkGBLQ0EbPi35DLtmomO5CiJPBRX3ELLrT5b4Dx4ONy7ROkYDOzP1klVCw1-PVUqHC7dTQIgImuVXEGN3R1Rsww-qOIMKq5UTT9n2IjVf_fTO0ir4c0aYpY6GrKR94291VOo-oo9Tl8/w400-h300/IMG_9723.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">WITH ST JAMES</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZQjgBJRKlP_xn0VVBEFczwrMyikar7g3AEQJLYMThmwL9uS0V3IOmxWKs6F8UJdffQxLjZNFUJBKEPPW83GWhn9Hltu3Hgq_TVGAwxPq23qLGubIzWrEc92OhcD-UCYD6MTCm5qqwta42pSiw9hYdI4moGYL7qrf-Xd8pE3_i3GpWyXAwOna7tlj0qc0/s4032/IMG_9739.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZQjgBJRKlP_xn0VVBEFczwrMyikar7g3AEQJLYMThmwL9uS0V3IOmxWKs6F8UJdffQxLjZNFUJBKEPPW83GWhn9Hltu3Hgq_TVGAwxPq23qLGubIzWrEc92OhcD-UCYD6MTCm5qqwta42pSiw9hYdI4moGYL7qrf-Xd8pE3_i3GpWyXAwOna7tlj0qc0/w400-h300/IMG_9739.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">CAFE IN THE FIELDS<br /></span><br /><br />I mentioned before my bocadillo that I like and a couple of days back I tried to order it in a bar for lunch. I told the bartender I wanted a sandwich with, cheese, sausage and a fried egg. He said it was not possible. He then suggested I get an egg, sausage and cheese served on a plate. I agreed and when served it came, like most Spanish meals, with a couple pieces of bread. So basically I got my sandwich, it just wasn’t put together.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jYVgprXa_ccJkQ35zsS1bjnBdC5J7SDejoCY4RW6tgPxa0RD6ggQpw92sbBuTtmkIgGQCtXc-XCpIPQraegmZVj0Lf9oc5ZcnrRxlVVywvKArO7ngHUv1UnEuZ3iL9mkvWXxUtLVSXsnMctnmooWu11cfpw9CKSk9LyxLLbBQWBjIg2nXNSIxfXTSNB7/s4032/IMG_9741.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jYVgprXa_ccJkQ35zsS1bjnBdC5J7SDejoCY4RW6tgPxa0RD6ggQpw92sbBuTtmkIgGQCtXc-XCpIPQraegmZVj0Lf9oc5ZcnrRxlVVywvKArO7ngHUv1UnEuZ3iL9mkvWXxUtLVSXsnMctnmooWu11cfpw9CKSk9LyxLLbBQWBjIg2nXNSIxfXTSNB7/w400-h300/IMG_9741.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">A word about having a service transport my pack each day. There are several companies that will transport your pack or a suitcase from town to town. Pretty simple. You fill out an envelope, that most all lodging establishments have on hand, with your name, e-mail address, phone number, and your next town and the place you’ll be staying. Then you give them a call and tell them where you currently are staying and where you want the bag to go. Put 6 euros in the envelope, attach to your bag with the rubber ban provided, and leave it where you are staying, start walking. And presto, when you get to your next stop, your pack will be waiting there for you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbjGYaBiW_R_pge8pHhYAfv_x-9ZDH2MP4ZajN_E7G9I_lPIWVEwHOrTUvWHMNhJniqyZfnVhtmIncJEzWpxuSsqCaD4eZ30tkjcPCMyUDURR7OJHqydUHZlLKTC21rFKylm3lyQwaSCn6T2HlNg8ZNSfWWDsbUeWmY_qTglCwS7Krlxz1sNlIs_DvRV3/s4032/IMG_9744.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbjGYaBiW_R_pge8pHhYAfv_x-9ZDH2MP4ZajN_E7G9I_lPIWVEwHOrTUvWHMNhJniqyZfnVhtmIncJEzWpxuSsqCaD4eZ30tkjcPCMyUDURR7OJHqydUHZlLKTC21rFKylm3lyQwaSCn6T2HlNg8ZNSfWWDsbUeWmY_qTglCwS7Krlxz1sNlIs_DvRV3/w400-h300/IMG_9744.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">Day 19 10.3 miles. Ledigos to Sahagún. Another good and short day on mostly flat dirt roads. In a few days the Mesita will end and I will miss it. Today I stopped for my second breakfast and left my glasses on the table in the bar. I got about fifty yards down the path and I hear someone yelling, Hey! Hey! I turned to look to see what the ruckus was about there was this pilgrim holding a glasses case in the air, which looked vaguely familiar from 50 yards. They were my glasses and he, Stanley saved the day. I ended up thanking him profusely and later again when I saw him further down the trail. Then when I arrived in town at the end of the day, I bumped into him again. So Stanley, his friend Zoey and I had a great dinner on the town plaza. That my friends, is the Camino.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UGwy743xrAMaJ9wt_JOR1Wgex8LdRJAWbhEC4b8eUt88fUS1wPpwB1RYYMQetC0_WH2jLZpkLryW19ZiBw_XUbTsl7oMEP8A6gP9Zk6OrLZEY1G4MyfzixAw3QqL0tS3-vhADiDFPfg5yd8KgMjmHk7N_iLiyz7NtZeNPeeawsCj8JrP8BMoLEMaSiJL/s4032/IMG_9754.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UGwy743xrAMaJ9wt_JOR1Wgex8LdRJAWbhEC4b8eUt88fUS1wPpwB1RYYMQetC0_WH2jLZpkLryW19ZiBw_XUbTsl7oMEP8A6gP9Zk6OrLZEY1G4MyfzixAw3QqL0tS3-vhADiDFPfg5yd8KgMjmHk7N_iLiyz7NtZeNPeeawsCj8JrP8BMoLEMaSiJL/w400-h300/IMG_9754.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">PILGRIM’S SECOND BREAKFAST, BACON AND EGGS ON TOAST</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br />Today I hit the historical and geographical half way spot on the Camino, but because I did not start at the beginning, I’ve got about 40 km to go.. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS2sxrpo8yQdtYPjBejZXK21fbg6hTdhmqNvLXxXc9xk_-YiOWbHrEhq1mw7pw5k-pP0yB-lJOZkocdO528pgjMUohlYTZbauOyk_JzK0wz416ZzXzsXU2QeLcHCxSJFF9YJ3HXsLEdSqQ706gimajPzSitqlqkpq2WwtQhI1sBpGD0ExTXns52oo3wPv/s4032/IMG_9772.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnS2sxrpo8yQdtYPjBejZXK21fbg6hTdhmqNvLXxXc9xk_-YiOWbHrEhq1mw7pw5k-pP0yB-lJOZkocdO528pgjMUohlYTZbauOyk_JzK0wz416ZzXzsXU2QeLcHCxSJFF9YJ3HXsLEdSqQ706gimajPzSitqlqkpq2WwtQhI1sBpGD0ExTXns52oo3wPv/w400-h300/IMG_9772.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HALFWAY</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopfq1ux1ZNdS4NQ5Oy7cFBHyHMMEsU703SDWTx5T0cp8oobWUlMyP2CS5av0lOBu9vHGmGset2H-Ydt_IEIQNSErEEv5687krWqghEufMxKHxyfvfeDrf93kmFFZOvmVhwmCr__xrjd8GM6FX0Y8oEUW9dUvd7dDPDQUqor8Ben8VrtHG3C1kgPsHHRud/s4032/IMG_9759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopfq1ux1ZNdS4NQ5Oy7cFBHyHMMEsU703SDWTx5T0cp8oobWUlMyP2CS5av0lOBu9vHGmGset2H-Ydt_IEIQNSErEEv5687krWqghEufMxKHxyfvfeDrf93kmFFZOvmVhwmCr__xrjd8GM6FX0Y8oEUW9dUvd7dDPDQUqor8Ben8VrtHG3C1kgPsHHRud/w400-h300/IMG_9759.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1Wcz_ist0zZrpGwr6OE0Ip0YT9BV-L0prPxXEoyH8w064YzTm6diX-ptPnffSOV2uAIgSwcodfCgSvo4M6MmW7O8mM91ctmPE1IsJ2zvFEFhT_g3fHhwXW7s40UHIpe7utOJKrTD-g7K1wkTPR6O2zPGmzaJe7-Muv1Uwx7j8H6p32-5kyH4g8DBjnaL/s4032/IMG_9760.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn1Wcz_ist0zZrpGwr6OE0Ip0YT9BV-L0prPxXEoyH8w064YzTm6diX-ptPnffSOV2uAIgSwcodfCgSvo4M6MmW7O8mM91ctmPE1IsJ2zvFEFhT_g3fHhwXW7s40UHIpe7utOJKrTD-g7K1wkTPR6O2zPGmzaJe7-Muv1Uwx7j8H6p32-5kyH4g8DBjnaL/w400-h300/IMG_9760.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r1pNfJMFcN6x_JTKhkk5Xk1SMpYBA1BSDpB76ggu3vZa7Looh8ZWVzpeSiaEfIJ91Aws2cQ43XgJw2pKgSHftuX0attIdo5jdUu6Ehtjf02Jey3Z-xpGmD-2LDAnrdij_93ygymiJKyXQy-VMcVByzonhu0ZUcY5v6VobyJIb303cGJamUVaIjMSJA/s4032/IMG_9778.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3r1pNfJMFcN6x_JTKhkk5Xk1SMpYBA1BSDpB76ggu3vZa7Looh8ZWVzpeSiaEfIJ91Aws2cQ43XgJw2pKgSHftuX0attIdo5jdUu6Ehtjf02Jey3Z-xpGmD-2LDAnrdij_93ygymiJKyXQy-VMcVByzonhu0ZUcY5v6VobyJIb303cGJamUVaIjMSJA/w400-h300/IMG_9778.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>DINNER WITH STANLEY AND ZOEY<br /><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxK-uVR-eOwaEJxEbBStWwRRv1KU7tH86yPkbl4iT5IpwY7BBSRD7Y1dOpQkv64vqs0P8TQNRLE0HWSETrqlgw_6ujU572CJOOn0nKTmeIDlzytiZ6fE2nxjUNR-gjXUdC1qx-lTyq7CcB1qn2LSYHCAmYpHTtl1af88LX_y_BPZVciD3eThTD7klBA/s4032/IMG_9778.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;">I added up my mileage so far, and the total is 214 walking and 14 in a taxi.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-73811225992764224672023-04-27T07:28:00.001-07:002024-01-06T07:47:53.415-08:00MOVING RIGHT ALONG<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19.2px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19.19px;">As you start to walk out on the way, the way appears</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 13 0 miles. Burgos A day off, although I did walk around the city a bit. I organized my new day pack trying to keep it as light as possible. Because of it’s small size, the waist belt is skinny and high above my waist when worn. I tighten it up like it’s supposed to be and it really accentuates my “love handles” and not in a flattering way.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7YdsluTwG8cX-S5RyqfhHT42hFmjRO2iuhW-SOm-w2T5bXDek_ik626yvbaEPE0JkhECaxgghfGseHsHJDG8o-hIe7FskQwY0ysbPww3Fqa2hng_5UJCr8CZVzv0GLm8dVsxOCIbdjrMLrk0llyXN6uC81yahi9N5XYa73OrWPApyVQRpHp3GacaQeaX/s4032/IMG_9583.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7YdsluTwG8cX-S5RyqfhHT42hFmjRO2iuhW-SOm-w2T5bXDek_ik626yvbaEPE0JkhECaxgghfGseHsHJDG8o-hIe7FskQwY0ysbPww3Fqa2hng_5UJCr8CZVzv0GLm8dVsxOCIbdjrMLrk0llyXN6uC81yahi9N5XYa73OrWPApyVQRpHp3GacaQeaX/w400-h300/IMG_9583.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Ate at a restaurant I had eaten in when walking in 2017. I was really great then but a disappointment now. The previous evening I had opted for tapas for dinner, which turned out to be a better choice. The elderly waiter, upon learning I was from Arizona, broke into song, singing, “Route 66”.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2YsnhLpsBXX60OMYsf_zyGCFgLqCG-zFjVsaSU2HM2uFfgepu2xFlnUUBxVCCZN710Q6AVFFev1NY8heN9tPmipqGzsCaLUBsumIZee7wUhxzq5SWwMpth8dzYLg8MK44aSg_wXuLvSUUPUnKfQkNVTMYozmIQDBnhnZdrNN5ZW-udc4_allSI55eWIB/s4032/IMG_9549.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2YsnhLpsBXX60OMYsf_zyGCFgLqCG-zFjVsaSU2HM2uFfgepu2xFlnUUBxVCCZN710Q6AVFFev1NY8heN9tPmipqGzsCaLUBsumIZee7wUhxzq5SWwMpth8dzYLg8MK44aSg_wXuLvSUUPUnKfQkNVTMYozmIQDBnhnZdrNN5ZW-udc4_allSI55eWIB/w400-h300/IMG_9549.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbEu6_zsqOUnSZny1YeqyCbkF9oMxGO9xyp2TLmzu6S-RlmWWAGPFzQxQl8SxDMdIBn0GHqOicr-ntoaY4H_4oMofDmKgP2f-zUpQZCxDVTgD6BiQNommDN8f3RQiaNplSrTEl5bEgaLB2Mu4yLDqC_HdKLIMmMjPh5QhnwzhoyPIfgri5xqfWNPxdhfM/s4032/IMG_9550.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbEu6_zsqOUnSZny1YeqyCbkF9oMxGO9xyp2TLmzu6S-RlmWWAGPFzQxQl8SxDMdIBn0GHqOicr-ntoaY4H_4oMofDmKgP2f-zUpQZCxDVTgD6BiQNommDN8f3RQiaNplSrTEl5bEgaLB2Mu4yLDqC_HdKLIMmMjPh5QhnwzhoyPIfgri5xqfWNPxdhfM/w400-h300/IMG_9550.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">So I wandered around Burgos, enjoying the sights, taking pictures and just taking it easy. Enjoy the photos</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzswTQelL-Agf7gN7bAg7_qD6s1-mjnJNZGdEUDs5b9mpyGDvg8EZGuVeuN1BM_lG2FN_P4Dj1cinHLMbbNYzCdTRbozYDC6O8XUKg20pNCrTm-Hq6ROo0oXKghfWK9Fvvf1D41s7L_BDwRCbRhIIM0KiVhvSHjbpcQdPJReA9ZsZJ349981_n6wQwo1d/s4032/IMG_9566.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzswTQelL-Agf7gN7bAg7_qD6s1-mjnJNZGdEUDs5b9mpyGDvg8EZGuVeuN1BM_lG2FN_P4Dj1cinHLMbbNYzCdTRbozYDC6O8XUKg20pNCrTm-Hq6ROo0oXKghfWK9Fvvf1D41s7L_BDwRCbRhIIM0KiVhvSHjbpcQdPJReA9ZsZJ349981_n6wQwo1d/w400-h300/IMG_9566.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUXyccPyG7jnuMXhmrJuvpvEL5B6o7tNUymasWe3z3BxbOPLCj2RKYvWGiEydptK58YCx33TPeLPD4vvLW2tq9pJyv5vJhs06u9uQ84f5jRKATgcbK8_dixBLNzkE5diZIj3rHnFPcAzw7wlSSZWVb7LUxt2r-ACxzdLKc9weTkE29TW4nd5tFT1JOrrV/s4032/IMG_9569.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUXyccPyG7jnuMXhmrJuvpvEL5B6o7tNUymasWe3z3BxbOPLCj2RKYvWGiEydptK58YCx33TPeLPD4vvLW2tq9pJyv5vJhs06u9uQ84f5jRKATgcbK8_dixBLNzkE5diZIj3rHnFPcAzw7wlSSZWVb7LUxt2r-ACxzdLKc9weTkE29TW4nd5tFT1JOrrV/w400-h300/IMG_9569.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawXtq0wpfJvwSnnJ3EspgA4Gr4nP7ntligLwk8si_LQEKA99iEyepap-KhRrjeWwKVEjAekaHBUU7JJofZxM5kndD5de8KQZF6teHVfhRW32wr-wQ3nxXUdyLyQXQlLbqfY3hf70rXI8T26f3kxGXfFF93ejdEEk19TPCQar_jjyKoVdQzodqMgSclxt_/s4032/IMG_9572.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawXtq0wpfJvwSnnJ3EspgA4Gr4nP7ntligLwk8si_LQEKA99iEyepap-KhRrjeWwKVEjAekaHBUU7JJofZxM5kndD5de8KQZF6teHVfhRW32wr-wQ3nxXUdyLyQXQlLbqfY3hf70rXI8T26f3kxGXfFF93ejdEEk19TPCQar_jjyKoVdQzodqMgSclxt_/w400-h300/IMG_9572.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hM3DbU_oNvENlfmhg-w3U_25OOETtVPZfJ_-9ryDyxoawbheTZ1S7GjrcZOW5-vDF4xKLxkBPsMS5w9RzGjVvlHzsYuv7lHXArCgFtAozHuiHcfum5UZh7PzzOUKtD8gB6i5aDgJEoNU5YMB5ypPwqBUnf7PmMJZZ3AK1YZBtxRUgQ09FVPNOhzVpi_H/s4032/IMG_9573.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hM3DbU_oNvENlfmhg-w3U_25OOETtVPZfJ_-9ryDyxoawbheTZ1S7GjrcZOW5-vDF4xKLxkBPsMS5w9RzGjVvlHzsYuv7lHXArCgFtAozHuiHcfum5UZh7PzzOUKtD8gB6i5aDgJEoNU5YMB5ypPwqBUnf7PmMJZZ3AK1YZBtxRUgQ09FVPNOhzVpi_H/w400-h300/IMG_9573.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5hXFQLrhLq077gdBR7Ah-D-lGW2LpUOcUOzkI2rW6Fu0Yp0IM39u2IkTlnACHI_lS8uhI0OhFPOVquOu7v65xTvpgfAC05eB6muWcxVyvNTc89rHaKTZ_M3ZhRBnN4nSQCEB7DR8RYosPoQP5dPvLp4tareIG2LZhDZinl67y17-0SnHQfck2LEyoJnL/s4032/IMG_9579.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5hXFQLrhLq077gdBR7Ah-D-lGW2LpUOcUOzkI2rW6Fu0Yp0IM39u2IkTlnACHI_lS8uhI0OhFPOVquOu7v65xTvpgfAC05eB6muWcxVyvNTc89rHaKTZ_M3ZhRBnN4nSQCEB7DR8RYosPoQP5dPvLp4tareIG2LZhDZinl67y17-0SnHQfck2LEyoJnL/w400-h300/IMG_9579.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl_DP0WVBB_iywkIKduQJhLmFskcVGuEmYMmwHUmbVED1Ewt-ySlwbMwXsFBvRgnnIpCBF9r3t8GlveD97dGCRbzMK4-GH45V3LdWaUaDPIU_7Xyjljf2jM8mHBDJeu8MAM4yKUVQuZ-CLsPePUMsXRsFa7sXeyfbarIfPGDzB38ErYeS4qLtRuKTCeOe/s4032/IMG_9581.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl_DP0WVBB_iywkIKduQJhLmFskcVGuEmYMmwHUmbVED1Ewt-ySlwbMwXsFBvRgnnIpCBF9r3t8GlveD97dGCRbzMK4-GH45V3LdWaUaDPIU_7Xyjljf2jM8mHBDJeu8MAM4yKUVQuZ-CLsPePUMsXRsFa7sXeyfbarIfPGDzB38ErYeS4qLtRuKTCeOe/w400-h300/IMG_9581.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">Day 14 12.9 miles. Burgos to Hornillos del Camino</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Leaving at 6:30 so I can take my time, the city was just waking up. Most of the bars and coffee shops are closed, but finally found one after leaving the city center. Glad I found it when I did, as a whole bunch of pilgrims decided to stop for Cafe con Leche like me. Got my coffee and stepped back and watched the line form. Just one clerk behind the counter, so I was glad I got there when I did. It’s about 2 miles of walking before exiting the city. The path is well marked and it’s difficult to get of the track. Then the pavement disappears and much of the remainder of the day was on dirt roads.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1s72xBvjGwkqCpHqBXj2KoTErKHDTabPah4kCbXzEykEbK7cI8xc0z3nkPULm1ODP9vvbd1pn7BEUKztESMv15ehGl5scHijIkYDfVnVrWEYl72_zn0BsBPoGNHAceBFpb-6RebX-B_e8E4Yt_eEP8EZat5PDjJSsb8_lDs1q3DHi8BDEVg4a2aY3aFa/s4032/IMG_9586.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1s72xBvjGwkqCpHqBXj2KoTErKHDTabPah4kCbXzEykEbK7cI8xc0z3nkPULm1ODP9vvbd1pn7BEUKztESMv15ehGl5scHijIkYDfVnVrWEYl72_zn0BsBPoGNHAceBFpb-6RebX-B_e8E4Yt_eEP8EZat5PDjJSsb8_lDs1q3DHi8BDEVg4a2aY3aFa/w400-h300/IMG_9586.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Burgos is the beginning of the Mesita or the plains. Mostly flat or gentle rolling hills, with just a few accents and decents. Like the plains in the US, it is a major producer of grain crops and hay. Many pilgrims skip the Mesita as it is boring to many. This is my favorite part. I see the beauty in the different green hues in the crops in the undulating land. Mostly easy walking, it is also a great time for reflection. The downside I guess would be the relentless sun, especially in the summer. In winter it can get brutally cold, with wind, rain and snow.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfdasxUqpGiWH_LfCxCaUuYTyTwIEfncjnTbm9sdqN1Cl9eiDP-eOUAb9u2z3MMTNLkfDNQXTDX15h3ImRaepoQuOYD5dA2VrjcuixVtNQ1nmaJSOLtT-t3TryCEx1egXjmaCvdhlW0rED6k6YCBQTwasNdWI74bIZU14PNSaVge0D_CIkhOBq98rgdCI/s4032/IMG_9592.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfdasxUqpGiWH_LfCxCaUuYTyTwIEfncjnTbm9sdqN1Cl9eiDP-eOUAb9u2z3MMTNLkfDNQXTDX15h3ImRaepoQuOYD5dA2VrjcuixVtNQ1nmaJSOLtT-t3TryCEx1egXjmaCvdhlW0rED6k6YCBQTwasNdWI74bIZU14PNSaVge0D_CIkhOBq98rgdCI/w400-h300/IMG_9592.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8Msc4wUQYBhKswPv_iwZugGZoUXDtADdargBZfJlzhusOXKYbxqDwP_AXOcrisDsOdWQZ3WbtssZqFVop1OWLWmv38ffAiBH4tIbm0dGM5NImJxobH0ZysEfn8qAWpl7unebk1W5PGPOKOHHu904gFgRHkcdaLPsFSHA985E0DYI365A69OCc8oSV15Q/s4032/IMG_9601.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8Msc4wUQYBhKswPv_iwZugGZoUXDtADdargBZfJlzhusOXKYbxqDwP_AXOcrisDsOdWQZ3WbtssZqFVop1OWLWmv38ffAiBH4tIbm0dGM5NImJxobH0ZysEfn8qAWpl7unebk1W5PGPOKOHHu904gFgRHkcdaLPsFSHA985E0DYI365A69OCc8oSV15Q/w400-h300/IMG_9601.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihza_ifbcIv5OEsdDIQsmlJh3C8QJOy2zdPlWgGKylUmmZWvKeXG5ec31xIKTSOdm7AfD3kcGl8h2Lgo9LC9I9UVkXNt_OiIqSL_FqiPa5Dn_fHDf_PiRRtvLB1vnGqHBZzhy8_6XXmZmr8u4-sv4HrRr-ZqqWVQaQLhWO31P9T-hU5BU7rStBHmCz4Rcb/s4032/IMG_9610.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihza_ifbcIv5OEsdDIQsmlJh3C8QJOy2zdPlWgGKylUmmZWvKeXG5ec31xIKTSOdm7AfD3kcGl8h2Lgo9LC9I9UVkXNt_OiIqSL_FqiPa5Dn_fHDf_PiRRtvLB1vnGqHBZzhy8_6XXmZmr8u4-sv4HrRr-ZqqWVQaQLhWO31P9T-hU5BU7rStBHmCz4Rcb/w400-h300/IMG_9610.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pKyM8LyvsI1MYKfmCpogHkBXq4q2tTuH1oQdJiu0N33_PiQQ6-60gLglNz91aRTXVdIi1x5s72F0dADNYLb-DQhYvjQOtJqQpHYLfXJvhfDqmMU5awzIs5mWP5EYK1E2PFhkY_-ISb3_6LyTam5schAKpdtHliW8nVwpN6A3GB5ntQtyP1EmHysXF0pi/s4032/IMG_9616.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pKyM8LyvsI1MYKfmCpogHkBXq4q2tTuH1oQdJiu0N33_PiQQ6-60gLglNz91aRTXVdIi1x5s72F0dADNYLb-DQhYvjQOtJqQpHYLfXJvhfDqmMU5awzIs5mWP5EYK1E2PFhkY_-ISb3_6LyTam5schAKpdtHliW8nVwpN6A3GB5ntQtyP1EmHysXF0pi/w400-h300/IMG_9616.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">I had booked a room in a Casa Rural and it’s a good thing I did. The Camino is getting crowded and this small town is full. There are no beds available here or in the next town. Someone arraigned for a bus to come and pick up the extra pilgrims and take them back to Burgos for the night. In the morning they will be returned here. To continue walking. I think I mentioned before, but I have booked all the way to Santiago. It detracts from the flexibility, but it’s nice to know I am assured a bed each night.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaUI4D4UbJOk__-9Gp-v3LQpzEySa8BG9aknhfCX-bfDQ95b62rThge9BvLodp0O7I_JOe1_Tm9tAEF3ZIWIch2WSeNKXph9N10RzgzY9fDCzJnJh6LCsZVU1hKQhHJRHps7mNfJzX7J-zEP9KGwOIDxhGjiZSBUClrVfO6_IkLxK0ihbwodAYLkqw6xf/s4032/IMG_9621.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaUI4D4UbJOk__-9Gp-v3LQpzEySa8BG9aknhfCX-bfDQ95b62rThge9BvLodp0O7I_JOe1_Tm9tAEF3ZIWIch2WSeNKXph9N10RzgzY9fDCzJnJh6LCsZVU1hKQhHJRHps7mNfJzX7J-zEP9KGwOIDxhGjiZSBUClrVfO6_IkLxK0ihbwodAYLkqw6xf/w400-h300/IMG_9621.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 15 11.7 miles. Hornillas del Camino to Castrojeriz. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Leaving early to avoid the afternoon heat, I decided to try something a little different in order to keep the little man with the knife in my pocket. I will use my trekking poles most of the time. I had only been using them on steep accents and descents. I discovered this morning that I got stabbed most often going up or going down. I was going down a not too steep hill and I was getting knifed. A gal passed me going full stride down the hill and I say, why not. So off I went at full stride, speeding up and the guy quit stabbing me. I got to the bottom of the hill and still no pain, so I kept up the longer stride and the faster pace. That seemed to do the trick. Very little pain with just a couple of times when I must have pissed of the little guy in my pocket. We’ll wait and see how tomorrow goes.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Although the Mesita is pretty flat there are some ups and downs. Entering into Hontanas, the town sits below the level of the plain and as you past through it, you continue downhill into a broad valley. But, what goes down, in this case, must come up. It is like that especially in this section of the Mesita. In the morning the first thing out of town is up.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldeW2zSjPQQ4_lFvOvEWqy5uksVZB8tn_y0inD_XcOdw4dpips5mNxxIxeduETkeLNPeMrnhSd1fFTQ_qmGAPLceyJxivdR9i6RQgOjGUda-Mp1Gc-YYDDoBmTzGQHL-Q8pp9z8Efd8sxQUHYEUfZHuBg2OZIzWvcuExXxJDhJT-Ni-00NebN9e8lGS15/s4032/IMG_9641.