Stage 7: Ayegui to Los Arcos. 19 kms 3.75 hrs, 27C

Trail Hardened:

Sitting here in Los Arcos having a cold drink and a tolerable pizza al fresco in a small square beside this beautiful church. 

Reflecting on today's walk, I think it dawned on me as I slugged it out with some hot, dusty hill that we are fast becoming trail hardened. It was inevitable, We have managed to slog through the rain, cheer when the sun finally arrived and now worry about its intensity...up hill and usually happily down hill (not always a good thing cause you know that down is always followed by up!!). We've walked from shade to shade these past two days and are always grateful for its small respite from the sun. Sometimes we think things are supposed to go upwards, but they go the other way, and visa versa. Some how through all this our bodies have hardened to the trail, our packs feel lighter (I put a bunch of my stuff in Annemarie's bag...strangely she says the same?) and we can manage whatever obstacles the Camino has put in our way...so far...though there have been a few moments.

They say the Camino provides and I think today we received proof of this. Annemarie has been suffering (very stoically) with some inflammation in her hands and forearms. It's been painful for her, to the point where we asked at our hostel to connect us with a local doctor...she said there would be a fee and to bring our medical details. On the way to the doctor I asked a Guardia (policeman) for directions and he saluted us and personally walked us to the door and went inside to make arrangements with the doctor. When we were finished I asked about the fee and was told  that there wouldn't be one. The Officer had told her that we were peregrinos and that was the end of it. There is such regard for the pilgrims along the route by the local populous...very heart warming. Not to worry, we have something to help with the swelling, just some repetition aggravation from using the poles...David P, this does not warrant grounds for razzing as no medical claim was submitted! 

Have been meeting all sorts of interesting folks. Walked with a young woman from Amsterdam today, an Aussie couple yesterday and so on. Just bumped into the Assie couple coming into Los Arcos and he was limping along on a bum knee...it happens just like that.  A moment later and there was the Irish father son unit, so arranged to meet for dinner tonight. Such a social Way!

Great scenery today, much like the foothills of Southern Alberta...you decide.

By the way, I mentioned that we were staying somewhere odd last post...well we had a tiny half bungalow in a Spanish camp ground...nothing like a camp ground at home, but a unique experience for this journey.

Will leave you with a new poem from Annemarie...even in pain she writes...and walks. 

On Rest,  Relaxation,  Resilience and Rejuvenation 

Our friends and family have asked what it's like to walk day after day

Does it not get tiring or tedious, do you not pray for the walk to be over along the way?

How far will it strain our bodies and our minds as the path wears on

Do we not wish to throw away the alarm when it wakes us each dawn?

Now that we are a week into it, we have some sense of how to reply

On some days it seems the kilometres just fly by

But I have to say each time we approach our destination

We are filled with a sense of appreciation

It's early afternoon and now time to meet our personal needs

A shower is first, get in there with all speed

Then on to the village square for a drink and a bite

Our next meal won't come till quite late at night

Laundry and securing a place to stay two days down the road

Writing our journals and blogs, it's not a heavy load

Quite restful really, allowing us to reflect on each stage

These all serve to rejuvenate as the effort of the next day we gauge 

But it is really the resilience of the body that impresses me most

We're feeling ready to go again the next morning as we eat our toast 

Whatever ailments, aches or pains made themselves known the night before

Seem to take care of themselves before we head out the door

Los Arcos Sept 22

Buen Camino:)