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldeW2zSjPQQ4_lFvOvEWqy5uksVZB8tn_y0inD_XcOdw4dpips5mNxxIxeduETkeLNPeMrnhSd1fFTQ_qmGAPLceyJxivdR9i6RQgOjGUda-Mp1Gc-YYDDoBmTzGQHL-Q8pp9z8Efd8sxQUHYEUfZHuBg2OZIzWvcuExXxJDhJT-Ni-00NebN9e8lGS15/w400-h300/IMG_9641.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">There is a sign on the Camino just before one of the towns. It reads: “Socrates says the 2nd bar is cool”. Most towns have a couple of bars, but the first one upon entering a town gets most of the business. Most pilgrims stop at the first place they see. As for me, I go to the second bar and have found uncrowded gems. Today was no different. I entered Hontanas, and the first bar, although inviting with a lawn out front and shaded tables, it was full of pilgrims. So, I continued to the 2nd bar, who would not make me my special bocadillo. So, luckily there was a 3rd bar and it had no customers. I asked about my bocadillo and the gal behind the bar asked the cook, and it was “no problemo. They were happy to have a customer. I was sitting outside and the cook brings me the sausage she intended to use and asked if it was ok and how I wanted it sliced. Anyway, I had a great bocadillo, amongst friendly folks. That, my friends is the Camino. And always remember the 2nd bar.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpLmnqyymnM6p4C4TYI9c3oWwmgfTr6NJkqEyXQQYfgStjoLUEHtoXJjB9kJgiIYPCHii-H4-ZnqhRuM0GezLs-P4TQ6Twzg5aH3xPKRgSXL-qBGEmxqUKLa2XgKSG7a4husGnEBvfC3CoosujvbgqiMkFKxadHt9F5rjq908xBcGB0ODFy0YUsyqFttX/s4032/IMG_9643.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpLmnqyymnM6p4C4TYI9c3oWwmgfTr6NJkqEyXQQYfgStjoLUEHtoXJjB9kJgiIYPCHii-H4-ZnqhRuM0GezLs-P4TQ6Twzg5aH3xPKRgSXL-qBGEmxqUKLa2XgKSG7a4husGnEBvfC3CoosujvbgqiMkFKxadHt9F5rjq908xBcGB0ODFy0YUsyqFttX/w400-h300/IMG_9643.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij94o8ycGoILOP7QaQInj2l-kiXMYiz2Kylxf6HiK657BW6PU0r1g74Y_jx4yU86icjaTnkpK6MrUT9NRtvBSru1QcfH-VDO37zZqJ_UVTkspnIF6PN5fio-KbAhZxgUltP80aGC_trIPJ_R9U9T0i9eg621lMXkO7Exg0F11leiXSkjXJq984qLBivKaX/s4032/IMG_9645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij94o8ycGoILOP7QaQInj2l-kiXMYiz2Kylxf6HiK657BW6PU0r1g74Y_jx4yU86icjaTnkpK6MrUT9NRtvBSru1QcfH-VDO37zZqJ_UVTkspnIF6PN5fio-KbAhZxgUltP80aGC_trIPJ_R9U9T0i9eg621lMXkO7Exg0F11leiXSkjXJq984qLBivKaX/w400-h300/IMG_9645.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTtZmf3e7VU3rzxN2Ii8r-U_PRKkpLJWI___r0A7u05tQJWs_2r61VsQe-OCKJ7H4NdxzONPYm03xs2dm4AiRcjm6pK3oGxKWqUgo66Hrc4ssuws4I2m90154xh0uVpGI90kIEZ5lEP0Jxo0cBh1mT79iCIRXhV7QfLykhjMP5h64ZW1Z-K4PvECJKN4L/s4032/IMG_9646.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTtZmf3e7VU3rzxN2Ii8r-U_PRKkpLJWI___r0A7u05tQJWs_2r61VsQe-OCKJ7H4NdxzONPYm03xs2dm4AiRcjm6pK3oGxKWqUgo66Hrc4ssuws4I2m90154xh0uVpGI90kIEZ5lEP0Jxo0cBh1mT79iCIRXhV7QfLykhjMP5h64ZW1Z-K4PvECJKN4L/w400-h300/IMG_9646.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE COOK</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEKDsvygifNWHf9MDKABQHD3HwkbzTmcVaD8Ombzeop26EGixyIk2TCDBAm2LUv-Zz4StRHzN16g4JGYsLVd_7l-aLxjT6kRsCDV1TM_ba6Mz5MEgoTdmMkjloBb-BgkuKNMoeAfvWKMvweSBgImJwkrFXJ3JogfGIrljnrPNoxQktCnzAz2g63Nrx20M/s4032/IMG_9759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEKDsvygifNWHf9MDKABQHD3HwkbzTmcVaD8Ombzeop26EGixyIk2TCDBAm2LUv-Zz4StRHzN16g4JGYsLVd_7l-aLxjT6kRsCDV1TM_ba6Mz5MEgoTdmMkjloBb-BgkuKNMoeAfvWKMvweSBgImJwkrFXJ3JogfGIrljnrPNoxQktCnzAz2g63Nrx20M/w400-h300/IMG_9759.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">You can’t always trust the signage on the Camino. I think I might have taken the wrong turn.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7x6FWiJ3NOMYy22Q9BD7ezcnx_QL8LG968MORw4-H0NtErin4g7f76SQgLybNEyNCRnMZwLgXX22pNMox4efhMDpp28mDWdn4tiagBIm_cBQG7flG8EnPwNzlUzZBAnk7DUk1KG7xi0vBLDb8iQ8c2jDNSxEPhoIAc7XAHKDwWhhchRTeDR6hbMGBS4f/s4032/IMG_9638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7x6FWiJ3NOMYy22Q9BD7ezcnx_QL8LG968MORw4-H0NtErin4g7f76SQgLybNEyNCRnMZwLgXX22pNMox4efhMDpp28mDWdn4tiagBIm_cBQG7flG8EnPwNzlUzZBAnk7DUk1KG7xi0vBLDb8iQ8c2jDNSxEPhoIAc7XAHKDwWhhchRTeDR6hbMGBS4f/w400-h300/IMG_9638.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><br /><br /></p><div><br /></div> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-6703933773298245042023-04-24T08:53:00.001-07:002024-01-05T19:31:20.461-08:00PUTTING ON THE MILES, SLOWLY<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 9 14.2 Taxi miles, Santo Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">As mentioned in the previous post, a taxi ride was in order. So, instead of walking I rode this segment in the aforementioned taxi, to give my tendonitis a rest. At least that’s what I believe it is. The pain goes away with rest and as I write this in the evening after a day of no walking, except to the bar, I have no pain. So tomorrow is a short mileage day and I head out about 7 so I can really go slow and stop often. I am using Jacotrans, a service that will move your backpack or suitcase for you to your next stop. For 6€ it will be waiting for me at my next lodging when I arrive. If I can walk, then I will continue to send the pack ahead and just carry my balance pack.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">If it doesn’t work out, then I’ll have to make a decision. Rest up for more days and hope for the best, rent a AirB&B till it’s time to go home, or change my flight and skedaddle out of here. The latter is an expensive proposition as I bought my tickets last year at a really low price. Now I would have to pay the difference which, is more that double the original price. I’m hoping for the best outcome as I want to keep walking. I was actually bored today just sitting around watching the other pilgrims come and go. Saw a few catching the bus to go home, hoping I won’t be doing the same.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50CQq8RthfPNnL7OQm5Fy5tafL6Xdov40b3Zth_G8KRgoD5OE_nojv6j61Ev3nLTMXVvWIR2KSdexu2-J6iDWrEqnFGz7zpcFZH36wSm95ztf4NCK2mt1POflaAQas-OWGEckSFs-EG0xObe6giygnnmMH0o_7WHoKWEKK1ecrJYy-jSePuD4YWAQX4UL/s4032/IMG_9455.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50CQq8RthfPNnL7OQm5Fy5tafL6Xdov40b3Zth_G8KRgoD5OE_nojv6j61Ev3nLTMXVvWIR2KSdexu2-J6iDWrEqnFGz7zpcFZH36wSm95ztf4NCK2mt1POflaAQas-OWGEckSFs-EG0xObe6giygnnmMH0o_7WHoKWEKK1ecrJYy-jSePuD4YWAQX4UL/w400-h300/IMG_9455.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsXnCuOspGY6jxN5rPxNoftGOqXOCFjtjvKsgkgmSYcviL6fjCO2aMfPQviq5Bzl4VVIExI8_ICIdjgIFJz7BRpxBEj5nmri6GPSzX26w_GGBdNi_mmtdp-AQ2gCkSewKmVqfQuTwibFM5yVltKifbgaf1Je_mBZsOgvIXiatc0KmoqruZq6wwqFc6yI8/s4032/IMG_9460.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsXnCuOspGY6jxN5rPxNoftGOqXOCFjtjvKsgkgmSYcviL6fjCO2aMfPQviq5Bzl4VVIExI8_ICIdjgIFJz7BRpxBEj5nmri6GPSzX26w_GGBdNi_mmtdp-AQ2gCkSewKmVqfQuTwibFM5yVltKifbgaf1Je_mBZsOgvIXiatc0KmoqruZq6wwqFc6yI8/w400-h300/IMG_9460.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">Day 10 7.6 miles, Belorado to Villafranca Montes de Oca</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Up and out at 7, leaving my pack behind for Jacotrans to pickup and take to my next stop. Before heading out, a pilgrims breakfast at the bar across the street from my room. It was raining as I left town, so I ducked under a bridge till the worst of it was over. Since I’m still walking in my socks and sandals, it’s important to keep them dry. It was also cold, cloudy and breezy, so my rain jacket stayed on for extra warmth. Short day with a couple of gentle inclines almost entirely on dirt farm roads.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb9hUFz7yquYO6qkgrjG4IVEHKLaHndYrT5mFwHxUgs6KlulMspeKgQ4by2I8zEkO9NM8GlWwV37YGRJh1ZO7cp1d2RG9cbwJSiPTkq8PmGSxctKocxaX63dIolJSWIUIj4pJSzbUttewj21v0EMTRGktu-RGFr4QlBRXVRK87F0YOINMIsudqm0qwAtd/s4032/IMG_9463.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb9hUFz7yquYO6qkgrjG4IVEHKLaHndYrT5mFwHxUgs6KlulMspeKgQ4by2I8zEkO9NM8GlWwV37YGRJh1ZO7cp1d2RG9cbwJSiPTkq8PmGSxctKocxaX63dIolJSWIUIj4pJSzbUttewj21v0EMTRGktu-RGFr4QlBRXVRK87F0YOINMIsudqm0qwAtd/w400-h300/IMG_9463.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3tO4TlbSduG3frXzfL9Yzwi5lBtgAJzQc0OvIfKfIPEx2gCynthQkIujKnR9PhuoHObTTTMvRefX7mPsdY9p-HDbyO3S607R3UkCbRz_NZtwu1p0fYeXFN1bYOm5UA96pFDeC0Tb-ecxmX5u6-gL_bdB-XNmJe1vKlQYbMyalzr4RPoTmVQPbJsrEwuE/s4032/IMG_9467.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3tO4TlbSduG3frXzfL9Yzwi5lBtgAJzQc0OvIfKfIPEx2gCynthQkIujKnR9PhuoHObTTTMvRefX7mPsdY9p-HDbyO3S607R3UkCbRz_NZtwu1p0fYeXFN1bYOm5UA96pFDeC0Tb-ecxmX5u6-gL_bdB-XNmJe1vKlQYbMyalzr4RPoTmVQPbJsrEwuE/w400-h300/IMG_9467.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsWRlieElrxOG3Tqxq5F1BPD08ruaaRJbDDt1K7Rwsc6u__-VsIxfwRaEh3tog85s9dq58byCiMKNqDPLCeaiXT-D07G4XahCt51wruDHoGXXPEpIcbwX10D8OsSpvLWY8Wae_sQfiuYEsMhPtqoRmJ7OzzSJxEZGkUKzstJhUinuk6WgxM4tg9wTIj-Q/s4032/IMG_9469.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsWRlieElrxOG3Tqxq5F1BPD08ruaaRJbDDt1K7Rwsc6u__-VsIxfwRaEh3tog85s9dq58byCiMKNqDPLCeaiXT-D07G4XahCt51wruDHoGXXPEpIcbwX10D8OsSpvLWY8Wae_sQfiuYEsMhPtqoRmJ7OzzSJxEZGkUKzstJhUinuk6WgxM4tg9wTIj-Q/w400-h300/IMG_9469.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">So, how did the body do? You ask. Not too bad. The blisters stayed quite, and it appeared that the knife has been removed from my thigh. After a couple of miles, the thigh spoke to me just to remind me that it was still around ready to ruin the day if I didn’t behave. I listened an stopped for my second pilgrim breakfast, taking my time and enjoying a Cafe con Leche Grande. The second half of my short day there were no issues. I do believe the weight of my pack is what caused the knife to keep stabbing my thigh. My pack is not overly heavy, but any amount to extra weight that the body is not used to can cause problems. The next two days will be the real test as they are 11.2 and 12.5 respectively. If all goes well, then onward. If not, well we’ll see.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Just before entering the village of Villafranca and along the Camino stands this ruin. After a little internet research I found our that it is all that remains of the Monastery of San Félix de Oca which was built back in the 800’s. What is amazing is that it still stands.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVjucWbont7vHSIb6voEshBnbCtBtt94Ae7KIRwD1YoZCdoKVTmZKt7ApVX_SUeEKjMdWIfxq48lgNBXozcUIwZRSpDHpr-ZYgPmx4CCdGo5oTF00lRSWkqotW7RH8_q0r3LHy_ntQQvzf1-ywpq9_A_jhOKe5mt_EXbTD4HeEZwd_OXleElVYeuj7MqU/s4032/IMG_9475.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVjucWbont7vHSIb6voEshBnbCtBtt94Ae7KIRwD1YoZCdoKVTmZKt7ApVX_SUeEKjMdWIfxq48lgNBXozcUIwZRSpDHpr-ZYgPmx4CCdGo5oTF00lRSWkqotW7RH8_q0r3LHy_ntQQvzf1-ywpq9_A_jhOKe5mt_EXbTD4HeEZwd_OXleElVYeuj7MqU/w400-h300/IMG_9475.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrfMH3OOiLFykgQ2fnlU6KfXiwWVy_9YoIKVc93E-fKXklK_7822OvFz4ICX4WrBWAvvpqL8bpk9WyDoqeBOCecZmznJGwJJ8EJfFzbMjq1W-IcqVXL5SAvhxnxj2vcCm02SuTShtky_OR8pCz7S0GXgGHVd-OermqgY1WGs6e_oZ1k_rWTiB1R412MUg/s4032/IMG_9476.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrfMH3OOiLFykgQ2fnlU6KfXiwWVy_9YoIKVc93E-fKXklK_7822OvFz4ICX4WrBWAvvpqL8bpk9WyDoqeBOCecZmznJGwJJ8EJfFzbMjq1W-IcqVXL5SAvhxnxj2vcCm02SuTShtky_OR8pCz7S0GXgGHVd-OermqgY1WGs6e_oZ1k_rWTiB1R412MUg/w400-h300/IMG_9476.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">The hotel in the small town is upscale for the little village that it is in. There is a nice bar with big over stuffed chairs, just what a pilgrim needs. The walls are adorned with hunt trophies, whose I don’t know. I opted for the pilgrims meal for dinner and as usual it continues to disappoint. The price is the draw to this simple offering of food, Garlic Soup and the wine are the pulses, while two skinny chicken drumsticks and the usual French fries are nothing special. Breakfast was included in the room and they had peanut butter so that was a plus.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Buhcxof6IX54OOzXLxWhN_CBdMPbTNwv9IDiwgfOQ04cEMS-muD_i51kPIerbSwOmkuoOThrEYjQjycpauiUv9IgbANhBMrVbmeDJ5iKP0P89az1dmVVgI690XAdX7aJINIrMgHiHaf8ZScJ1VnNslrR-NxxuZYIqEaYR8z6w8rrA5kku7OnvkQRYl2e/s4032/IMG_9480.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Buhcxof6IX54OOzXLxWhN_CBdMPbTNwv9IDiwgfOQ04cEMS-muD_i51kPIerbSwOmkuoOThrEYjQjycpauiUv9IgbANhBMrVbmeDJ5iKP0P89az1dmVVgI690XAdX7aJINIrMgHiHaf8ZScJ1VnNslrR-NxxuZYIqEaYR8z6w8rrA5kku7OnvkQRYl2e/w400-h300/IMG_9480.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIOOUi7fY4v8gTb12RXu1fMzEDCpmjSDIKF3KFU6WqkGPOg6SC52SVX7GfcF2_aW3vAAoF84w_Od4n2cxRa2P3IjHOGIkYalkp77N4DF6B7oFH_JM9lDC49m0owtRMZQd3ROLBdXUSiedYKji34LYahtBB7gB8tqXwq8VXunr3_UnsvGFqC5cIg19eM65/s4032/IMG_9478.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIOOUi7fY4v8gTb12RXu1fMzEDCpmjSDIKF3KFU6WqkGPOg6SC52SVX7GfcF2_aW3vAAoF84w_Od4n2cxRa2P3IjHOGIkYalkp77N4DF6B7oFH_JM9lDC49m0owtRMZQd3ROLBdXUSiedYKji34LYahtBB7gB8tqXwq8VXunr3_UnsvGFqC5cIg19eM65/w300-h400/IMG_9478.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">BAR FOOD, CROQUETS <br /></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 11 11.5 Miles</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">Then out the door at 7:30 and right away a steep climb up to a forested plateau where the wind was howling. Once onto the plateau it was easy walking for the remainder of the day with only one steep decent and incline. Every once in a while my thigh would threaten to stick me with the knife if I didn’t slow down. The blisters are quiet, so it was mostly an easy walk, with the exception of the wind. Shipping my back back ahead is, so far, making a world of difference At about 7 miles, I took a break with my second Cafe con Leche and a bocadillo of cheese, ham and a fried egg.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8V78dJceobwc3tYz8X8Z_N_VwxqD6AwDjfynmv9hpQaqYvxJGYP5YYmdLDO7hQfnEmpxM3q6mmBUCzVG52QCele7sVgkCLPJOjUlbZA1NacZ6irFaER0C36KnNSue1yWJSdWDfo-hnki1dzpj7JAAs3VkXDJSw4LJf-cbNCba76aNZ_RN0bW55emD8YB/s4032/IMG_9488.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8V78dJceobwc3tYz8X8Z_N_VwxqD6AwDjfynmv9hpQaqYvxJGYP5YYmdLDO7hQfnEmpxM3q6mmBUCzVG52QCele7sVgkCLPJOjUlbZA1NacZ6irFaER0C36KnNSue1yWJSdWDfo-hnki1dzpj7JAAs3VkXDJSw4LJf-cbNCba76aNZ_RN0bW55emD8YB/w400-h300/IMG_9488.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOmmP8lvIMZKLmuiIqFgWS246WiL0buw4KcbJwYw8zO90AuG2fOvWDnyrfkKtOGX60-ok_1hiwCb_32dQa-LMRm-n-gg6pUqpoxZmrzVQ-dWazCT7hlCd0hi_H8OmgpqsbdeZOva8ZHPFiAPfZqTBuLJrhcPZY_3CM7-FDBhnmi_t5ShQG0sVp4q_UL5h/s4032/IMG_9490.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOmmP8lvIMZKLmuiIqFgWS246WiL0buw4KcbJwYw8zO90AuG2fOvWDnyrfkKtOGX60-ok_1hiwCb_32dQa-LMRm-n-gg6pUqpoxZmrzVQ-dWazCT7hlCd0hi_H8OmgpqsbdeZOva8ZHPFiAPfZqTBuLJrhcPZY_3CM7-FDBhnmi_t5ShQG0sVp4q_UL5h/w400-h300/IMG_9490.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">While having my bocadillo, some American Pilgrims who passed me a week ago, showed up. Now I was ahead of them, which is unusual as I am rarely ahead of anybody. When I first met them they were all vim and vinegar speeding along. They have paid the price and and are licking their wounds. That my friends is the Camino. The Camino has the ability to humble you in a hurry.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiJAGLSbQRF8hE5faAEIlCsqgQjypWCGBzx-doiPaK7GkDASeHfSNLyXW1dBZb4S5eEG3lJzN3c2SBcPzFAHkWWGP1Tb7QTypJTKRu1MAlngqxK6JvpU1PM_E0pINGCp8ULHweZG-4Mca3GzgzFGtGMxqWP1W7EGMd7ZNyoyuqLxckzfwHpVOL35__3H2/s4032/IMG_9498.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeiJAGLSbQRF8hE5faAEIlCsqgQjypWCGBzx-doiPaK7GkDASeHfSNLyXW1dBZb4S5eEG3lJzN3c2SBcPzFAHkWWGP1Tb7QTypJTKRu1MAlngqxK6JvpU1PM_E0pINGCp8ULHweZG-4Mca3GzgzFGtGMxqWP1W7EGMd7ZNyoyuqLxckzfwHpVOL35__3H2/w400-h300/IMG_9498.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">MONASTERY AT SAN JUAN DE ORTEGA </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW7H59BxD1Z7j4qdb_Jhg1MP_fP9b4QkN1xRFFos9X8EE1gx7DtkoiWxgFK44G9624YO8S16DERgnhztYD8Q_QiHVYsf7bTMJJXNN83sbJjNN3gagyrnr2pnxvMjwClMSgBXiZQ1BrqmSAx-yMYz6qREBRGrZwsTBSCwfXPcRsw1HVehV0HVVkuHJO7kJ/s4032/IMG_9502.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW7H59BxD1Z7j4qdb_Jhg1MP_fP9b4QkN1xRFFos9X8EE1gx7DtkoiWxgFK44G9624YO8S16DERgnhztYD8Q_QiHVYsf7bTMJJXNN83sbJjNN3gagyrnr2pnxvMjwClMSgBXiZQ1BrqmSAx-yMYz6qREBRGrZwsTBSCwfXPcRsw1HVehV0HVVkuHJO7kJ/w400-h300/IMG_9502.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I’VE PHOTOGRAPHED THIS TREE ON EACH OF MY CAMINOS</span><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLEWq0hdud9RSqgEL9vsTnpG7gc9-EJJEmeYScmc5AyMTbrasJb8hf9scnfOPEEJV2olnJzopFfxCU29Eb9W9qVSelbHRaarZekcIiuc8AfBzLRGXlBqUPZFLPHiUwNQ3gWEQSnzeXbLkfKtjzFNxOs_Rep91Ys1SaYUViovSXGkvlIXLbRtShrIeJDdp/s4032/IMG_9503.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLEWq0hdud9RSqgEL9vsTnpG7gc9-EJJEmeYScmc5AyMTbrasJb8hf9scnfOPEEJV2olnJzopFfxCU29Eb9W9qVSelbHRaarZekcIiuc8AfBzLRGXlBqUPZFLPHiUwNQ3gWEQSnzeXbLkfKtjzFNxOs_Rep91Ys1SaYUViovSXGkvlIXLbRtShrIeJDdp/w400-h300/IMG_9503.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;">APPROACHING AGES</span></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ii1ihc4keYPvYj8ODlik8qxq7NPV0J4DVo129qcBKr-VmGkPgaP0ViSXhGgj1inqgcY7WohiPZ2_z-rs5xGEKbx3MONAbvvUl0UnBOEREym5V4GAVerTkx2-BaPCi25zE05BsNfDLYUbtvlK6ibLjr9QIrweLVpfVDla_841FqNWwpV8MtAvb_nfgoq0/s4032/IMG_9510.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ii1ihc4keYPvYj8ODlik8qxq7NPV0J4DVo129qcBKr-VmGkPgaP0ViSXhGgj1inqgcY7WohiPZ2_z-rs5xGEKbx3MONAbvvUl0UnBOEREym5V4GAVerTkx2-BaPCi25zE05BsNfDLYUbtvlK6ibLjr9QIrweLVpfVDla_841FqNWwpV8MtAvb_nfgoq0/w400-h300/IMG_9510.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">Tonight I am in Atapuerca in a rural hotel. I’m on the top floor under the eaves that are hand hewn beams, that one must duck to avoid damage to the noggin. Atapuerca is known for an archaeological site that contain some of the oldest human remains in the Iberian Peninsula. Some of the remains are estimated to be 800,000 years old.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Dinner was included in the price of the hotel room and there were several choices for the main course. The usual chicken, but Beef Cheeks were on the menu. The cooked choices were cooked in an outdoor oven over wood, including the potatoes which for a change weren’t fried. The Beef Cheeks were my choice and if you’ve never tried them, you should. Very tender and tasty. Of course the dinner came with a bottle of wine, which if you don’t finish it, will be poured into another bottle and served at the next meal.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhh67Gwok08a1iUsOaE8WrXQj8lPU5BVYm-rsXkjqWPTRrtPZeKa805vkNhLaqIM9Z4jTbJigZ9eVSLp-o5uSqm__ChNtwc5QFmPZFrHS_aXFPwj7dfAInMFE0vUORc5afcNqdg7fwpAugbjxzokJNi9TitCkwvJjsujjxBRlIpH0hAZ7Xzf3liXEyiDi/s4032/IMG_9516.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhh67Gwok08a1iUsOaE8WrXQj8lPU5BVYm-rsXkjqWPTRrtPZeKa805vkNhLaqIM9Z4jTbJigZ9eVSLp-o5uSqm__ChNtwc5QFmPZFrHS_aXFPwj7dfAInMFE0vUORc5afcNqdg7fwpAugbjxzokJNi9TitCkwvJjsujjxBRlIpH0hAZ7Xzf3liXEyiDi/w400-h300/IMG_9516.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">GARLIC SOUP</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qDoHLTrLNNPrCr9XY74dO0wVgM5vvW-42ucTWlhSAzjfDa2U8xD4_NJkbusmL15vIpJ5Q8j2CO-dYEYh1r6vWE6S1wXMeA7D4y8lfQmEAe-qhMPu5O2s4JJH5AEVeKpeQUD0OWeq1uHSfUMQstVO9oiJSI5CJ5S8LEm5FlDvP-60J9UVPuEBvqb6tEES/s4032/IMG_9518.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qDoHLTrLNNPrCr9XY74dO0wVgM5vvW-42ucTWlhSAzjfDa2U8xD4_NJkbusmL15vIpJ5Q8j2CO-dYEYh1r6vWE6S1wXMeA7D4y8lfQmEAe-qhMPu5O2s4JJH5AEVeKpeQUD0OWeq1uHSfUMQstVO9oiJSI5CJ5S8LEm5FlDvP-60J9UVPuEBvqb6tEES/w400-h300/IMG_9518.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />BEEF CHEEKS AND POTATOES<p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqygq0q0wJBFXgiF6I1x5KWL0yN8qkCsC9QblBOfGwjmqwNOJtWWP1e7AzuH_VBfGSJh-wHnoN0QuwO3_ZquaVwBL7wTMNdl_2lN-5JLKP7I0gzYlvqOlHCB0Tj6atbX990MsC6SLRmAZ3SDLTwWNgj7NJq_6Gt4_RDwUV18x4j0yhaYA6bYLNG-Cux3I/s4032/IMG_9520.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVqygq0q0wJBFXgiF6I1x5KWL0yN8qkCsC9QblBOfGwjmqwNOJtWWP1e7AzuH_VBfGSJh-wHnoN0QuwO3_ZquaVwBL7wTMNdl_2lN-5JLKP7I0gzYlvqOlHCB0Tj6atbX990MsC6SLRmAZ3SDLTwWNgj7NJq_6Gt4_RDwUV18x4j0yhaYA6bYLNG-Cux3I/w400-h300/IMG_9520.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">HOME MADE CHEESE CAKE<br /></span><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7qv_dgyVYKjcGSt3NP38g6z_zT-Z_BCQ16LtjIp1U1qm-D3BT2f040eGsCembCu3HvywWG2k1TwiOsCMyagmMC1vjVtDFgBKFHgUcSj4xjAipeWi-rvVxYg3nz31nx9Kp_4r5F5i04MGs-EN52_AHvUlqPcDlC2C4uQIBc1zfGD_VsMw91QoFUzv_rDR/s4032/IMG_9517.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7qv_dgyVYKjcGSt3NP38g6z_zT-Z_BCQ16LtjIp1U1qm-D3BT2f040eGsCembCu3HvywWG2k1TwiOsCMyagmMC1vjVtDFgBKFHgUcSj4xjAipeWi-rvVxYg3nz31nx9Kp_4r5F5i04MGs-EN52_AHvUlqPcDlC2C4uQIBc1zfGD_VsMw91QoFUzv_rDR/w400-h300/IMG_9517.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">OF COURSE THE WINE<br /></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCt8QDOUCCqSLY8L5Jr_TlweKMtxTjjLfWDpBDsHeb14dBSV90YbQFH-f2zdYSD38Eol5xtvKHS_bC6i8aOadaPJd5d4b1hxG7bhQdHEik5u2gSLTJLf8PqdwH11wFMHW0UBw6R0eLypcFDwZWJo6tm7nzLXDnpgHE_7uZXfwpS2jySPgTMyGvGGpGVDe/s4032/IMG_9515.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCt8QDOUCCqSLY8L5Jr_TlweKMtxTjjLfWDpBDsHeb14dBSV90YbQFH-f2zdYSD38Eol5xtvKHS_bC6i8aOadaPJd5d4b1hxG7bhQdHEik5u2gSLTJLf8PqdwH11wFMHW0UBw6R0eLypcFDwZWJo6tm7nzLXDnpgHE_7uZXfwpS2jySPgTMyGvGGpGVDe/w400-h300/IMG_9515.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">CHICKEN OUT OF THE OUTDOOR OVEN<br /></span><br />Day 12 12.5 miles</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Out the door after breakfast provided by the hotel and first up is a climb up. After about a mile it levels out and then descends gradually to the valley. The rest of the day is level, first farmland then around the perimeter of the Burgos Airport. It’s sunny for the first time in a couple of days and little wind. There are two routes to enter Burgos. One goes about 4 miles through industrial buildings and the other in parkland along the river for the same distance. I chose the park, but it’s still 4 miles, with much of it on pavement</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxxzT2TjS56AmBnBtRUbnJ0iS22_EHLHpzj0K-feKARFHiQgg49X7ek77ZRdmnITTbC5A0LjT3FNpG9Ps5uawsKLYlrHMyULPNAcBq6blAGTTqcLfJJbtXBQjuIrw7Xi-6Q-SML-Ee4lB2RgZOjTcrZ2AsRxrPesBpkHHuhDnlRZ5ci8kJzspBROfCCi4/s4032/IMG_9526.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDxxzT2TjS56AmBnBtRUbnJ0iS22_EHLHpzj0K-feKARFHiQgg49X7ek77ZRdmnITTbC5A0LjT3FNpG9Ps5uawsKLYlrHMyULPNAcBq6blAGTTqcLfJJbtXBQjuIrw7Xi-6Q-SML-Ee4lB2RgZOjTcrZ2AsRxrPesBpkHHuhDnlRZ5ci8kJzspBROfCCi4/w400-h300/IMG_9526.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_0o2fGl05jeVuL7bIL4FPFZdYRF0GFvbIOl6p5YEsE9F9dCerNXJOTwbK51pxwPQ21PM8FBjl-f4fcT1BpQ1O1an6zBzGNwlNKBJPdbpM8V0QeMKbC-KGYSZrdSWSGHzFh_9POc_Wp6-ej-vaJAhzjCAttWX40rPh7Bda1Hs9_P6j5-qz2piQV82NSgn/s4032/IMG_9528.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_0o2fGl05jeVuL7bIL4FPFZdYRF0GFvbIOl6p5YEsE9F9dCerNXJOTwbK51pxwPQ21PM8FBjl-f4fcT1BpQ1O1an6zBzGNwlNKBJPdbpM8V0QeMKbC-KGYSZrdSWSGHzFh_9POc_Wp6-ej-vaJAhzjCAttWX40rPh7Bda1Hs9_P6j5-qz2piQV82NSgn/w400-h300/IMG_9528.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr9j8GFhpNBOS7uQ8pL5cpdsXVBgk0IB62eFp3SzllAEbGYornyAks_MzSh0j1ozlIshHg1FCKEy8dqC-tU43krJhzkDPi9wxa4xQaBfgD7or36bRU2LdTzLJHLJARM25PT8LcplaY4dxa3BLAZCOwB-ZD10veD_JFVHGltZCOipqRaDJ8sCinHANiAVr/s4032/IMG_9530.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr9j8GFhpNBOS7uQ8pL5cpdsXVBgk0IB62eFp3SzllAEbGYornyAks_MzSh0j1ozlIshHg1FCKEy8dqC-tU43krJhzkDPi9wxa4xQaBfgD7or36bRU2LdTzLJHLJARM25PT8LcplaY4dxa3BLAZCOwB-ZD10veD_JFVHGltZCOipqRaDJ8sCinHANiAVr/w400-h300/IMG_9530.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF-TxMGRKJ4nQJoa-P4r4Dfog5ZmprhWB33VQq1jc9lXUP0sfJvwNFkarcPLM-nqhSBkeng_kB-jCPAG5lehVI2LUirNqo7yDrGmFgoYlvIxT9CsA16W2PFBMT9XPu_609Fj_3ClMJhM_6oUbatZ0auu0wiQP7b0JmRHOpFmqknJy4wrnTba9xSFpPn9f/s4032/IMG_9543.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSF-TxMGRKJ4nQJoa-P4r4Dfog5ZmprhWB33VQq1jc9lXUP0sfJvwNFkarcPLM-nqhSBkeng_kB-jCPAG5lehVI2LUirNqo7yDrGmFgoYlvIxT9CsA16W2PFBMT9XPu_609Fj_3ClMJhM_6oUbatZ0auu0wiQP7b0JmRHOpFmqknJy4wrnTba9xSFpPn9f/w400-h300/IMG_9543.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ENTERING BURGOS</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzixtbd2ZcBr-ChqCmE1fIl8me9cfTz560-hxAOy7zhoE2FL7qY-nQy6MjodqCgR6qWkSuJWa4sqHLcEd7IxiFiKyBA1meMItfQa2OPGZJcKY80qUhm2mTudyY3uufOMvuKVNWvKXwj5sEVorYJpEezkgTIHLKsxPDhmq5mSi-vl7maUVQpvS36FHS1OF/s4032/IMG_9546.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzixtbd2ZcBr-ChqCmE1fIl8me9cfTz560-hxAOy7zhoE2FL7qY-nQy6MjodqCgR6qWkSuJWa4sqHLcEd7IxiFiKyBA1meMItfQa2OPGZJcKY80qUhm2mTudyY3uufOMvuKVNWvKXwj5sEVorYJpEezkgTIHLKsxPDhmq5mSi-vl7maUVQpvS36FHS1OF/w400-h300/IMG_9546.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MARY</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0_6MPN694tZ_RtD_p7FYcKuBGL6-tuZ-RgYMl0fK3uQq6R5mRF1BRq6Foxz_5l27-A2RBfHMVPYFO9TElTcfdCML81WE7EhHR7LXMqJ6Lgy7Xyxgh7jKw62MTdQ8btjxXPK0Gt5qFl1lE4Da0FxiN5lePJhkdt1PD3ocLFMnHD0G36vBRNHHrmy60YTY/s4032/IMG_9547.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0_6MPN694tZ_RtD_p7FYcKuBGL6-tuZ-RgYMl0fK3uQq6R5mRF1BRq6Foxz_5l27-A2RBfHMVPYFO9TElTcfdCML81WE7EhHR7LXMqJ6Lgy7Xyxgh7jKw62MTdQ8btjxXPK0Gt5qFl1lE4Da0FxiN5lePJhkdt1PD3ocLFMnHD0G36vBRNHHrmy60YTY/w400-h300/IMG_9547.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQaUyeY_kPS0y7SdbR_59hlPjP5vXjJscgxKYka_wljynNrqyTCVIggdBgFgTsXw2H_K4IGo1XwmBtTUYGLD5SSZYSC8gdDCUbAvanYj119VruiQmWw5P7m2TrauhTvsisFDCvK8ZwdoSpWfL9JKULyNnWhGBeuPOGfXZi5wJ4ckkmw9rqlRbqj7z7UmJ/s4032/IMG_9553.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQaUyeY_kPS0y7SdbR_59hlPjP5vXjJscgxKYka_wljynNrqyTCVIggdBgFgTsXw2H_K4IGo1XwmBtTUYGLD5SSZYSC8gdDCUbAvanYj119VruiQmWw5P7m2TrauhTvsisFDCvK8ZwdoSpWfL9JKULyNnWhGBeuPOGfXZi5wJ4ckkmw9rqlRbqj7z7UmJ/w400-h300/IMG_9553.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;">On the way to my hotel, I happened upon a hiking/running store. So, I bought another pair of toe socks, as the first pair seem to be helping with the blisters. I also bought a small day pack which I will carry instead of my big pack. Since I have been shipping my bag ahead, my thigh has greatly improved. Since the idea is to enjoy my Camino, I will ship my pack ahead each day</span></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">After checking in to my hotel, showering, I headed to a small laundromat which is just down the street. 3 washers, 2 dryers, the place is tiny. I’m sharing a dryer with a pilgrim from Germany, which is not uncommon on the Camino. Tomorrow will be a day off as I deserve it. I will also due my best to avoid the pilgrim dinner and eat in a restaurant that Cathie and I discovered when we were here in 2017. Here is one account about how the Scallop Shell became the symbol of the Camino</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWvP7Bdpa7CPWlDstmJlk_bJZ9n8hqfbwArtWmeOgpiw_tx2Ad8jp7TncFF4EJs143gOCUvJGCIuAu9TwRV3FdDhO4Rb5Coh0mk67q1bwx7QoAHVDHgK8lPjdlqJL51cJXc0uCARR6pMMf4VvadeJQvKoTki8pWHQCGersJEcelaYJDZkzcU8NftyPwsX/s4032/IMG_9538.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWvP7Bdpa7CPWlDstmJlk_bJZ9n8hqfbwArtWmeOgpiw_tx2Ad8jp7TncFF4EJs143gOCUvJGCIuAu9TwRV3FdDhO4Rb5Coh0mk67q1bwx7QoAHVDHgK8lPjdlqJL51cJXc0uCARR6pMMf4VvadeJQvKoTki8pWHQCGersJEcelaYJDZkzcU8NftyPwsX/w400-h300/IMG_9538.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_eBENdnMo1BQRMap6rOAU3EQ-rnce631nQ8UoaCwf9_m9hIamh6SiRC5OaYD8fEsjs_i-x_ctavXvADhYkQYPTPr5TyiyJ9YLZVrsFDjpeFnySyg018CDPKr-tpcLKEToLZ5mGBOR2KNiUYN-JO_b3CVXhCLliAtpJt7HiOgX5PCfJl0efAqJBeqlxTK/s4032/IMG_9556.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_eBENdnMo1BQRMap6rOAU3EQ-rnce631nQ8UoaCwf9_m9hIamh6SiRC5OaYD8fEsjs_i-x_ctavXvADhYkQYPTPr5TyiyJ9YLZVrsFDjpeFnySyg018CDPKr-tpcLKEToLZ5mGBOR2KNiUYN-JO_b3CVXhCLliAtpJt7HiOgX5PCfJl0efAqJBeqlxTK/w400-h300/IMG_9556.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">EL CID</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAChlwWphmgCTAQjJHjzue1sbmHY66voAqX8OorAusLyluU3fAcOveTKegioZuSy_uXZ-tlRXldjKi6CJbZQgPQeYgQmYho7aYl_W7LDGaxWAutuPX114alaspWYlmArZWzJT0dOQ3WnaAYjLHhMVoxDHvoES9_0x2d5f31MW5urAeNVqqlXRvXcHeb8VH/s4032/IMG_9559.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAChlwWphmgCTAQjJHjzue1sbmHY66voAqX8OorAusLyluU3fAcOveTKegioZuSy_uXZ-tlRXldjKi6CJbZQgPQeYgQmYho7aYl_W7LDGaxWAutuPX114alaspWYlmArZWzJT0dOQ3WnaAYjLHhMVoxDHvoES9_0x2d5f31MW5urAeNVqqlXRvXcHeb8VH/w400-h300/IMG_9559.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CITY GATE</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH1fJ_q8WcnuNWvh4m-5HaQmRsu1D6v1O7Q2NmZU7aWZMBQsYt-8HjvUHF-L0HKCep5xeOrdllyZ2d1E4dsZpp_Z44vgtAZ7gzPzvDQ4Fgq4tQ7jkM4UC0Bl1zBoU5I4K86ACwNAH-0n-cNw_9NpupZ_LY8cXtlA6-Uv1z2ip2rt3UtRZb7kwqc-Iaaq7/s4032/IMG_9568.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH1fJ_q8WcnuNWvh4m-5HaQmRsu1D6v1O7Q2NmZU7aWZMBQsYt-8HjvUHF-L0HKCep5xeOrdllyZ2d1E4dsZpp_Z44vgtAZ7gzPzvDQ4Fgq4tQ7jkM4UC0Bl1zBoU5I4K86ACwNAH-0n-cNw_9NpupZ_LY8cXtlA6-Uv1z2ip2rt3UtRZb7kwqc-Iaaq7/w400-h300/IMG_9568.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TIRED PILGRIM</div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">The scallop shell legend says that a wedding party saw on the horizon a drifting boat that was approaching the shore, the groom entered the water in his horse trying to help, and ended up submerged by the sea. Desperate, he prayed to the heavens and the miracle came as a strange force that dragged him towards the shore. The horse and the rider set foot safe on the ground as the boat carrying saint James’ remains reached the shore. Everyone considered that rescue a miracle. Both the rider and his horse were completely covered in scallop shells, this is why the image of Saint James is linked to the scallop shell.</p><div><br /></div> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-7601704366273427202023-04-21T00:04:00.001-07:002024-01-04T08:55:26.861-08:00OH, THE PAIN<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">YOU WILL NEVER KNOW YOUR LIMITS UNTIL YOU PUSH YOURSELF PAST THEM</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Day 6 Logroño to Soteś. 11.2 miles</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Left my little apartment just as it was getting light. When looking for coffee in the early AM, finding it is sometime iffy. But because of previous early morning starts, I knew of just the place. And sure enough it was open with the same bar-man as my previous visits. Anyway, got my Cafe con Leche, orange juice, and Chocolate Napoleon. The place was near empty, so I pulled up a chair to enjoy my coffee. Within minutes, a bus load of French tourists came in and the place was overflowing. Nothing against French tourists, but I took cue and beat feet outa there.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">When leaving Logroño, the first mile or so is on busy thoroughfares and sometimes the yellow arrows are elusive. But the City of Logroño has their own design for a yellow arrow in to form of a metal plaque imbedded in the sidewalks, so keep looking down and you’ll do fine. The next couple of miles are through a large city park surrounded by high rise apartments which give way to a larger rural park. So once leaving the busy streets the walk becomes very pleasant, on good pathways through some nice scenery. There is a sometimes open cafe in the rural park, but not this time. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH0Soz2OzDnUfhqwCu6AkTFX576QsS9dSMJHjL_MkSzWFRKPef73hBJnyl0TfaT7Mk2Vy7GP8IRdr0r406Px54XSjwqCs8CPMajwyvjxDZ5adZG7_D3eDZr8bXSe5qoDeyrCzRsbAepbOjzW1HXL3Hz4uP0vv_5DNDWe2a630zK8WFz5Yknc1gkbbgm0U/s4032/IMG_9382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH0Soz2OzDnUfhqwCu6AkTFX576QsS9dSMJHjL_MkSzWFRKPef73hBJnyl0TfaT7Mk2Vy7GP8IRdr0r406Px54XSjwqCs8CPMajwyvjxDZ5adZG7_D3eDZr8bXSe5qoDeyrCzRsbAepbOjzW1HXL3Hz4uP0vv_5DNDWe2a630zK8WFz5Yknc1gkbbgm0U/w400-h300/IMG_9382.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4XaI8Y5lyQneZqebdd-B5OlY8HqLnz7EamCzJiXOooafaRFzX8LgXA2Cit5fzcN3Kqao4xrKokFiNgYHss4ogn4tIJ5V29fXcB47kMKOAYk90OskT6LOqJnT99MTZYiansvzugPh00GnMqIK2_KxVx7z78X-tYUyIu8GtKxpI1Duo4MJqb2pE_fIMSpi/s4032/IMG_9383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4XaI8Y5lyQneZqebdd-B5OlY8HqLnz7EamCzJiXOooafaRFzX8LgXA2Cit5fzcN3Kqao4xrKokFiNgYHss4ogn4tIJ5V29fXcB47kMKOAYk90OskT6LOqJnT99MTZYiansvzugPh00GnMqIK2_KxVx7z78X-tYUyIu8GtKxpI1Duo4MJqb2pE_fIMSpi/w400-h300/IMG_9383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LiYjfuxJIXB7CoKjwIXWM7WzNKr1a2BafE_gIqztRtaGs3YFmT6h4FMG8Y-HKRmNnzaYpxrpz7ccG8nWzqfLGAh_ZuXLWGyaby_ICp05aXQZTmXN62z9tgTFxJ3ezHtGkla-Aje0FH1pzlnQv3pfA_6KGRMByLSEoWLRJMwqcPvCyb5ZESXGOrMMsIf2/s4032/IMG_9384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LiYjfuxJIXB7CoKjwIXWM7WzNKr1a2BafE_gIqztRtaGs3YFmT6h4FMG8Y-HKRmNnzaYpxrpz7ccG8nWzqfLGAh_ZuXLWGyaby_ICp05aXQZTmXN62z9tgTFxJ3ezHtGkla-Aje0FH1pzlnQv3pfA_6KGRMByLSEoWLRJMwqcPvCyb5ZESXGOrMMsIf2/w400-h300/IMG_9384.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Navarrete becomes the first place to stop and take a break. Navarrete is a hilltop village, so one must go up to find a cafe. A must see is the the church who’s construction started in1553 and finished in the 17th century. The baroque altarpiece is gold and quite beautiful. Difficult to see in the low lite of the church, but put your 1€ in the little box and the lights come on. It’s worth the euro.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONTgbezMS4rPHUAqhRPjjWbh-AdE_tnyeXdDdJ0uCpN5jpQLpHvdufWQEs03RKIw1gJXZMpE8oN7ltHBNO8azt0BOsvP_aiC_8-y1cGQwW0lOBl9CMiZm1oh77MPtU_6B4dIWfH-bc576Cs2I1uBRZor46alTJEo-i3mdwAGhoSYIK_o26XxAz74HOrmp/s4032/IMG_9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONTgbezMS4rPHUAqhRPjjWbh-AdE_tnyeXdDdJ0uCpN5jpQLpHvdufWQEs03RKIw1gJXZMpE8oN7ltHBNO8azt0BOsvP_aiC_8-y1cGQwW0lOBl9CMiZm1oh77MPtU_6B4dIWfH-bc576Cs2I1uBRZor46alTJEo-i3mdwAGhoSYIK_o26XxAz74HOrmp/w400-h300/IMG_9388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsQtyxzOXCBzcStMBBrEi2kIuBWteH0Dfm2MDTtW78MI8TezywOPFAaQNS8AC3n5O8dNQA-q09oTtt3Y2XH8cXHqL7Cdp7L88UKhjDAYSWBM9iV9JgdqNn3oL5pGa3kKBvATSWCMVzxZgUFyUsiv0Ae9nJI3oFb6o6lkXK4hAwMrAiJ8OI0aA0e1oRa6-/s4032/IMG_9395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsQtyxzOXCBzcStMBBrEi2kIuBWteH0Dfm2MDTtW78MI8TezywOPFAaQNS8AC3n5O8dNQA-q09oTtt3Y2XH8cXHqL7Cdp7L88UKhjDAYSWBM9iV9JgdqNn3oL5pGa3kKBvATSWCMVzxZgUFyUsiv0Ae9nJI3oFb6o6lkXK4hAwMrAiJ8OI0aA0e1oRa6-/w300-h400/IMG_9395.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD-JYXHe-AhdDZ8LdCHB-38N6gBEo4U_2xM2L35x4hHecG13Yb03l-zxg3BvHtB2EkND1Uc8kz1suXbmMUyO2oX-EGjQetXSisQNg9DoNyzDVE1m_ZFNsWbASF2Qa8TGcSH2srfIE70yCLLOk-8KmqGqzs-006rcoUvBft3UCQZNRcyFazB343mFCTFGo/s4032/IMG_9396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTD-JYXHe-AhdDZ8LdCHB-38N6gBEo4U_2xM2L35x4hHecG13Yb03l-zxg3BvHtB2EkND1Uc8kz1suXbmMUyO2oX-EGjQetXSisQNg9DoNyzDVE1m_ZFNsWbASF2Qa8TGcSH2srfIE70yCLLOk-8KmqGqzs-006rcoUvBft3UCQZNRcyFazB343mFCTFGo/w300-h400/IMG_9396.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;">I am currently in another hilltop village for the nite. Soteś, used to be on the Camino, but it was bypassed for some reason. Perhaps it’s because it’s a steep climb. I stayed here in 2018 and as far as I know, I was the only pilgrim. Tonight there is another pilgrim staying in the same Casa Rural and earlier in the day I spoke to a pilgrim from Taiwan who said he was heading for Soteś. My lodging tonight includes dinner and breakfast in the morning.</span></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Dinner was pretty typical for pilgrims, 4 courses, salad, soup, chicken with fries, yogurt for desert. Of course a bottle of good La Rioja red wine. Also staying here is Raul Antonio and his dog Cookie. He speaks no English so we converse using Google Translate on our phones. We had an enjoyable meal.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;">Day 7. Soteś to Azofra. 11.7 miles</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a simple breakfast of toast and coffee it was out the door before sunrise, and the sunrise didn’t disappoint. Another 40 degree morning with a breeze to make it seem colder. Mostly easy walking on dirt farm roads, not too much pavement, with just a few assents. The most notable as I leave Nájera, a fair sized city a little over the halfway point of the day. A stop for the pilgrims 2nd breakfast of Coffee con Leche and a croissant and time to take of the socks and sandal to let the feet rest.</div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6H6PQ3utwdowA0fS7uYogpzkUKf1EHZSyhmirhqQnl5PymgEdA_CYCxfyrhI87nZywsFA-SnliFDME2LLefzOKOuPpM5inZClwEtVEES3LDfq5yPMn8tSZPy8Gx69q0c23YvjN1zO6PDmzPlhSyVtNkgMPiRshxTe4YtBpaavbz82-pUo4HN-pquh8tv/s4032/IMG_9417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn6H6PQ3utwdowA0fS7uYogpzkUKf1EHZSyhmirhqQnl5PymgEdA_CYCxfyrhI87nZywsFA-SnliFDME2LLefzOKOuPpM5inZClwEtVEES3LDfq5yPMn8tSZPy8Gx69q0c23YvjN1zO6PDmzPlhSyVtNkgMPiRshxTe4YtBpaavbz82-pUo4HN-pquh8tv/w400-h300/IMG_9417.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiLj5ulQnYnfG__t6mWoz0TvDpoLQr_mUONvgIrh4Ih5kX5DpdCo1H7jGdAOMs1bY_lG12yYKsWIBIzSXDvjOkFad5TU3_ZjZ6JTt8rKYxqxzW_X4Fkmx_C4Kx58rXafhcowHTG51aL-DdnZX_PllZaJG6F5Rtbaa6M-dOUxZJ6a1bleyjDai1Lh79DeM/s4032/IMG_9418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiLj5ulQnYnfG__t6mWoz0TvDpoLQr_mUONvgIrh4Ih5kX5DpdCo1H7jGdAOMs1bY_lG12yYKsWIBIzSXDvjOkFad5TU3_ZjZ6JTt8rKYxqxzW_X4Fkmx_C4Kx58rXafhcowHTG51aL-DdnZX_PllZaJG6F5Rtbaa6M-dOUxZJ6a1bleyjDai1Lh79DeM/w400-h300/IMG_9418.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />Speaking of feet. My three blisters on my right foot are on my three biggest toes. One is under a toe nail and looks quite angry. The toe nail is a goner, but surprisingly not too painful when wearing my new toe socks and sandals. I can walk comfortably for most of the day. My only pain is coming from the front of my left thigh, which I can’t figure out. It comes and goes when ever it wants to let me know that it is still part of my body. Stabbing pain at times and then no pain for miles. Ibuprofen is the only remedy for now.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBBHZhyphenhyphen9aICizqAAAnFzEbEeZwxWRX7xuD6IoDZXrvBmmRYszoZHKbEdzEuJcLC_cKuYyW935yrKW52Hv8X2YasIrxzkHKXEVRK4tnEqOsAiwCTCESz4YkTHpeaZBHp41dYodn12lDKHgxkjxUc9LsdewZEzI-RHEO2WU6VIu4JnJOlW2dVgR4RPl52Sg/s4032/IMG_9422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBBHZhyphenhyphen9aICizqAAAnFzEbEeZwxWRX7xuD6IoDZXrvBmmRYszoZHKbEdzEuJcLC_cKuYyW935yrKW52Hv8X2YasIrxzkHKXEVRK4tnEqOsAiwCTCESz4YkTHpeaZBHp41dYodn12lDKHgxkjxUc9LsdewZEzI-RHEO2WU6VIu4JnJOlW2dVgR4RPl52Sg/w400-h300/IMG_9422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />I arrive in Azofra around 1:30 and check into my pension, a place I have stayed before. Nice room with a shared bathroom, just across the plaza from the bar. It is at the bar where you check in to your room and where dinner will be served. And the dinner turned out to be just Ok. Most of the Pilgrim fixed price meals are pretty basic. Salad or soup, meat and fries, and a packaged ice cream bar. It does include wine and for 13€ it not a bad deal. It’s just that it’s like every other pilgrim meal.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;">Day 8 Azofra to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. 9.5 miles</span></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Out the door at 7 with a quick stop at the bar for coffee, juice and toast. More of the same as far as the scenery goes. Green fields as far as the eye can see, walking on dirt farm roads and through one town. The town of Cirueña was built just before the 2008 downturn and is now basically a ghost town with new buildings. Most of the homes and apartments are vacant, and the streets eerily empty.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7hXwj9oIPrjacV4ju5loHproSlnRMYtH0kggSet8JVfOxRv1Uh2TbXmvgJAAjmwj7P5flJf4xLHWcNojARfj8BjvtuD9e8eRu6ivAIQcVOO7EUZJBLC_cWp55O25Y9sGIMzgHSJM76J_gZo2T9kBksdaLly-tu0KJsFnGCJNTBvDrw8lVRKfDe8Qa-8x/s4032/IMG_9441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7hXwj9oIPrjacV4ju5loHproSlnRMYtH0kggSet8JVfOxRv1Uh2TbXmvgJAAjmwj7P5flJf4xLHWcNojARfj8BjvtuD9e8eRu6ivAIQcVOO7EUZJBLC_cWp55O25Y9sGIMzgHSJM76J_gZo2T9kBksdaLly-tu0KJsFnGCJNTBvDrw8lVRKfDe8Qa-8x/w400-h300/IMG_9441.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br />Still having blister issues and today the knife in my thigh lasted most of the day. So, I asked the blisters and the knife in my thigh what they thought we should do? It was agreed that tomorrow we all will take the bus or a taxi to the next stop. And then I’ll be have a service take my backpack forward each day until the blisters and the thigh quite down.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x0ZpJiAfLXyOijKGd-3H7ccD3XM1W-lQL-J7PUisBLTBNRRCsC35t4fqqA9Zn88ypr4YPCQOAOz8FnhGqWs2eBAkLxDKu3bAPcnC06D00IwynoVQjvWaUsVRrjcH9DbzA0YOFcbLg-X8kpsG1hmpZJVRwUgmGy2zGXvL53D92xK1V_KyNulm0IYUWY8b/s4032/IMG_9447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0x0ZpJiAfLXyOijKGd-3H7ccD3XM1W-lQL-J7PUisBLTBNRRCsC35t4fqqA9Zn88ypr4YPCQOAOz8FnhGqWs2eBAkLxDKu3bAPcnC06D00IwynoVQjvWaUsVRrjcH9DbzA0YOFcbLg-X8kpsG1hmpZJVRwUgmGy2zGXvL53D92xK1V_KyNulm0IYUWY8b/w400-h300/IMG_9447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;">Because I deserve it, tonight I am staying the the Paradores Hotel. Paradores are a government owned chain and many of their hotels are in historic buildings as is the one I’m in. Set in a converted 12th-century pilgrims hospital featuring Gothic stone arches and beamed ceilings, this refined hotel is opposite Cathedral Santo Domingo de la Calzada.</span></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh0ZdFmXZYrKHJFdIwFm8xPt5T3Up1_7rxLmgpjxlbHF9aTuMFxSyeEPUalK9tiROFI9MRR1EOprg_BoChsEbJO2wyfE-J35x4DIEHViWjSlrJuWJcfLLX1CcHhrd2J22-1JpD_A2h03MvtcaLWbiCcJGsAtHfx3I4M1MElFdFjcI6UScuq_fQjnv-NM0/s4032/IMG_9449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh0ZdFmXZYrKHJFdIwFm8xPt5T3Up1_7rxLmgpjxlbHF9aTuMFxSyeEPUalK9tiROFI9MRR1EOprg_BoChsEbJO2wyfE-J35x4DIEHViWjSlrJuWJcfLLX1CcHhrd2J22-1JpD_A2h03MvtcaLWbiCcJGsAtHfx3I4M1MElFdFjcI6UScuq_fQjnv-NM0/w400-h300/IMG_9449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWElwLQgSKq6xSanSAbj2wNSG4EXLNGWq2tD1vg4dbaMNqNsnmVRn6UX_d6n2Et9Xih0NMTwIMonabX11L_CnmlEZEzx1vwU6DLbNk9I_S884VSorJz1hSSx7SGftyKfBwo2tQMGJWp8IYKmR1B0haCWMR3s-gWlsWOq6pE3sARPl4p7i_a86TS_mJ7xSb/s4032/IMG_9450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWElwLQgSKq6xSanSAbj2wNSG4EXLNGWq2tD1vg4dbaMNqNsnmVRn6UX_d6n2Et9Xih0NMTwIMonabX11L_CnmlEZEzx1vwU6DLbNk9I_S884VSorJz1hSSx7SGftyKfBwo2tQMGJWp8IYKmR1B0haCWMR3s-gWlsWOq6pE3sARPl4p7i_a86TS_mJ7xSb/w300-h400/IMG_9450.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO58PtCLftAdSF5Z8-aYv7gpRAZd6IjiE1aJdOsaPL-7cRMILEt61xrle1E7aLSDPBW3DAK3iJ_uiFKL7Ij69qcwFhimF610GaiYVzQP7ou_QKnwDhOLPsLdTEbh6xjoFX-WCmyn3_B5s50WGfZdrzTTjkb-BENeu8EgjE-N3rwzxv1lOvYl08BNawY1dP/s4032/IMG_9451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO58PtCLftAdSF5Z8-aYv7gpRAZd6IjiE1aJdOsaPL-7cRMILEt61xrle1E7aLSDPBW3DAK3iJ_uiFKL7Ij69qcwFhimF610GaiYVzQP7ou_QKnwDhOLPsLdTEbh6xjoFX-WCmyn3_B5s50WGfZdrzTTjkb-BENeu8EgjE-N3rwzxv1lOvYl08BNawY1dP/w400-h300/IMG_9451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica;">I am sitting in the lobby of the Parador Hotel in Santo Domingo de la Calzada on a very comfortable leather couch, so I thought this would be a good time to tell a Camino story.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16.9px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">As legend has it, many years ago, a young German man, Hugonell, was walking to Santiago with his parents. I suppose his parents where with him because he needed a chaperone. But anyway, while in Santo Domingo, they stayed with a farmer and his family. As many farmer stories go, the farmer had a daughter. Now the daughter, most likely looking to leave the farm, tried to seduce unsuspecting Hugo but as a pious pilgrim he refused her. That turned out to be a big mistake on poor Hugo's part. The young girl became so angry that her amorous intentions were repulsed, that she hid some silver in his pack. After he left, she called the authorities and accused the boy of the theft. Upon finding the silver in his pack, he was promptly found guilty and hanged. There was swift justice back then, not like today. As was the custom, the body of the accused was left to hang in the town square as a deterrent to others.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12.7px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">His parents, though grief-stricken, continued on with their pilgrimage to Santiago. It was common back in the day, that after reaching Santiago, pilgrims would turn around and head back home. So on their return journey they stopped again in Santo Domingo to pay a visit to their son who was still hanging there. Much to their surprise he was still alive, if you can believe it. Hugo's folks figured it was a miracle and that Santo Domingo had held him up so he wouldn't die.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12.7px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">So off they went to see the magistrate and ask him to cut poor Hugo down, as he was obviously innocent. The judge, who had just sat down to a hearty chicken dinner exclaimed, "Why, he is no more alive than this roasted chicken I'm about to eat." At this, the cooked chicken stood up on his plate, miraculously brought back to life feathers and all and crowed. So Hugo was saved to live another day.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12.7px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">To this day, in the church in Santo Domingo there is a chicken, who is said to be a direct descendent on the resurrected fowl in the story. For a few euros you can go and pay a visit to said chicken, or like me, I’ve seen chickens before and opted of some vino tino in the bar.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-60904250496488222362023-04-17T11:52:00.001-07:002024-01-02T18:39:59.038-08:00CONTINUING ON<div style="text-align: center;">WALK, EAT, SLEEP</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Day 3</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A 9 am start, late for a pilgrim but the casa rural that I stayed in was fabulous and comfortable. I slept in till 7:30 an unheard of hour for most pilgrims. A mostly easy walk today with short climbs and not too steep. Because I am staying between the stages, I didn’t see another pilgrim for the first 2 hours, and then only until I reached the city of Estrella. A windy day today which at time made it felt really cold. A few sprinkles thrown in for good measure.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC11AM0_pHtrpNiQD0o865lcg9H8ahq5UPbBrICGhlfbM9rMpD054mxulD6jB5lzHaSIgcQ1BOUvHUWvbipRZT8DCaelOamajAz7CTt-z6fBfl8hTfcm1arOV_IefEWzuPfIeth14MB0H9ev7B97aW-BwXrw6SM2xZ2qPyWpjJ4zrwU38Ld4RYGmAUNw4G/s4032/IMG_9301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC11AM0_pHtrpNiQD0o865lcg9H8ahq5UPbBrICGhlfbM9rMpD054mxulD6jB5lzHaSIgcQ1BOUvHUWvbipRZT8DCaelOamajAz7CTt-z6fBfl8hTfcm1arOV_IefEWzuPfIeth14MB0H9ev7B97aW-BwXrw6SM2xZ2qPyWpjJ4zrwU38Ld4RYGmAUNw4G/w400-h300/IMG_9301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUxhN-qM91sITAHCtvoPD-WehtLaPMyz85nlMGLcdhUJzgNgY7dxOT2kiUcOkSxXS_8fnst7Fj5DeRvMKzx7uOnPWtU5xRkHRmIVu2_VZN-YTMuBwtWTiTK9v-JsxI4y-cDiSMsySNhhjliXQYEJaAtLzaUSdimKAIH-em7h1mPd_fGgC6-1eFyuC-n3m/s4032/IMG_9305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUxhN-qM91sITAHCtvoPD-WehtLaPMyz85nlMGLcdhUJzgNgY7dxOT2kiUcOkSxXS_8fnst7Fj5DeRvMKzx7uOnPWtU5xRkHRmIVu2_VZN-YTMuBwtWTiTK9v-JsxI4y-cDiSMsySNhhjliXQYEJaAtLzaUSdimKAIH-em7h1mPd_fGgC6-1eFyuC-n3m/w400-h300/IMG_9305.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I stopped in Estrella long enough to have an ice tea and to take care of me feet. I was hoping to be blister free this time, but the down hills had a different idea. Due to my toes mashing into the front of my boot, I developed a blister under the nail of one of them. Not really painful, unless I mash it into the front of my boot again. All in all I am faring well, with no other issues.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After Estrella there is a gentle climb through the city until the outskirts where there is the Fuente de Vino, or the wine fountain. The local winery which the Camino passes through, has a fountain for pilgrims which on spigot dispensers water and the other wine. Pilgrims are encouraged to have a taste, although some actually fill up a whole water bottle, which is frowned upon. I have seen some pilgrims who have nothing to drink from, put their mouth on the spigot and turn the handle. Pretty disgusting. The proper way is to use your scallop shell to drink from. Anyway the wine is free and because it’s free, not very good.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmIrVd1Gptb2WD7_k8aQurCanckl1_sebdLdpyfwIoFHH248zAAPbOwOFmYq8Jh0XSFwtSMkTvKru7TSDtBe1KHIiT9FYO-_hVhN0oHZIrauwY0k2rBnwHzLQRW16YMhNoG16dL0eD1GWivrFQEDdvFARlBLQATu4lu3G0XO1mGSX0qfxNgJlHGLd8J4g/s4032/IMG_9322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmIrVd1Gptb2WD7_k8aQurCanckl1_sebdLdpyfwIoFHH248zAAPbOwOFmYq8Jh0XSFwtSMkTvKru7TSDtBe1KHIiT9FYO-_hVhN0oHZIrauwY0k2rBnwHzLQRW16YMhNoG16dL0eD1GWivrFQEDdvFARlBLQATu4lu3G0XO1mGSX0qfxNgJlHGLd8J4g/w400-h300/IMG_9322.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQD8I_VWe5_mYVRHjSsEV8GCMnIEZXY30PKS_lk1qrhEiIUr2UVffrGbX34el1esC_s7ODfWjMHie9vSzY8qYHV9eK06KZMr9Jm_WFLh2ZBBm7LbHQMRM3v7x4wkTjEpmfQZnmQvDFZAry5y14dwAOPpZQJhZJNHbOzrSigr_RAU4T3h7AY3zzf0774PyE/s4032/IMG_9328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQD8I_VWe5_mYVRHjSsEV8GCMnIEZXY30PKS_lk1qrhEiIUr2UVffrGbX34el1esC_s7ODfWjMHie9vSzY8qYHV9eK06KZMr9Jm_WFLh2ZBBm7LbHQMRM3v7x4wkTjEpmfQZnmQvDFZAry5y14dwAOPpZQJhZJNHbOzrSigr_RAU4T3h7AY3zzf0774PyE/w400-h300/IMG_9328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tonight I am again between the stages in the small village of Azqueta, staying at La Perla Nedra, or The Black Pearl. Operated by Helena, it is very basic with several beds in each room. Right now I am in a room with two other empty beds, but if the place fills up, I will be sharing the room. One shower for a total of eight pilgrims. But dinner and breakfast is included, and one must remember the saying, “tourists complain, pilgrims are grateful.” You have a place to sleep and food on the table.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv66cusnAwAMPgDkLvwNlZ-NVXhVRe0VMFWR9e7nOHoicMTODsTsSl-C2mzxv3HaVBHqr_2gfj3lCMJCWYVoz-_n5y0uuK7S5GrxLApCY3MDLcnXSea5OBhpnhrA2wXW0ZFxj7CgvQL6UR9JmUd9NqqIla72NYL5bV-6sxhDHpS9chGeEkbDg8D1AbLOBT/s4032/IMG_9335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv66cusnAwAMPgDkLvwNlZ-NVXhVRe0VMFWR9e7nOHoicMTODsTsSl-C2mzxv3HaVBHqr_2gfj3lCMJCWYVoz-_n5y0uuK7S5GrxLApCY3MDLcnXSea5OBhpnhrA2wXW0ZFxj7CgvQL6UR9JmUd9NqqIla72NYL5bV-6sxhDHpS9chGeEkbDg8D1AbLOBT/w400-h300/IMG_9335.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify;">Day 4</span></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Actually as simple as it was, last nights albergue was OK. Four other pilgrims, but none assigned to my room, so I slept well. Dinner was simple, vegetarian, and really quite tasty. Of course it came with wine. I slept rather soundly, and got up about 6:30 to simple breakfast of toast, yogurt, and coffee. Cheese and dry cereal was available, but I passed. Out the door at 7:30 in the the 40 degree morning. It didn’t stay cold long and it warmed up into the high 60’s a pleasant change from the wind and cool temps of the past couple of days.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On the way to the next town you pass the Fuente de los Moros (13th century cistern), with steps on the inside leading down to the water. Todays walk was through farmland, with mostly wheat, grapes and a few olive groves. Except when passing through Los Arcos, a pretty good sized town, the walking was on dirt farm roads. Towards the end of today’s walk, it turned to pavement as you approach Sansol. I continued on just a short distance to Torres del Rio.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsetWYo9W8Vv9oLYwGhGGWikPxo1DWk102hss_PZXCjkJn-3YnOFggCOEaTZkIpIepcgFnajJ_1sLU6c7eP80zJtNwGEfJE3fLpOCZ6O7W6GZVltPmC1ylvem1H145e4jRbnkXjzhC7BCDoDUurS03jGtpJ1XecwHLNQfxxM0b4_bqXDVNhxkBEqilNi8/s4032/IMG_9340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsetWYo9W8Vv9oLYwGhGGWikPxo1DWk102hss_PZXCjkJn-3YnOFggCOEaTZkIpIepcgFnajJ_1sLU6c7eP80zJtNwGEfJE3fLpOCZ6O7W6GZVltPmC1ylvem1H145e4jRbnkXjzhC7BCDoDUurS03jGtpJ1XecwHLNQfxxM0b4_bqXDVNhxkBEqilNi8/w400-h300/IMG_9340.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0WcscLothuShB4RYozsp7ACivSZ8UBgKqhCfE0wbgi8RKmCzzOswIO1q-jfNY1IRBI8GLmuQLSv0vPOidoNBE_lSaRGstJl-Fsos5VJt2Co_1aOiWJtd73RiW8rfXmBmbPFd8ySaHeUZG89oyarT40WWfjix5ASvD3In7uMfVyNpCrE6dbuAl2sUs-pS/s4032/IMG_9347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0WcscLothuShB4RYozsp7ACivSZ8UBgKqhCfE0wbgi8RKmCzzOswIO1q-jfNY1IRBI8GLmuQLSv0vPOidoNBE_lSaRGstJl-Fsos5VJt2Co_1aOiWJtd73RiW8rfXmBmbPFd8ySaHeUZG89oyarT40WWfjix5ASvD3In7uMfVyNpCrE6dbuAl2sUs-pS/w400-h300/IMG_9347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SANSOL</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OT2d_5hJ5J1gCdqoug7y0gIRzFvYmb1ddztcmHjSsFeyZmdu9JNr6FtncXhT9irc3r4aEKP_sRJt8_Aa8Op111v0ZZe0XEx7hyphenhyphenK0IDgOtUeZJPE16zFuN0Y8lV8wSLN5UUst4YLZEFxPUDlPjFocQY3CBOeWsMwsHLXeSniQhgo2xYNE6zq9guVQsI-g/s4032/IMG_9351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8OT2d_5hJ5J1gCdqoug7y0gIRzFvYmb1ddztcmHjSsFeyZmdu9JNr6FtncXhT9irc3r4aEKP_sRJt8_Aa8Op111v0ZZe0XEx7hyphenhyphenK0IDgOtUeZJPE16zFuN0Y8lV8wSLN5UUst4YLZEFxPUDlPjFocQY3CBOeWsMwsHLXeSniQhgo2xYNE6zq9guVQsI-g/w400-h300/IMG_9351.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TORRES DEL RIO</div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">I walk pretty slow, and most pilgrims pass me. In fact the only pilgrims I passed were in bars or sitting down taking a break. Sometimes a pilgrim arrives by my side and starts a conversation. So, I tend to walk faster to keep up with their pace to continue the conversation. I did that a couple of times today and paid the price. I now have a blister on the end of my big toe and another one developing and another toe. You just don’t feel them coming on. At my lunch stop, as is my practice, I changed socks and there it was. So I taped it up, slathered some more Vaseline on my feet and continued on. After awhile it became so painful that I had to switch to my sandals. So, until the blisters get better, the boots stay off.</span></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tonight I am back in a private room at an albergue in Torres del Rio, a small village. Most of these small villages would not survive if not for the Camino. Torres del Rio, has 4 albergues/ hostels that cater mostly to pilgrims. These establishments usually include and bar/restaurant, both dormitory and private rooms The Camino and the towns and villages it passes through really suffered during Covid. I have seen many business that were operational when I walked in 2018 vacant and in some cases in disrepair.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpgGl7KJls5tm5lOnUU0dvoLZkcJCcRDb5Gxg_fkK7Q9Q73W7bG0tpx-j349K7B_Dc_gTSYpq0e-XaW-WWTpggAd2Ck6m65A2EKej92dfmh3CyJRPyEPPEg-J8WYjWvmYJxmU8Z2ybgWzkOtEIcdr5gp2PvjCqFV3JW9oEDJk-P0Zuj4bwI5wiHQXcu5d/s4032/IMG_9345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpgGl7KJls5tm5lOnUU0dvoLZkcJCcRDb5Gxg_fkK7Q9Q73W7bG0tpx-j349K7B_Dc_gTSYpq0e-XaW-WWTpggAd2Ck6m65A2EKej92dfmh3CyJRPyEPPEg-J8WYjWvmYJxmU8Z2ybgWzkOtEIcdr5gp2PvjCqFV3JW9oEDJk-P0Zuj4bwI5wiHQXcu5d/w400-h300/IMG_9345.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiqnIr285gBfKvDnm87A98UWRwn-bZlRWmGOTIsLokqGSctR7qP2ZMXWyJnGpzBv16P7gepi3N1bL8KwdSCw2WBQtqqP0R1LC38pSeI8X6j5khbYRv2eb0iuCJs4tblD0lrCJfgrOvyCLAizV0k_u7gPT2yMHEief7RDwxvd0DAAzzBEt52ZeyDIv505B/s4032/IMG_9346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiqnIr285gBfKvDnm87A98UWRwn-bZlRWmGOTIsLokqGSctR7qP2ZMXWyJnGpzBv16P7gepi3N1bL8KwdSCw2WBQtqqP0R1LC38pSeI8X6j5khbYRv2eb0iuCJs4tblD0lrCJfgrOvyCLAizV0k_u7gPT2yMHEief7RDwxvd0DAAzzBEt52ZeyDIv505B/w300-h400/IMG_9346.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CHURCH IN LOS ARCOS</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Day Five</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Albergue I was staying in does’t serve breakfast, so I had to walk the opposite direction on the Camino and down hill to find an open cafe. This is usually frowned upon by other pilgrims as you add unnecessary kilometers to the Camino. What! You walked backward? But if I wanted my Camino breakfast it would mean 6 miles to the first chance to find a Coffee con Leche and a Chocolate Neapolitan going in the right direction. So having to repeat 100 yards by going in the wrong direction became necessary. I did confess to my fellow pilgrims my breaking of an important pilgrim rule and was forgiven.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I continued walking in my sandals and they did the job. The only problem that might develop by wearing them is they do not offer much support. Most of my days are short so I’m hoping they will continue to serve me well.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Today started out at 40 Degrees and by the end of the walk in the high 60’s. Most on dirt paths, till the last 2 miles that were on pavement. With the temperature in the 60’s’ on blacktop that translates into the 80’s. You really feel in on your feet. I stopped to change socks, which is my custom to prevent blisters. I an effort to add an additional lever of feet security, I stepped into a sports shop and bought a pair of toe socks which I will wear under my hiking socks. Other pilgrims swear by them, so, why not?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After another 12+ mile day, I reach Logroño, the capitol of La Rioja region. This part of Spain is known for it’s wines. Logroño’s population is approximately 150,000, so it is a large city. Besides it’s wine the City of Logroño is famous for it’s Pinchos or Tapas. Small appetizers eaten in bars made with lots of different ingredients. So I, along with some of my fellow pilgrims will head over to Calle Laurel for it’s famous Pinchos, and will skip dinner.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I am in a small studio apartment for the night. It’s advantage is that it has a washing machine so I was able to get my clothes washed. I am right next to the cathedral square with it’s two towers which can be seen as you approach the city. The city center is mostly pedestrian only, so it’s great for walking. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrbhcRvnEnGe-Zz6zVojK3nusJMjuqG1z4TswrSwKhbYhdqBiYZF0E8pePI8ziifBBe4Nsd9ElyocN4SUkwxIw39jxTDjRcFinV9VS3Xl3OURWPxqWtdZpipjLkgaQDar8XHHq5TlnCsVHiC_zcf5WAW_-9gaJudtTmg_Qd_VaLAgY8ulBARkpuWbZp49/s4032/IMG_9372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrbhcRvnEnGe-Zz6zVojK3nusJMjuqG1z4TswrSwKhbYhdqBiYZF0E8pePI8ziifBBe4Nsd9ElyocN4SUkwxIw39jxTDjRcFinV9VS3Xl3OURWPxqWtdZpipjLkgaQDar8XHHq5TlnCsVHiC_zcf5WAW_-9gaJudtTmg_Qd_VaLAgY8ulBARkpuWbZp49/w300-h400/IMG_9372.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONE0cyNfxY4xqRrl1QglowRRwgwUs0ofPRY556Ea9FJE8_WlNUIFCCidLzXkuOb4u0oKBjDqx9Fsn5Nykz0GWCjl4QunMuOB1fPnbfAWNEnX9dc9fMmzDy6ehKlvxJAAhFrLdEY7X7nsOFkMbWNpQYO7UbcjjfRxUlFUdBA282pmkimcHDFClFfY6EdPl/s4032/IMG_9376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONE0cyNfxY4xqRrl1QglowRRwgwUs0ofPRY556Ea9FJE8_WlNUIFCCidLzXkuOb4u0oKBjDqx9Fsn5Nykz0GWCjl4QunMuOB1fPnbfAWNEnX9dc9fMmzDy6ehKlvxJAAhFrLdEY7X7nsOFkMbWNpQYO7UbcjjfRxUlFUdBA282pmkimcHDFClFfY6EdPl/w400-h300/IMG_9376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbuaHNzJK8ZokLK5uZ4REK2Er-mlEjEJ_Os9RCl4IKQz4xSAfGDwrvVkphIsYdeUDvtuHDGRUSwFHig9gMB1Bfu92mlD9G33j31XaS6TRxyEvvlcZolSJB2hZ2XBDBRvSvwOND_XdzoYmpk2mANv3XSTe63-7slFSq0LxVtWb0EmEB9AylVRwEZxjWIot/s4032/IMG_9380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbuaHNzJK8ZokLK5uZ4REK2Er-mlEjEJ_Os9RCl4IKQz4xSAfGDwrvVkphIsYdeUDvtuHDGRUSwFHig9gMB1Bfu92mlD9G33j31XaS6TRxyEvvlcZolSJB2hZ2XBDBRvSvwOND_XdzoYmpk2mANv3XSTe63-7slFSq0LxVtWb0EmEB9AylVRwEZxjWIot/w400-h300/IMG_9380.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-63322505155750327862023-04-14T08:35:00.001-07:002024-01-01T12:41:46.039-08:00AND NOW I BEGIN<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19.2px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19.19px;">One of the great things about travel is that you find out how many good, kind people there are.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Day 1: Left Pamplona at 8 under cloudy skies with a chill in the air. The route out of Pamplona has changed some since the last time I walked. It seems it changed so it would go by more coffee shops. Before the change the route was practically devoid of places to grab a quick bite. I must have passed 5 or 6 cafes on the new route. This is good thing for both the pilgrims and local businesses. It is difficult to get off route as the path through town is clearly marked with the symbol of the Camino, the scallop shell. The shell and yellow arrows on official signs or just painted on a light pole or a curb are what guide you along the Way.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0WriJVEd3UPBFteF_eb1QiCkze_l18zllGgGKYHXU7LXSfOxpYn-rR8S33OPA4ior_USLbxrFYTfZybAjIH_UueraTcwinSjL_9TKS63Wcz-o_T4lMu_F_EeQSY4ta8XWhyoy7VG1vUvLr2UuPyz_7dufyKhxCu7g_RBq8ii90Kf3J4P1GgHUYdKzqBr/s4032/IMG_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0WriJVEd3UPBFteF_eb1QiCkze_l18zllGgGKYHXU7LXSfOxpYn-rR8S33OPA4ior_USLbxrFYTfZybAjIH_UueraTcwinSjL_9TKS63Wcz-o_T4lMu_F_EeQSY4ta8XWhyoy7VG1vUvLr2UuPyz_7dufyKhxCu7g_RBq8ii90Kf3J4P1GgHUYdKzqBr/w400-h300/IMG_9248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Why the scallop shell you ask? The legend goes that when Saint James’ body was discovered in Galicia it was covered in scallop shells having been washed up on the shore. (More about that in a future post). So, the scallop shell became the symbol of the Camino. Most pilgrims carry a scallop shell on the backpack. The yellow arrows came later. One of the most international symbols of the Camino de Santiago is the yellow arrow, painted on roads, houses, fences and trees. It is of recent origin as it was conceived in 1984 on the initiative of a priest of O Cebreiro, Elías Valiña, and signposted the French Way from France to Santiago. So you just follow the yellow arrows and the shell and you’ll never get lost. And if you do, a local person will soon direct you in the right direction.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After leaving the city you begin the climb to Alto del Perdón, at 2500 feet the high point on todays walk. There is a monument there with steel sculptures which represent pilgrims through the eras, beginning in mid-evil times to the present day. The inscription on the monument reads "Where the path of the wind crosses with that of the stars." The walk down from the top is the tough part, steep and covered with loose rocks. Thirteen miles today and I really felt the downhill part. Tomorrow I’ll be doing the Camino Shuffle, a common affliction seen in pilgrims who are just starting out. You know, just shuffling along. Of course there is always Camino Candy to ease the pain. (Ibphrophen)</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWtBnOmvmcPOD_otqYUMiaLyVUeGok5fYgSFzdLmpKJEKPGRfrZmd84aeBXzHfodrnWEpXtVKVsjJDNZzlDi1nz781mSSJgNbKg_QIaCRwjPR9wGJRjkD7nIUNfMXiiWoDr8046XKUZl2ZYRJs0BWZOG07Pe5bW9j-3odoKohd-ywcrmeRo_O-M8k3IJ6/s4032/IMG_9250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWtBnOmvmcPOD_otqYUMiaLyVUeGok5fYgSFzdLmpKJEKPGRfrZmd84aeBXzHfodrnWEpXtVKVsjJDNZzlDi1nz781mSSJgNbKg_QIaCRwjPR9wGJRjkD7nIUNfMXiiWoDr8046XKUZl2ZYRJs0BWZOG07Pe5bW9j-3odoKohd-ywcrmeRo_O-M8k3IJ6/w400-h300/IMG_9250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">LEAVING PAMPLONA</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9NI_lrY6Nc6VwW27D_xbYkHv4aLOd7-QVUzWVTXiTbNrztPg88Y9i24AsjgwO7Yd9sRA-l4q753A_wzHWEzRaUrpPTvBX4f5pNr18zH0ZxzLBZvMIAF8WiIIpxJFa6v4MzhsZ89V148Hcbb4GHAVbolKQB8Lf_oOCWRHmY5fnM7HgAlq2NKjcKlGI9XF/s4032/IMG_9261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9NI_lrY6Nc6VwW27D_xbYkHv4aLOd7-QVUzWVTXiTbNrztPg88Y9i24AsjgwO7Yd9sRA-l4q753A_wzHWEzRaUrpPTvBX4f5pNr18zH0ZxzLBZvMIAF8WiIIpxJFa6v4MzhsZ89V148Hcbb4GHAVbolKQB8Lf_oOCWRHmY5fnM7HgAlq2NKjcKlGI9XF/w400-h300/IMG_9261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ALTO DEL PERDON </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9DzQhn1FxEpOQDx6F2mpzHzB_G3T7u7NGmd6EXq0xgS3YQSQ7yosgKgY6NYDLYTJd6W_Vho7sz6CUpnjJp3YeH14cu01vPykpe2KDgFGEkai97Oz68SW-16Kjhqmuvlv2FLOt1vo8kG-fNzFP8TTNmjK-IO4G7EzSY64suzf1oNMrfEWSRamxw-T3ID5/s4032/IMG_9263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9DzQhn1FxEpOQDx6F2mpzHzB_G3T7u7NGmd6EXq0xgS3YQSQ7yosgKgY6NYDLYTJd6W_Vho7sz6CUpnjJp3YeH14cu01vPykpe2KDgFGEkai97Oz68SW-16Kjhqmuvlv2FLOt1vo8kG-fNzFP8TTNmjK-IO4G7EzSY64suzf1oNMrfEWSRamxw-T3ID5/w400-h300/IMG_9263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HEADING DOWN</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On my stop for lunch, I shared a table with an Iranian couple who now reside in Germany. It is not uncommon the share a table with other pilgrims in a crowded bar. At first no words were spoken, but the wife poured some of their potato chips out onto a napkin and slid them over to me. Then the conservation began. Never any talk about politics, just about the Camino. The husband, Razor (sp) commented on how open everyone is willing to share details about their lives. That my friends is the Camino. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Today’s stop is in the village of Obanos, just shy of the town of Puente la Reina, a town listed in guide books as the end of a stage. A larger town than where I’m staying with all the services a Pilgrim might need. Because I am walking shorter distances, I end up in some of the smaller villages, such a Obanos. I am staying in a Casa Rural that has 4 private rooms. I am the only guest. For a small fee, I am able to get my clothes washed, and they needed it after today’s walk. For dinner I go to the local bar which I might add was full of locals. Not another pilgrim in sight. Dinner was the Menú del dia which consisted of different choices for each of the three courses. So when the bar man was trying to explain each choice, I noticed one included the word “jamon”, you know ham. I seemed a good pick so I went with it. I was delivered a full dinner plate of peas, with small little pieces of ham. I hate peas, but I had to at least try. Actually they were quite good, not like any pea I’ve ever eaten. I managed to finish most of them, more peas than I’ve had in my entire life. The rest of the meal had no surprises, consisting of chicken and potatoes and flan for desert. Of course, wine is included with the meal.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaahTrZm9lLLlrJtEc5HXuAJ3aI5LYFqaAYoJMPwAbPEyw16ssk2R68BdTUn4HF4v9H50qEav0P-xRhyphenhyphenIe4_f9VvkxfMcO7EWG_m_SSR93ePVIFMefFwKo7nSUg81Aa8k4HTnNNfHSBTuIAaUlNJVwlp07ttu6GWLDjpFbyNFAgIyinianAi3WRltEy2t/s4032/IMG_9272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHaahTrZm9lLLlrJtEc5HXuAJ3aI5LYFqaAYoJMPwAbPEyw16ssk2R68BdTUn4HF4v9H50qEav0P-xRhyphenhyphenIe4_f9VvkxfMcO7EWG_m_SSR93ePVIFMefFwKo7nSUg81Aa8k4HTnNNfHSBTuIAaUlNJVwlp07ttu6GWLDjpFbyNFAgIyinianAi3WRltEy2t/w400-h300/IMG_9272.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMueMxL-uWfaw-MgumJxoZfIFbbKkospvN2z53vmM9GvA2VNaLoT5eiHXCYK6zHvzTm4Yxm8g1RWhp3u1EKjInb32-0GYdkDUoWQkJ3iHyyoOQu6RBic8J6BTkHSJWGxyR-_9V5J79WnJJf6ym17oOp9Pl25O3hJo0mJOyVGuTMvcCW6kwPz7vpLVfcIJH/s4032/IMG_9273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMueMxL-uWfaw-MgumJxoZfIFbbKkospvN2z53vmM9GvA2VNaLoT5eiHXCYK6zHvzTm4Yxm8g1RWhp3u1EKjInb32-0GYdkDUoWQkJ3iHyyoOQu6RBic8J6BTkHSJWGxyR-_9V5J79WnJJf6ym17oOp9Pl25O3hJo0mJOyVGuTMvcCW6kwPz7vpLVfcIJH/w400-h300/IMG_9273.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The bar patrons were about 90% male, who were loud and boisterous. A card game going at one table, the rest of the bar being packed. I had to eat at the bar as all the tables were taken. I imagine that the men were telling lies to each other, just like bars around the world. I had a few conversations with with some of them, none of which I understood, I got by, by nodding in the affirmative and saying, Sí, over and over.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Day 2</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A shorter day today, just over 10 miles. I few steep climbs, but several villages to stop in for a break. A stop in Puente la Reina for breakfast where I caught up with a Spanish couple who I had breakfast with in Pamplona. Named for the bridge, the town is a major stopping point for Pilgrims on the Camino. The bridge was built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style. It has six arches, and was built by Doña Mayor, wife of King Sancho III, to facilitate the passage of pilgrims. I crossed the bridge in the rain and continued on into the country side, with fields of wheat, fava beans and vineyards covering the hillsides.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMppJz-o0oyUWvNJfRsUyi9H8IrMavWfowFsGzHyecHjTqUU4Tm3mO11kFN7q0LDHh2cyoSzgmuUilfqw4rgtRyQfX8IWlLy-S7iTNFSBskDEWOqZqBLHZ5fHW_CSRBeGbcD5RiF8kwwazLKyV8I4Rf8jLxBC6BR1BJ3A0J6AW1cfDQVisgRLHeP43JXK/s4032/IMG_9277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMppJz-o0oyUWvNJfRsUyi9H8IrMavWfowFsGzHyecHjTqUU4Tm3mO11kFN7q0LDHh2cyoSzgmuUilfqw4rgtRyQfX8IWlLy-S7iTNFSBskDEWOqZqBLHZ5fHW_CSRBeGbcD5RiF8kwwazLKyV8I4Rf8jLxBC6BR1BJ3A0J6AW1cfDQVisgRLHeP43JXK/w400-h300/IMG_9277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtANaPQgyr4p0pfpulhJfeoe6z0ySRe4SMMJIGnsMwsa4mjX750PN1Jg_w9xBR8mvb2A0el39FbEIbx3Kfqn22Dn4NhKpmaQWRdEgmHPbjAriXaIi0t1u_g7cATLVz38Nw2su6dBK4eRL_30n8JYILqFjHOpDMFvEEt9tE1Me_12d31Xg_x2F_hoH3N7T/s4032/IMG_9286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtANaPQgyr4p0pfpulhJfeoe6z0ySRe4SMMJIGnsMwsa4mjX750PN1Jg_w9xBR8mvb2A0el39FbEIbx3Kfqn22Dn4NhKpmaQWRdEgmHPbjAriXaIi0t1u_g7cATLVz38Nw2su6dBK4eRL_30n8JYILqFjHOpDMFvEEt9tE1Me_12d31Xg_x2F_hoH3N7T/w400-h300/IMG_9286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulsCyE9DqZ7Ty_SGbhdQq-7s3krGXsfk5Trojt15xUMm-BlabfiPZN77NRazYunyYLW553eAvCZp_sbk7c_yr2H2ZPNqt0oHPgC7sY37lTu4DdO2NYJ6csv3S97IzVFqzwD9xeC9qg33cZCwAfU8Qi-e0GWVH5Fp8xqZSNAKpJuulCxaHqtwo-xzuaMcW/s4032/IMG_9297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulsCyE9DqZ7Ty_SGbhdQq-7s3krGXsfk5Trojt15xUMm-BlabfiPZN77NRazYunyYLW553eAvCZp_sbk7c_yr2H2ZPNqt0oHPgC7sY37lTu4DdO2NYJ6csv3S97IzVFqzwD9xeC9qg33cZCwAfU8Qi-e0GWVH5Fp8xqZSNAKpJuulCxaHqtwo-xzuaMcW/w400-h300/IMG_9297.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I met an Italian woman and her daughter and it is natural to have a conversation with other pilgrims who you may walk with for a time. Julia and Laure kept me company for a while and when stopping in a village, Julia insisted on buying me a cup of coffee con leche. This my friends is the Camino</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I arrived at my destination about 1 pm, too early to check in to the casa rural I had reserved. So at one of the Albergues in the village. I had lentil soup for lunch. I have to mention that all along the Camino each region has it’s own soup that is a specialty in that particular to that area. I have found that they are all delicious and make to a good lunch choice rather than the common bocidillo (sandwich). And because I was early, I used the time to write this. The owners of the albergue were accommodating and allowed me to use one of their cafe tables as my own office so to speak. A very nice couple, she is from Korea and he is Spanish. They met in Italy, fell in love and opened this albergue in the small village of Lorca. Stop in and have some of their delicious Lentil soup.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For readers that leave comments. I understand the reluctance to sign up for Google to leave a name with your comment. If you wouldn’t mind when you make an anonymous comment, in the body of your comment would you just sign it with your first name, so at least I’ll have an idea who you are….or not. Secondly, if we are not already friends on Facebook and you would like to follow along with my daily updates, leave a comment on the blog with your first name and then send me a friend request on Facebook with the same first name. I don’t like and will not accept facebook request from people that I have no connection with. Of course you can do neither of these two options and I’ll be fine with that.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The journey continues….</p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-73807416500061057072023-04-12T07:49:00.001-07:002024-01-01T12:17:32.642-08:00GETTING THERE<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19.2px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 19.19px;">One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 19.2px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">I have a tendency when posting to the blog, to write it as though everyone who reads it is a Camino Veteran, or at least have been reading the blog since it’s inception. I’m gonna have to change that as there are many who read the blog have little or no knowledge about the Camino.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">So, about getting there. Depending on where you live will have some bearing on how and on what airline to fly to Europe. Many fly to Paris, then train to Saint Jean Pied du Port, the start of the French Way. I have always, (4 times) flown to Madrid. For me my choice of airline has been British Air as they have had a direct flight from my home town to London. Change in London, arrive in Madrid in the evening, hotel it for a couple of nights, then Train to Pamplona. On my first two Caminos, a daily bus in the afternoon to SJPP. The past Camino and now this one I chose to start walking from Pamplona.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">British Air has been late more times than not recently for their daily flight according to Flight Aware. My flight was no exception. The incoming BA flight from London arrived on time, but the return flight left the gate 1 1/2 hours late. Why you ask? Well it seems that the catering truck bring our dinner to the plane was involved in an accident. The delay for the food caused some of the crew to be “timed out” and had to be replaced. Arriving in London meant instead of 3 hours to change to my Madrid flight, I had 1 hour and 10 minutes. Just made it.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Upon arrival in Madrid, I’ve never had a line at passport control, just walk right up, get your passport stamped and you’re good to go. There is a bus, when you make your exit outside, that will take you to the Atocha Train Station in the city center. It costs 5€ and takes about 30 minutes to get downtown. In the past it was a yellow bus, but they managed to confuse me and changed it to blue. Of course you can take a taxi, but then it’s gonna cost you about 40€. It is from Atocha where you can catch a direct train to Pamplona, the next day if you arrive in the evening. Plenty of places to stay near the train station and it’s within walking distance of Plaza Mayor and many historic sights in the old part of the city. You can pay a lot for a upscale hotel, but there are many smaller Hostels (think small hotel) that are very reasonable.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHY2qz89_T-WvOVVUghF5NZBnMSbyPMOglKEuKZGdkGdFX_QnG2X1Hoofwx8mjTxy8sVtGX2ha1LVVqmElmMdBJGYEFAIOjOcMBA8dfspuN-CRuljNl-OL3MWag5j8jUittffwv7UUp_bHu1qxHXH-MqUfQlcmgsOnkZzm6qgqg75UPuO308422A7bhtp/s4032/IMG_9207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHY2qz89_T-WvOVVUghF5NZBnMSbyPMOglKEuKZGdkGdFX_QnG2X1Hoofwx8mjTxy8sVtGX2ha1LVVqmElmMdBJGYEFAIOjOcMBA8dfspuN-CRuljNl-OL3MWag5j8jUittffwv7UUp_bHu1qxHXH-MqUfQlcmgsOnkZzm6qgqg75UPuO308422A7bhtp/w400-h300/IMG_9207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PLAZA MAJOR</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4qRKoH2P0anYN8qY3q0jIhKchfrMLNHNGnGdMO0wL5p_OD7KbSwC7pKogo6CMGXSxzItTgyA4p0zbCwj_W9QOOV8UAmKGQA3tdZcYyHllKX8fvD0InShOQI2vDHPeNZYv1-K70sCJuBOfzQwjBq4TdpNcAU-k40HzgPxVsoo9PJ7SMEINB3pQt_PlbiF/s1600/Camino%20013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4qRKoH2P0anYN8qY3q0jIhKchfrMLNHNGnGdMO0wL5p_OD7KbSwC7pKogo6CMGXSxzItTgyA4p0zbCwj_W9QOOV8UAmKGQA3tdZcYyHllKX8fvD0InShOQI2vDHPeNZYv1-K70sCJuBOfzQwjBq4TdpNcAU-k40HzgPxVsoo9PJ7SMEINB3pQt_PlbiF/w400-h300/Camino%20013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ATOCHA TRAIN STATION</div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">A word about the Spanish trains. The trains are clean, fast and on time. Renfe, Spain’s rail system web-site sucks. If you book early tickets are cheaper, if you try to book too early, more than 6 to 8 weeks out, you may not find your desired train. Renfe doesn’t post it’s trains till closer to the date of departure. The site crashes, times out, and is frustrating to use. Petrabax, an American travel company sells Spanish Rail tickets and their web site seems to have tickets before Renfe posts them on their site. You’ll pay a little more, but there’s comfort in knowing you have your ticket. That being said, I have never been on a train in Spain that has been full. Perhaps I’m just lucky.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0beq7x1Clvte2qdFl_E29AvIPlLeiYk9WEV3WpWMz5386bIWDEaf24Qy4y5HJTYr-M_pSo2lTRPNGkbhesSxHE6sW0FapyAD8e45e6TkteK7dbJx976azr3KGDNthJvQET9JxIsgwtGQ15hOXp0V_L0W3QkYsXf7mA5868ZabuoJJyZsVHpgecqaqQMx/s4032/IMG_9204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0beq7x1Clvte2qdFl_E29AvIPlLeiYk9WEV3WpWMz5386bIWDEaf24Qy4y5HJTYr-M_pSo2lTRPNGkbhesSxHE6sW0FapyAD8e45e6TkteK7dbJx976azr3KGDNthJvQET9JxIsgwtGQ15hOXp0V_L0W3QkYsXf7mA5868ZabuoJJyZsVHpgecqaqQMx/w300-h400/IMG_9204.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;">While in Madrid, I bought a new pair of trekking poles, as TSA says you can’t carry the on. Also a Spanish Sim card for the phone. I have found that purchasing one at an independent store or tobacco shop is the most economical. I purchased a Movistar 4G card with 15 gigs good for 30 day for 10€. I can add time or data to it when needed.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Getting here was pretty seamless. With the exception of my late arrival in London and rushing to catch my connecting flight, it all was smooth. As I write this I am on the train to Pamplona where I will start walking. Looking forward to getting started.</p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-3360926457629544352023-04-07T19:23:00.002-07:002023-04-07T19:23:21.851-07:00I'M OFF THEN<p style="text-align: center;">IT IS GOOD TO HAVE AN END TO JOURNEY TOWARD,</p><p style="text-align: center;">BUT IT IS THE JOURNEY THAT MATTERS</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXFwhNF2DcSFKTBgX7MZ42vsPmT__NtECwa4uCTLOJqMnJSvMSGCKWm4ANx7D9YfvYs7n21EZw55Is525lDNBXfBY1VfO5BmEldCDwHQ2Sf6WhGmaVERPxjy728TacecrbOdM02za_f7Znrswsa8kggKPa5_0BWsOqWDQbjVIMtsQpAkTc-t4bVtN57w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXFwhNF2DcSFKTBgX7MZ42vsPmT__NtECwa4uCTLOJqMnJSvMSGCKWm4ANx7D9YfvYs7n21EZw55Is525lDNBXfBY1VfO5BmEldCDwHQ2Sf6WhGmaVERPxjy728TacecrbOdM02za_f7Znrswsa8kggKPa5_0BWsOqWDQbjVIMtsQpAkTc-t4bVtN57w" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, I think I'm ready. I am a little concerned that I haven't trained enough. For past Caminos, I walked greater distances in </span>preparation<span style="font-family: inherit;"> than this time around. I'm hoping that the fact that my training at 5,500 feet in elevation will make up the difference, so we shall see. I am not taking my drone this time, but will still take video with my GoPro. Being somewhat anal-retentive, I have booked ahead up until Santiago. I like knowing that I don't have to look for a bed when I arrive in a town. Yes, it does take away from some </span></span><span style="color: #666666;">flexibility, but for me it is a less stressful option. I hope to walk father than Santiago on to Muxia and I will book those nights as they get closer.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is what's going in my pack: Rain jacket, Fleece, (1) short-sleeve tec T-shirt, (1) long-sleeve hiking shirt, (1) short sleeve hiking shirt, a wool beanie, mesh bag with toilet articles and medicine, iPhone, iPad Mini w/charging cables, GoPro Camera, power bank, (2) plug adapters, ear buds, (1) pair convertible hiking pants, (1) pair boxers, (2) pair underwear, (2) pair double layer socks, sandals, 1/2 of a towel, small first aid kit, tape for blister prevention, small tube of Vaseline, for the feet, and Camino guide book. I will add a small first aid kit, clothes pins, extra boot laces, and an extra pair of boot inserts. This list does not include what I'll be wearing, with the exception of my sandals. Boots will be in the pack for the trip to Spain. This all goes in my 36 liter Osprey Pack. I also have a balance pack, which attaches to the straps of my pack that I wear in the front. I used it on a previous Camino and it worked well, so it's going again. The balance pack will carry my iPad, phone, guide book, glasses and snacks. My pack includes a 1.5 liter hydration bladder.</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit;">A word about trekking poles. I use them and find that not only do they help with balance, but when used properly, they take pressure off your joints. There is a lot of discussion on various web sites that cater to pilgrims about poles. The question always comes up, “Can I carry my poles on the plane.” The answer is no. According to TSA, they are forbidden as a carry on and must be checked with your baggage. That doesn’t end the discussion though, as someone will invariably say, “I carried mine on from Denver with no problem”. Others say, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit;">"they took mine from me in Los Angeles". It goes on and on. A recent post on the American Pilgrims on the Camino Facebook page had about 30 comments, from it’s ok, and it’s not ok. TSA says no. On my last Camino, I checked them and British Air lost them, so this year I will buy a pair upon arrival in Spain.</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I leave on Easter Sunday for Madrid, with a change in London. I have 7 weeks, which should allow me to walk at a leisurely pace and include a few days off. Even though I'm a little anxious about getting there, I plan on doing the following:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMBIIdURekgx9UTz2sRXuMf89taPjZ8kGcvrO25mFyWUnyDP5MkEUtwmm6m4oUh_q4mDtxBp5hwdR8Gz5L7JyZYKsmY8wRmNBudmv59GUJ4dq0rLRFhRUGi6T0hJ3A5snhffNFZrJ7FZOjc_czwLSqKo1EftTam0DEuY5-fLV9S9eVq-Cm4_Z3OB0bQ/s728/30740210_1663260850427893_4506215030525526016_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="631" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMBIIdURekgx9UTz2sRXuMf89taPjZ8kGcvrO25mFyWUnyDP5MkEUtwmm6m4oUh_q4mDtxBp5hwdR8Gz5L7JyZYKsmY8wRmNBudmv59GUJ4dq0rLRFhRUGi6T0hJ3A5snhffNFZrJ7FZOjc_czwLSqKo1EftTam0DEuY5-fLV9S9eVq-Cm4_Z3OB0bQ/s320/30740210_1663260850427893_4506215030525526016_n.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-72966031245671190332023-03-07T18:34:00.002-08:002023-03-07T18:34:41.890-08:00HERE I GO AGAIN<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiisQGn6NBrBUfwGlbarZUgz-bMtELEgsPQfRDHl68Ooo5uRVcWIUAQJ5g5PJbDvAsgABngS6LtlLZl2zQZlMWMjIR5gp79eTLKx6cZzFl5R6-EB1WjWlCoAtlCSVaxDhW9Y-jkZlha4a5Zb76np1cCIzCdiS7mEOA6NZqaQmNW_SfRdlppjAbhJg0Q/s2592/Camino%20398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1936" data-original-width="2592" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiisQGn6NBrBUfwGlbarZUgz-bMtELEgsPQfRDHl68Ooo5uRVcWIUAQJ5g5PJbDvAsgABngS6LtlLZl2zQZlMWMjIR5gp79eTLKx6cZzFl5R6-EB1WjWlCoAtlCSVaxDhW9Y-jkZlha4a5Zb76np1cCIzCdiS7mEOA6NZqaQmNW_SfRdlppjAbhJg0Q/w400-h299/Camino%20398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was bound to happen, another Camino. It happens every time I return from Spain. I begin to think about my next Camino. The last time was in 2018, 5 years ago. I had planned to go sooner, but Covid struck and that put and end to plans for 3 years. I spent countless hours trying to figure out how to get to Spain during Covid, but it was just too much of a hassle. In the middle of last year, things travel wise began to open up and I made the decision to go. Cathie wanted to go also, but back problems prevents her from walking long distances. So, I am on my own again, to walk at my desired pace of slow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I bought the plane tickets back at the beginning of November, which saves a bunch compared to the prices now. Having done this before, I know how to get there and I'm familiar with the logistics of the whole thing. There is comfort in having been there done that. More relaxing so to speak. And to remain in my comfort zone, I will be walking the Camino Frances again. I have made reservations for the first third on the Camino and I will continue to "reserve ahead". This allows me to take my time walking each day knowing that I have a place to stay at the end of the days walk. I'll be strolling along at 10 to 14 miles most days and although not in the plans, a taxi if needed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Training has been ongoing, but nothing too strenuous, just 3 to 4 miles most days. I will get in better condition as I walk along the Camino. I will be turning 75 later this year and I don't want to hurt myself. I am motivated to go again as it gives me time to think and reflect on my life and to plan the next Camino. Oh, and to meet new people from all over the world. On the Camino in 2017 I met Harry, who is an inspiration for me. Here is what I wrote at the time:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.6667px;">I met Henry a couple of nights ago in Viana and I along, with others, shared dinner with him. Henry comes from California and is 87 years old, or should I say young. Thirteen years ago, Henry's wife died, and at the age of 74 he walked his first Camino. He has walked the Camino from different starting points twice a year since then and said he will continue to do so as long as he is able. Besides the French route starting in Saint Jean Pied de Port, there are many routes throughout Europe ending in Santiago and Henry has walked many of them. He has walked from London, crossing the channel to Calais and walking the length of France to SJPDP then on to Santiago. He has walked from Paris, Le Puy, France and from Southern Spain. And remember he does this twice a year. Some of these routes are over 1500 miles! Obviously he is extremely fit. He said he started this year in SJPDP, so I asked if he spent the first night in Orrison as we did. Told me, no. Why would someone stop after just five miles? He always ops to do the full crossing of the Pyrenees in one day. Now that's inspiration.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Henry would me 92 now and I bet he's still walking.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I leave on Easter Sunday, fly to Madrid where I will spend a couple of days recuperating from the flight. Then take the train to Pamplona where the following morning I will began walking. Not crossing the </span>Pyrenees this time as I have done that before.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> If I get an itch to walk a portion of one of the many other paths to Santiago, I hop a bus and go do it. It is my intention to be flexible. I have never walked from Santiago to the coast as many pilgrims do. I am hoping to walk to Muxia even if I have to "skip ahead" in order to do so.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">Go ahead and follow along, make comments, ask questions. I will be posting as I walk, when I get the urge say something. If you're reading this you may have notice in the upper right a place to send me a message. Don't be shy. Or click the Follow Button.</span></span></span></div><p></p>Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-36314560244369600732018-06-26T18:32:00.001-07:002018-06-26T18:32:26.479-07:00OK, ONE LAST SHORT VIDEO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Just a short photo montage of Walking My Camino</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rdSxPGHds_4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rdSxPGHds_4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-44825112202228688402018-06-22T18:06:00.001-07:002018-06-22T18:06:25.085-07:00WALKING MY CAMINO: THE FINAL CHAPTER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Here you go, Enjoy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KDUz1I5SaSw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KDUz1I5SaSw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-39957686588505372002018-06-18T13:24:00.003-07:002018-06-18T13:24:58.422-07:00THE VIDEO: PART THREE<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vAs-sAJl-_c/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vAs-sAJl-_c?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-4174123714856422892018-06-16T14:12:00.000-07:002018-06-16T14:12:09.984-07:00PART TWO IS ON LINE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kz6V_jxvUlg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kz6V_jxvUlg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-3511128130829118492018-06-14T20:07:00.000-07:002018-06-14T20:07:11.906-07:00AN UPDATE AND PART ONE IS ON VIDEO<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's a little update of sorts of things I forgot to tell you about and perhaps a final post. (We'll see about that). If you followed on Facebook you might remember this guy on the left. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFufD5N-5cz2FNTuWPuUDjYILe7PD851TetC_LbN3hWowUgAn1wmcmO_Ptk5hRzYcDT2UziqgrmbrppqbbB5Y36P-UoMLnb-8ser_wkZ4nB94cHgqus0LOcrtPfJYXvPqafq1CeR3itWu/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFufD5N-5cz2FNTuWPuUDjYILe7PD851TetC_LbN3hWowUgAn1wmcmO_Ptk5hRzYcDT2UziqgrmbrppqbbB5Y36P-UoMLnb-8ser_wkZ4nB94cHgqus0LOcrtPfJYXvPqafq1CeR3itWu/s400/IMG_1988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I kept running into him along the way. Almost everyday we would bump into each other. At first I thought he was from Germany, but another pilgrim told me he's from Belgium. I would walk into a town bar and there he would be. It happened so often it became funny. We would each feign displeasure of having run into each other once again. We rarely spoke, but just shook our heads. One day we actually sat at the same table for breakfast and there was hardly any conversation. I asked his name, but he suggested that upon arrival in Santiago that we should tell each other our names and have dinner together. Since we saw each other everyday, I said I would plan on it. Well, the last time I saw him was when I took this photo. I had another day off in the works and I think he just kept on going. Before any of you say that I should have introduced myself, understand that he was not in the getting to know one another mood. Anyway, we had a few laughs over several weeks acting with disdain each time we met. Sad I never saw him again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
When I walked the Camino in 2015, I had lunch in a bar/albergue in the small village of Fonfria. I left my pack outside and sat inside enjoying my empanada and ice tea. It's typical when you eat in a bar to order your food at the bar and pay when you are done eating, again at the bar. On this day I forgot to pay. I went outside, put on my pack and started down the hill. After about an hour, I realized my mistake. After some consideration I decided that I just didn't want to walk back up the hill and pay my bill. When I arrived at my next overnight spot, I sent a message to a fellow pilgrim who was a day behind me asking her to stop and pay my bill. Well, I later learned that she didn't stop. So, I figure on this Camino, it was time to pay up. So I stopped, ordered an empanada and an ice tea and sat down. Using translate on my phone, I told the bartender, who was the same guy of my earlier crime, that I wanted to make amends. He laughed and laughed. He then told his mother, also working behind bar, what I had said, and she too laughed and laughed. He told me it wasn't necessary to pay them back, but then I told them how I had come to Spain and walked over 300 miles to pay my debt. He finally acquiesced by charging me double for my meal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgRUwtaNZp5Mk-jF7dezoYmsU439PF3FqWYLWp8_BzUvp4t6768pZJK1rUNLgQf2UfyhIXo-mze50rAdFf1FlWmVwZeoMV2AKe1QfXroLUOzAH7DmprwKr9AlYgkc4-EKMgOJ0AvQeSZ3/s1600/IMG_2172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgRUwtaNZp5Mk-jF7dezoYmsU439PF3FqWYLWp8_BzUvp4t6768pZJK1rUNLgQf2UfyhIXo-mze50rAdFf1FlWmVwZeoMV2AKe1QfXroLUOzAH7DmprwKr9AlYgkc4-EKMgOJ0AvQeSZ3/s400/IMG_2172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As you probably guessed, walking 440 miles takes a lot of footsteps. Placing one's foot in front of the other day after day gets sort of memorizing at times, especially on long straight stretches. Got me to thinking about Kurt Koontz's book about walking the Camino, A Million Steps. Is it really a million steps? I really didn't want to start counting, but it came to me one day that an app on my phone was doing it for me. So on the plane ride home I opened the app and added up all the steps on the days I was walking. It came to 1,217,037 steps. Quite a bit more that Kurt's one million, but he's a big tall guy and probably covers more ground with each step. Now, some of my steps were probably attributed to my taking the longer road several times and of course there's always walking out out your way looking for bars. Anyway it's a lot of steps.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I published on YouTube part one of this Camino. Turns out I've got lots of footage so I'm breaking the video up into to 3 or 4 parts. Part one is below, and future installments will be published as I complete them. Might be a week or two between installments, as editing the videos is very time consuming. Anyway, enjoy Part One.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ln8JeP5hWaY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ln8JeP5hWaY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-68157506457817589992018-05-24T08:29:00.001-07:002018-05-24T08:29:54.414-07:00I’M DONE, OR AM I?<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.</span></p><div><br></div><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Arriving in Santiago was somewhat anticlimactic in that the second time around is just not the same as the first. Not to say that I wasn’t pleased with my effort, just not the same feeling of excitement and awe. The last couple of days were pretty routine, and it seemed that the crowds had thinned out somewhat. I saw many a pilgrim waiting at bus stops or climbing into a taxi. I had dinner with some of the new pilgrims, Robert from Santa Barbara and Barry and his wife Dayle from New Zealand. I was able to share some of my pilgrim knowledge with them when they were just starting out. Always good to help a fellow pilgrim.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_a872_ea67_723f_7a72" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nOvmymcz8uw/WwbaYNsExwI/AAAAAAAA3rg/nH3vAriCFmEnztLtFRERm2OrKndfQIMGACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img id="id_e1ed_69f1_a3f8_6773" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G41wbDBH1U8/WwbaYlCof2I/AAAAAAAA3rk/-z6H1UnK3b4IJYQ1VhTOzjeV_5L9qMT7gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">PILGRIMS WAITING FOR A BUS<br></span><br><img id="id_cca8_17a4_51c_bfb4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5ei6FIATcU/WwbaZaWiCDI/AAAAAAAA3rw/2pqWkNe7HjE0NkpqhcZjQ3S2y3fux71aACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_8559_bf38_4a2f_9c3f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ZmAm5RzKDE/WwbaY2lgZAI/AAAAAAAA3rs/_-ZhE1pzRHA3yez98N3Wcn6c_XsPNC_kACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_bd60_d10b_e697_8b01" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--RFi7JxEbjw/WwbaYtdhjnI/AAAAAAAA3ro/GBdhzko7HDUpNAQJzCeHlYLwuNRbJNOcgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">GETTING WARM IN A BAR<br></span><br><img id="id_c270_9df5_9c4a_442c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VtkNQcNEDYo/WwbaZWeWhHI/AAAAAAAA3r4/3d-WE_1n_PYU4mpxoOINl2pNQaf_4F16gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">IN SIGHT OF THE CATHEDRAL <br></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">My last day, I wasn’t in a hurry, sleeping till 7:30 and having a leisurely breakfast before heading out. I arrived in the early afternoon, went to the cathedral square for the official arrival and customary photos, then headed to my hotel. The hotel I’ve stayed in before was booked but they recommended and place around the corner. I was glad I was only staying one night, as my single room was the size of a closet. A closet with a balcony mind you, but still a closet. After dropping off my pack it was time to head to the pilgrims office to get my Compestella and the distance certificate.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_faa8_485a_32b5_7daf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XTsI3YYJtDo/WwbaZfeEFRI/AAAAAAAA3r0/eiAhUGSmXTQlSgCYPjIyS3QOV_0SqX_YACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I WAS TRYING TO GET A PHOTO OF THE CATHEDRAL BUT THIS</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">GOT IN THE WAY<br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_12f9_8303_448b_fafe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9WqJj_n-Qf0/WwbaZ2rpy2I/AAAAAAAA3r8/KZhdH-zzdl8SDCGEnhIrTAPwKXDFx7X0QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="font-size: 11px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_12d_6d3b_9701_9e07" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1IWCLWsvvKQ/WwbaaAFItdI/AAAAAAAA3sA/XiH162GfKvE8b6a1jDKIdkTGjAKyqIGrwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">There is almost always a line one must stand in to be able to get a Compestella. The Compestella is in Latin and the volunteers who issue them write your name in Latin. On this day they were short of volunteers, but there were an ample amount of pilgrims. It took 2 hours and 45 minutes of standing in line to receive mine. I hurt more from standing that long than I did on any of the days walking. 1308 pilgrims arrived in Santiago with me and that’s not counting the one’s who don’t stand in the line. So how far did I walk? 732 Kilometers or 455 miles. If I ever walk the Camino again, I’ll probably forgo The Compestella.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_22b6_b908_d85d_2a2e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-peAW_PFaM88/WwbaaY526qI/AAAAAAAA3sE/ya7bSy6LTuoKymp0QZL-N7NwNT1SQ_blwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">WAITING IN LINE<br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_eff6_ccb1_7a44_7490" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f8s0seXaq94/WwbaaolvWHI/AAAAAAAA3sI/7HJxdeHuvuMnhFsbe_AFUyAV-rd1X574QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I am now in Muxia, having taken the bus here, a small fishing village on the coast. Muxia is considered, along with Finisterre, to be the end of the earth. It is here that pilgrims of old thought the earth ended. Pilgrims would arrive and many would burn their clothing as they had become rags from their long journey. Mine still have some life left in them, so I’m hanging on to them.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">The coast line here is rugged and there is a beautiful chapel built on the rocks. On Christmas Day in 2013, the chapel was struck by lightning and pretty much destroyed by the resulting fire. Today it has been rebuilt and the interior is done in the seafaring motif with models of sailing ships hanging from the ceiling.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_951f_a998_d99b_9dd5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EFkNXXsHSJ0/Wwbaa-a2bpI/AAAAAAAA3sM/WtvogQ7h6S8YdOIV-dxyW-QLB8K492jZgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">MUXIA<br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_19f4_c803_1db3_b1dc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WpFrDOX-1ns/WwbabNWN3FI/AAAAAAAA3sQ/tYl9pwqeArgjK0iJSRejmUmvgmbUkFv5QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">THE LIGHTNING STRIKE<br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_7572_9006_2f03_59af" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KvaO5o6Zlm4/WwbabgZBuUI/AAAAAAAA3sU/K3iL_T5wW1I2V4ejWYDptaR-6OfYNHzdgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">ZERO KILOMETER MARKER<br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_3f0c_b69d_b8bd_7880" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4apCekJZtb0/Wwbab226v2I/AAAAAAAA3sY/lfklhdvunREqxlymFcZoNwC-ufOwyJdygCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_bf63_e7da_ad81_38e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lnn_85eYo0k/Wwbab9Tm6VI/AAAAAAAA3sc/FUfhThHu4xIcRJRd4OUh03ODSFBdtJ6kwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I’ll be spending my last days in Spain contemplating this journey and possibility my last Camino. Will this walk change me in any way. I believe any walk of this type changes you in some fashion, each person in their own way. Will I do it again? Only time will tell.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Below is a quote by Washington Irving, who in 1829 walked in Spain, not on the Camino, but the route he followed is now one of the many paths you can follow.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText";"><span style="font-size: 22.66666603088379px;">“</span>Such were our minor preparations for the journey, but above all we laid in an ample stock of good humor, and a genuine disposition to be pleased, taking things as we found them, rough or smooth, and mingling with all classes and conditions in a kind of vagabond companionship. It is the true way to travel in Spain. With such disposition and determination, what a country is it for a traveller, where the most miserable inn is as full of adventure as an enchanted castle, and every meal is in itself an achievement!” </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; text-align: justify; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-5408261004539826422018-05-19T09:02:00.001-07:002018-05-19T09:02:47.648-07:00NEARING THE END<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">In the end, it's not the years in your live that counts, it's the life in your years.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">
</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Well, I guess it’s time for an update on my progress. I haven’t actually done the math but I’m real close to the 400 mile mark, might have actually passed it today. That leaves about 45 miles to Santiago. The plan is, if everything works out right, I will arrive on the 23rd.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Still no issues with the feet, but as a preventative measure I’ve been taping my susceptible toes each morning and they are doing fine. Still walking around 12 miles a day, sometimes less and sometimes more. In the last episode I had left the high point of the Camino but by no means did that mean I was done with the hills. Walked through a region of vast vineyards and the cities of Ponferrada Cacabelos, and Villafranca del Bierzo. Ponferrada is home to the Templar Castle, and it is one castle that really looks like one. I skipped the tour and opted for a short walking tour of the old section of the city before relaxing with a glass of wine. I did take a well deserved day off in Villafranca which after a little exploring it became one of my favorite towns on the Camino. Not too big and with a nice old city center.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_fd32_b17f_1e2f_78cd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-14UIeJJ0hQM/WwBKbaBFoII/AAAAAAAA3pw/CMnYFn946JcbqVfakPCIkctZuNa84dNkACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>THE CASTLE</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><img id="id_b84b_63b5_44a6_b6c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PlyZctbNfik/WwBKb0eroPI/AAAAAAAA3p0/CevB0loHTtoUO4UHK2t96f4MNR0ekdhBACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5b65_3c5f_8c1c_5cda" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gu6wSNXxid8/WwBKaFnDTEI/AAAAAAAA3ps/TawXb2Ma6kc2nTapxv07p5RAQGu_bOs8gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED HOUSE ON THE CAMINO <br><img id="id_95e0_72c8_91f1_62ed" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-juRS4-YzW30/WwBKb6qRS_I/AAAAAAAA3p4/gx-jD4ZXHkkuXt1v55w85sWu9eSRON-XgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>CHURCH IN VILLAFRANCA </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img id="id_c42b_7d40_fcd_9fa4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UEn-e1z3z0Q/WwBKc6UmOQI/AAAAAAAA3p8/AFPbt4C64LwjnQbRcXmOAMvyXnNC-8JdACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>PATTIE AND VERA, IRELAND <br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">After Villafranca there is a beautiful section walking along a rushing river at the bottom of a deep valley. The downside to the walk is it’s beside a highway and the trail is entirely pavement. Luckily there are numerous small villages along the way for resting ones feet and getting something to eat or drink. All this time you are gradually climbing until you reach the hamlet of Las HerrerÍas, then it gets steep, still beautiful but steep. After a total climb of 2100 feet you arrive at the small ridge top village of O Cebreiro with it’s stone buildings and thatched roofs. The last time I made this climb, it rained the entire time, with cold cutting winds. I walked right through the town only stopping for coffee. This time was different. It rained the entire climb but no wind and I opted to stay overnight. Soon the rain stopped and the skies cleared and the views opened up before me.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_aec6_9d65_b0f5_2f42" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lh9EWy_kWok/WwBKeIcetrI/AAAAAAAA3qE/pvrXR6n-e0QUJXS6_YqDGBnqoZA8iFjSwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_41ab_337d_f0bb_8bd2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFfaka7Ug4Y/WwBKexvyE9I/AAAAAAAA3qI/wYV_YPLd0qsbEvQe0nTnJUK65_BI5xQHwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e369_e1c4_833e_c820" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gwLrMMdW9ck/WwBKdSTxAeI/AAAAAAAA3qA/XiV53SWhFCsynGuCZJFSveg7-wLJ-PXhwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1b18_94fe_151b_fc59" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OsqxjDv9IDc/WwBKitgxuEI/AAAAAAAA3qU/4pSxl2SP8r86tlD4C7S-2zfpyY7P01uMgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><img id="id_dc19_c83_de03_3fd2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uParuGgAYgo/WwBKi_A0sCI/AAAAAAAA3qY/-mTuCsQPqf8x6YwyA3BRlMaE0CZ_jIGPQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_9010_2b63_370_1dee" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A06iJNYCQDU/WwBKfnhMmEI/AAAAAAAA3qM/5XEugHudUv028h2mtdyLUt_reOGNQGujgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e55_90b4_b179_7f81" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RhXmn6MoOgs/WwBKiWkg44I/AAAAAAAA3qQ/a6j-1ffMaRYH7YS49hIO82AMiXOq3lm8QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Near the top of the climb, you enter into Galicia and the region that includes Santiago. Located in the northwest corner of Spain, it gets a lot of rain and it’s green everywhere. As I am walking slow and have the time, I take the long route via Samos with it’s huge monastery. But the highlight was the lush landscape with few pilgrims. So for most of two days is was really quiet, with easy walking.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_7657_9b1b_c0f_7726" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pK0yZiXHP7Q/WwBKizLGhwI/AAAAAAAA3qc/OSfj225rn4osaaN0pORhh7OL1k_XfgJjQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6c14_8d9_734c_e372" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CpINObNoLzw/WwBKmme0DOI/AAAAAAAA3qo/V-GYOON5faMgfI4DTGj7x8B0yK1gw4e3QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_930f_5f47_7a5a_5aa2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ple2-HgfGdQ/WwBKkwlEdsI/AAAAAAAA3qg/KyZkNgvX54QGntReR83jfrTNBCOsbNxpgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">So now I am in the last 100 kilometers and the path is crowded. It is the last 100 kilometers one must walk in order to obtain their Compostela once reaching Santiago. There are hundreds of them, all excited and eager to go. After a couple of days they settle down, slow down, and quiet down. They will be stiff and sore each morning and many are sporting blisters. I’ve have noticed that there is a lot more taxi traffic on the Camino now, as many have underestimated the difficulty of the walk. It is easy of us veterans to look down upon these new fresh smelling pilgrims, but we must remember that each person walks their own Camino.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_ff9e_92e8_6257_b2b7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oUypEyfw6PM/WwBKm1eB8gI/AAAAAAAA3qs/YAw2U4EBUF0MOnGKErwrx_zqijlhpV8GwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_65c4_f473_9e16_a4c1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eWMX39-oskc/WwBKl25gQ9I/AAAAAAAA3qk/HUfhoNkkiBo0-VL1EKBq0h0VXlc7Ra1ugCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6cc0_1141_4a9d_bf0f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v75p89mEJSk/WwBKoddR3NI/AAAAAAAA3qw/lnA-kYZBA48569Q1VfJ20EMZR7t1qDsxQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_749b_88bb_3bf2_fe86" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CvLAIrMiQnU/WwBKozAk6CI/AAAAAAAA3q0/raY5bIPhOogMVZ_TFY_f5VpIabAnJYoJwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_6bdb_d30d_22fd_75f3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f1siQh_ymIQ/WwBKpQqY_BI/AAAAAAAA3q4/iGD3CBkNNwEe6KXCuzbj-Ne6Wxa-3QmewCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>100 KILOMETERS TO GO</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-300285223457191132018-05-16T06:59:00.001-07:002018-05-16T06:59:30.829-07:00TIME FOR A RANT<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">Graffiti is a pathetic attempt at anonymous recognition </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Graffiti is just about everywhere in the world and for the most part I don’t like it. Sure there is some that is funny or thought provoking but it’s still a blight on the landscape and I would rather not have to look at it. Unfortunately it is also on the Camino. People wishing you “Buen Camino”, signing their name, leaving all kinds of messages. They write it anywhere there is a surface that will accept their pen or brush. The sad thing is the people leaving their tag are pilgrims.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_b7cb_fd09_6de9_628d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y2tCornjnd4/Wvw5MNzAhXI/AAAAAAAA3o0/0KibsnL_5nApGwAxFV6vldKBbnNxgncDACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ccc1_85a8_a62f_8561" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EI-TiHACwP4/Wvw5KliCQ6I/AAAAAAAA3os/Oq3--7MrbbgSeMXh2LEx6t-BeZyEruw8ACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Perhaps I’m just old fashioned but I can’t understand why they do it. Do they actually think others will appreciate it? Maybe they think it’s beautiful or that they are making some kind of important statement. I think it shows their disrespect for someone else’s property, private or public.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_4ac2_d875_ae1f_f97" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gz7VLzAWgIo/Wvw5Mm4UUVI/AAAAAAAA3o4/JU4u9etzCKIcFFTLPEO7lRWbv1QpXNYWwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">In the Galicia region, all the trail markers were recently replaced with new ones. I’m sure a lot of expense was expended make and place these monuments along the trail. There’s one approximately every 1/2 kilometer, and some have already taken advantage of the blank space. It’s only a matter of time and they’ll all be defaced.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_cbb1_8236_172e_1c63" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uETQV5SMIOA/Wvw5LuHOGOI/AAAAAAAA3ow/lEvzpXlQGAQm82Sqc5UoMcm5g5xgcnpswCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">A while back on the Meseta, I saw a Italian guy with a red marking pen writing on the back of a road sign. My first though was, here’s this pilgrim and what does he bring with him on his pilgrimage, a @$%%*# marking pen. So the cop in me couldn’t help myself and I confronted him. “What do you think you’re doing?” He just looked sheepishly at me and shrugged his shoulders. I then suggested that I come to his house and write something on his front door or better yet is car? “No comprende”. Like hell buddy, you know exactly what I said. Don’t know if it did any good, but he walked ahead of me and I never saw his tag again.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_d762_4581_9d1e_867b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QK2L_MYBIp8/Wvw5PRDvzaI/AAAAAAAA3pA/VEH_ZRVWc3ob5iPsuDili8cNehW7eSIcACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_1b97_420c_3d66_3bb5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SAWNIUmAeaU/Wvw5O0xa8AI/AAAAAAAA3o8/p7xOihRGXF0yUY8Sgbf-yYKgzISnVJzCwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">One tag that I have seen several times a day since I started walking is “Melted Rubber Humans”. So I searched Google and it turns out it’s a alternative band in Scotland. So who wrote it hundreds of times, a band member, or just some stupid fan. I’m going to try to find out if one of the band members walked the Camino and send him or her a message. I know, I know, I’ll probably just be wasting my time, but what the hell, why not?</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_6513_b85d_5875_84e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e0VdfQ4UpiQ/Wvw5QHwswAI/AAAAAAAA3pE/liPjF0wsJU8i6Vhdf7t-dr6In-OrJASEQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">So, I’ve raised a question in my mind. We pilgrims on the Camino are guided on our journey by yellow arrows. Sometimes these arrows are in the form of formal signs placed by the Spanish government, but most times they are just crudely painted on some surface. The sidewalk, walls, street signs, light posts, trees. Is this ok? Is it graffiti or something different? What do you think?</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_7589_4ec5_bddd_eddd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZuIM1c0H7fw/Wvw5QVi8IcI/AAAAAAAA3pI/bTZF92AKiH81adB2cpIWwENw8tRjewkYgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-79155026144326069262018-05-12T07:27:00.001-07:002018-05-12T07:27:03.693-07:00THE THREE PARTS OF THE CAMINO<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; color: rgb(69, 69, 69);"><span style="font-family: ".SFUIText"; font-size: 17pt;">It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">It is said that the Camino is divided into thirds. The first third is physical. That is certainly true for most people, as generally speaking, people arrive in Saint Jean Pied de Port and begin the climb up and over the Pyrenees. Those with very little training before hand find out pretty quickly that it’s not going to be a walk in the park. Then there’s walking 10 to 20 miles in day over varied terrain and doing it again day after day. Even for those who arrive physically fit, the extra exertion required for the every day aspect of the journey tests most.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_43b3_19a2_536d_af6c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2KvPk2kk0M8/Wvb5rRWSWyI/AAAAAAAA3n8/1xwOI7J4GHE6qmYZzdqhOYU9EWgoowSmgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">It is also said that the first third represents the beginning, much like the beginning of life. We are struggling, stumbling with eyes full of excitement, finding our way, getting lost, aches and pains. We begin to over come our fears about the walk, meeting new people with the same feelings of nervousness about what’s in front of us. Eventually we find a rhythm and we gain confidence. This is our past.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><img id="id_69b2_e216_5cdf_8d3c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--C0y9rct0E4/Wvb5tn6qQqI/AAAAAAAA3oM/IiGsZxv6DZ4eptx5N4cYnWiFjqkwF-FOQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">The second third is mental. This section of the Camino is on the Meseta, mostly flat and less attention is required in placing ones foot in front of the other. The walking is generally easy, you have gained strength and are more confident. It is here where your mind starts to wander. For many it is boring and lonely time and some avoid this section and take a bus or train to “skip ahead”. For others it is just the opposite and the more enjoyable part of the Camino, a time for reflection. For me, this is my favorite part of the Camino, beautiful in it’s own way and the time when I do my best at looking at myself. It is different for each person and for many this time represents the present.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_674d_42f_7e58_5561" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q5Evf3rNGAA/Wvb5tFx39nI/AAAAAAAA3oI/EGrankpFodgDSj56x_DVpGNwmJeu7qEJgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_328b_1a0a_5436_2d5e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-67Qb1EjmB4s/Wvb5skeiNVI/AAAAAAAA3oA/7U36L3r7nTw3oA4gzWiGmvJPK93RbkgWACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">In the final third Santiago is in sight and for many this is a spiritual time. Even though we have some tough climbs ahead, our goal is within reach. A time to reflect on the past, present and future, question what we have done and why and what it all means. So for most this is the future.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_b07f_b2ba_f06f_47d6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1o47qPwaXKg/Wvb5szAQaII/AAAAAAAA3oE/Rbx2X91p_JYAAEHzQjGptNEUsRmwYAMxgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">People walk the Camino for many different reasons. Many are looking for answers to many of life’s questions, for personal or extremely private reasons. Others do it to meet people from around the world, or for the physical challenge. But for whatever reason I believe people are seeking answers. If someone is considering walking the Camino my advise is to do it. It is a wonderful experience. But if you do, be prepared to discover that you will not find all the answers to all your questions. For some they return to walk the Camino once again, and maybe even a number of times hoping to find the answers and for guidance in their life.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; color: rgb(20, 20, 20); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(20, 20, 20); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 17.9px;"><span style="font-size: 15pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-60771655098203412242018-05-09T06:40:00.001-07:002018-05-09T06:40:38.904-07:00THREE HUNDRED MILES!<p style="text-align: center; margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS ARE NOT THE RESULT OF TIMID ATTEMPTS</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">I hit the 300 mile mark today in the small village of El Acebo. El Acebo is on the downhill side after crossing the high point of the Camino at just over 5,000 feet. After 12 days, the Meseta is behind me and the two day gradual climb to Curz de Ferro (Iron Cross) began after leaving Astorga. The cross is just shy of the highest point which comes a kilometer or two further on. It is at the cross where pilgrims leave a stone that they have brought from home. It is a tradition that the stone represents a burden that one has carried with them in their life and at the cross they leave the burden behind. The meaning of the stone can be different for each person. Some leave a stone in remembrance of a love one who has passed or it as a payer for someone. In 2015 I left a stone for a friend who was going through a difficult time in her life. I also left a religious metal in remembrance of a friend who had recently died. In answer to your question, yes I left a stone.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_c543_d457_8446_7c5e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yyWbeeVhuYU/WvL6Q-HFLkI/AAAAAAAA3nA/xPvkUeo0e6c6ER5O6yE69koMt7RZoLHiQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">At the cross was one of the places that I wanted to fly my drone. I’ve been taking some aerial video along the way. When I arrived the police were parked across the road, so I figured I’d wait them out. But they weren’t leaving. So finally I went and asked, and they seemed not to care. So much for worrying about what the police would say. After getting permission, they left.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_f517_234_aac5_92e8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HElztLfNLAo/WvL6SeNrNiI/AAAAAAAA3nE/x3j1O8245DsgS36Tcsa07XbVnKMHK6CigCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>GOING DOWN<br><br><img id="id_b0ec_8_52b9_57e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lbMM-ssHhnM/WvL6QR7dXOI/AAAAAAAA3m8/l_fDIJMxE8Y3iUMps-2hO-lUtvx6W-YRACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img id="id_2006_9656_c7b7_216f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cqpza4jM1Bo/WvL6T5i4ZDI/AAAAAAAA3nQ/7xfMsvVX3DAi_g_yCxenx--60ViP03TCQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_b6d2_3e2c_85ec_59ec" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-24LE5VPDaIs/WvL6SsGtFRI/AAAAAAAA3nI/NMhBKuQznCUm80QR7CtmvukjL_9ugZr8QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">RABINAL DEL CAMINO<br></span><br><img id="id_342f_5125_3aa7_3faa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hxFERefP-Cg/WvL6TSL6qXI/AAAAAAAA3nM/TfyBHH5ivaUt7yFS_tcPMjhNWHrbif1MgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The downhill side of the mountain is a lot steeper than going up. With loose stones underfoot it is slowing going. Tonight I am in a small bed and breakfast in the little mountain side village of El Acebo. Just one narrow street lined with stone buildings in various states of repair.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_f4a3_a86b_19e6_14ea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNVXp55OX_Y/WvL6VH4CwPI/AAAAAAAA3nY/YX3KBmXrg94wH-DvLyNSFguUWhzCIo6_gCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_d70e_4d59_8ced_8a7e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r9FQOAe_QOs/WvL6U5C9YgI/AAAAAAAA3nU/Vu_6GbV_eWUkcWsXnBAoyYLLWPfeK91fgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">At least for the time being the cold weather is behind me, with cool mornings, sunny skies and comfortable temperatures later in the day. Great walking weather. Mostly dirt roads and trails as of late, which my joints are thankful for. Still walking my slow pace of around 20 kilometers (12 miles) a day. There are a few that walk the same pace, but we just acknowledge each other on the path. There is this one German guy, older than me I think, that I keep running into. I don’t know his name, nor have I told him mine. Each time we see each other, we feign displeasure and running into each other once again. I happens almost daily, like the other night when I went into an upstairs restaurant in the city of Astorga, and ran into him again. We just shake our heads that once again we have run into each other. We have spoken to one another occasionally and it has been agreed that we will tell each other our names when we reach Santiago.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The Camino remains busy and the smaller towns fill up each night. Pilgrims who arrive later in the day find themselves searching for a place to stay. Sometimes that means a taxi ride to another nearby town. Me being anal retentive have now booked all the way to Santiago. It was my desire to walk from Santiago to Muxia, a sea coast town, but now seems that I will have run out of time to walk the additional days. My plan noe will be to take the bus there and spend a night or two before returning to Santiago and begin the journey home.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_4441_7424_c62c_3e52" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lnAktY9IXQs/WvL6VcXHyzI/AAAAAAAA3nc/YMoVnHWR1249QURw2sxHJm5piiL1aVYKQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><font size="2">The man on the left is Dick and that’s his son Ben on the right. I don’t know who the guy in the middle is, he sat down and bummed a cigarette from Ben. Anyway I last saw them on the way into Burgos and then a day ago I ran into them in Astorga. At least for the time being we are walking the same pace, but today they will continue on after I stop. From Idaho they started in Saint Jean and will go the distance to Santiago.</font><br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"> </span></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-75927280684564118512018-05-06T11:45:00.001-07:002018-05-06T11:45:08.689-07:00JUST SOME STUFF<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">In a previous post about old friends, new friends I forgot to mention this little story, a true story. While walking on the Meseta, I would see this man who looked familiar. Not that I thought I knew him, he looked like someone I knew. I saw him several times while walking and at rest stops along the way. One evening at an albergue bar, he came in and the only seat available was across the table from me. I offered him the empty seat. I was looking at him and again he looked familiar, so I asked him where he was from. He answered, “Mexico”. I then asked if he had walked the Camino before, he answered “4 times”. Then I asked, “In 2105?” He then pointed at me and said, “I had dinner with you in Santiago”. On the Camino in 2015, Emilio lost his money belt. My Camino brother Alex found it and was able to return it to him. The dinner in Santiago was a celebration. Even on the Camino it is a small world.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_e39c_6b3b_ca5c_756e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hFE5ADXkIr0/Wu9NKdwbl9I/AAAAAAAA3lw/GymSj2AmWOUW9kZxA8-vjabPCc5WiVsdACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">One of the readers of the blog sent me a question e-mail. They asked if walking on the road was dangerous. In medieval times, it was bandits one worried about, now it’s the odd 18 wheeler or a tractor. Actually most of the paths and roads we walk are are pretty rural. Today walking on a local road I only saw 4 or 5 cars in 10 miles. There are places where you are walking a a busy highway, but they are few and far between. The worst part about walking on a highway is what the pavement does to your body. If its hot, your feet are burning, not to mention the stress on one’s joints.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_80e5_d2f1_9f5e_7fee" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b9CnegxYAZE/Wu9NK_EmAgI/AAAAAAAA3l8/8Q0w8JiRnyQ02SZTo34rPL-YZcF08bjGACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c3f2_85fa_1995_dd93" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oVAdQRME5IY/Wu9NK0_ht4I/AAAAAAAA3l0/Z580DFDc0uAnX-3X2XZop3T6HKDxcyKBACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_3c6a_54c9_2f0c_9c60" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdN0A7QFUJg/Wu9NK8ZV5mI/AAAAAAAA3l4/M_vhDbZr3H8nDHMB6CagNxJSIbYmB250QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Although, as anywhere, there is some crime, but no more than one would expect at home. Actually probably less on the Camino. In 2015, an American woman went missing and was later found murdered. The perpetrator was caught and convicted. I have noticed a greater police presence on the Camino this year, with officers patrolling the route both in cars and on bicycles. The Camino is the lifeblood of some of the communities it passes through and the Spanish Government understands this and has taken steps to make it a safe journey.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">The Camino remains crowded and in some towns all the available beds are taken. I continue to book ahead as it takes the worry out of finding a place to sleep. Strange, tonight I am in a rural hotel about 300 yards of the Camino in the town of Hospital de Órbigo. The main part of the town is booked solid, but here I am the only guest. A room, laundry done, dinner with all the wine I want, and breakfast for 50€. And they did the laundry. Most pilgrims don’t want to walk any further than they have to.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; width: 500px;"><img id="id_420a_59d7_19d_9f4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCaepvi365M/Wu9NLRXAdxI/AAAAAAAA3mA/WjwLiV47p7UVBYA4-j-zCuj2ILuzgdcTwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br>A THREE STORK TOWN</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; width: 500px;"><img id="id_e518_aa7_cc3e_6406" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gKePq8fMscE/Wu9NMDfLozI/AAAAAAAA3mI/ADAKJR_6DMgHrJe2cSpgsGsflt4PlAsDQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br>PILGRIMS DINNER</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; width: 500px;"><img id="id_8407_10ee_d7a8_da18" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-my_TnFd09es/Wu9NMFEc-yI/AAAAAAAA3mE/4ZDNjeJyql8ERqFVXGN2-A1GfhivZofdQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br>A DIFFERENT KIND OF PILGRIM</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; width: 500px;"><img id="id_efc8_52b3_acb7_e222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yMJtWl0O5YY/Wu9NMeajBNI/AAAAAAAA3mM/7VMhA3IZcccel_23ppWeS6wfoHzS5h-CwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br>NOW THATS’ A BOCIDILLO </span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; width: 500px;"><img id="id_b9d5_9220_f63e_76c3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OXwvUZJvtGY/Wu9NMlkl6hI/AAAAAAAA3mQ/psAwFRqzjnoQGMRDljCO0SO-Dsb5OaXRACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br>KICKIN IT IN LEON</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5777452892811504019.post-5239405280056054212018-05-04T08:15:00.001-07:002018-05-04T08:23:41.731-07:00CONTINUING ON<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">ALWAYS TAKE THE SENIC ROUTE</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">As I write this I am on a day off in the city of Leon. With a population of around 130,000, it is the largest city in this region. Many pilgrims take a rest day in here as it is a good place to find whatever a pilgrim needs. From simple albergues to 5 star hotels. On my 2015 pilgrimage, I stayed in the upscale Paradore, but alas, it is now closed for renovations, so I’m in a much less expensive 2 star hotel in the historic district.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Still on the Meseta which will continue for another 2 days, then the landscape will change with a gradual increase in elevation to the high point on the Camino. As I have mentioned before, walking the Meseta is not very strenuous in comparison to other sections of the Camino. Besides being pretty level, the walking surfaces are mostly smooth gravel and dirt roads. A lot of the time the route follows the highway making it somewhat unpleasant. There are a few places where the trail splits and you have an option, the most traveled and direct route along the highway, or a less traveled route which rejoin the main trail some kilometers away. The other day I opted for the less traveled route along the original Camino. It follows the ancient Roman Road across the flat prairie, with only one town in two days. The first day, there were fewer but still a significant number of pilgrims. In the only town, all the beds were taken in the albergue and the pension. The next day, most pilgrims made a left turn and returned to the more traveled route. I opted to continue on. About 15 miles of no towns and few pilgrims. By the time in the afternoon when I rejoined the main route, I had only seen 4 pilgrims.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_5384_347a_e6b4_e9b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kqQ6ZOA_s5c/Wux4z_Z6c_I/AAAAAAAA3k0/q7JTLrzFT_oMr1FJ6UG7lZ6AZGP4nQ9LACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">LEAVING SAHAGÚN<br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_b6a_ff61_7c1a_7b93" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Do6dBGyfHW0/Wux4t892paI/AAAAAAAA3ko/yO_5uJ00cQAQUofkdR1U1jL4DBcyHcvfgCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE TRUE<br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_8566_226e_5846_50f0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGMNX7DPwAs/Wux4rePxP8I/AAAAAAAA3kg/xalHittzXOke61KKjh3jCZ5hQqkWMIUaQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span><br>THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED<br><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">The next day on the walk into Leon, it was much the same. Very few pilgrims and many opted to take the easy way and ride the bus into the city.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><img id="id_8915_535f_1ea1_23c4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GDYUzLw30-o/Wux4tvVYwII/AAAAAAAA3kk/XkR1xCMc-zQuzAG0WSaztnau-ARuXo8IQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">LEÓN BELOW<br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_c485_a624_b3f4_14b7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EHyebxTTSlg/Wux4ua4TW0I/AAAAAAAA3ks/3LxIsnXZYPsIkguNPNsUUm-_SwiaChbRQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">A THREE STORK TOWN<br></span><br><span style="font-size: 11px; width: 500px; height: auto;"><img id="id_c107_a595_4b15_508b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hgm3LyR78ys/Wux42-V3ENI/AAAAAAAA3k8/8kNIJkMeRTgI1ltGpa1krS139aCRYJkjACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">CITY WALLS<br></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The weather as been cooler that normal for this time of year, with morning temperatures hovering around freezing, then warming to the mid 50’s in the afternoons. Both cloudy and clear skies, with some small amounts of rain. Add a little wind and it gets cold. I’ve been wearing my rain jacket over my fleece most mornings to keep warm. I actually snowed here in Leon last week, a rare occurrence this time of year.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">Still going a slower pace than most, but in the towns and villages I sometimes catch up to those I have met before. Not really a Camino family forming this time, but still plenty of conversation at meal times. It is a much more solitary journey this time. Not complaining mind you, as I am enjoying the solitude amongst the hoards.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;">My feet and body continue to carry me along without too much difficulty. The other day I developed a small blister on one of my toes, but it is already on the mend. I am careful to tape up those places on my feet that have developed blisters in the past as a preventive measure and to use lots of Vaseline on them. Stoping during the day, removing my boots to let my feet air out, reapplying the Vaseline and changing my socks helps tremendously. I don’t feel like I’m loosing weight, especially with what I’ve been eating, but I’ve only got one more notch on my belt before I need a new one.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><img id="id_b586_ac88_6f28_8f23" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oOWsGhLkRCw/Wux41TO0SsI/AAAAAAAA3k4/D2sFT1nvtrUtY9CtroDYCtfTByT1nyg-QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>JUST ANOTHER PILGRIM<br><br><img id="id_ce04_59ad_304_84da" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fCGOp67SbQo/Wux4zIsztaI/AAAAAAAA3kw/tv9vFEvKjEQTCa7_HdFvkAsxvWATuqK3QCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>STREET PERFORMER</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><br><img id="id_d2a4_5873_24a3_d79f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_NH9eyjwsiU/Wux4808RZnI/AAAAAAAA3lM/-zzKURx4coU_T2ESKG9mMpfkU_KF-GjSwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br>LEÓN CATHEDRAL <br><img id="id_1057_189c_c365_4783" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JzjbL9AhH-Q/Wux48x87rzI/AAAAAAAA3lI/wBVBkdMU634wbFsm5mqLv5__gF_0l9lyACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e063_4bd6_8fee_9d0d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l44nhqIL__U/Wux47KyRioI/AAAAAAAA3lE/H6G36q6fAgk-6uk-dv6CN2V0xS3Yg5InACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 500px; height: auto;"><br><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">TAKING IT EASY IN LEÓN </span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><br></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">In 2015 when I walked, most readers know, I met some pilgrims who have become life long friends. One, Isabel from the Netherlands, who I walked with for the last few days before arriving in Santiago, follows along on the blog. She sent me a message the other day and said she was going to be in Spain in a city near Leon. She is in Northern Spain volunteering at a facility that rescues donkeys. So she hopped on a bus and we met up for lunch. It was great seeing a fellow pilgrim and catching up on the latest news.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; -webkit-font-kerning: none;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: justify; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); min-height: 13.1px;"><font size="4"></font><br><br><br></p> Dana Gassawayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09918135446614033541noreply@blogger.com0