Stage 12: Belorado to Villafranca, only 12 kms, 18C, 2.5 Hrs

Poncho on, Poncho off...

The hostel beds last night were rock hard, trucks rolled by all night and some dog started barking at 4 AM...good thing we planned a short day today. We had a great breakfast with two actual eggs and some jamon, plenty of protein. Then the rain began to come down fairly steadily, then it stopped , then it started...you get the idea. 

Then...at some point, the sun beamed down on us soggy sorts, walking along in the mud...it was exceptional! 

We were all much happier!

Now we tough peregrinos have stopped in a lovely little town in a very 'humble' establishment...it even has its own peacock!  You might see the 3*** rating on the sign beside Annemarie. We snuck in the door when none of our peregrino friends were looking, only to find our friend from Dublin followed us in a short time later. Had a good laugh about that! By the way...they serve cookies with your coffee here...just like in Holland. I'm sitting here typing and a lovely lady just brought me my tea (we are waiting for our room to be ready as its only 11:45). CDN$98 for a beautiful room, with an amazing view plus breakfast. What a splurge!!

On a walking note, we began the long climb up to the Meseta today...a steady climb that will take us up over 1,000 ft tomorrow. The  really hard work will start right out of the gate tomorrow morning...directly to the right of the entrance of our hotel. Hopefully the rain will hold as the next leg could be from 26-31 kms depending on the situation we find along the trail. Annemarie has left me here for a visit to a pharmacist to se if she can locate something to help a toe that has bothered her more each day. I taped it up in someone's doorway earlier today, and that helped, but a better solution might be available. 

We have decided to take a break in Burgos and will have a recovery day on Monday...we will have walked over 300 kms when we reach Burgos and its important to treat ourselves with care. Too many injuries along the way...folks bravely walk onwards...tough souls...it inspires others to continue. Many wonderful encounters along the way. We had a break with an older couple from Finland this morning, the a young girl from Belgium stopped for a chat...a very social process. Caitlin would love this...great to Slype with you yesterday.

Annemarie has been busy again...I've noticed her poetry has become lighter since her recovery...she was a pretty sick lady in Logrono...nice to see her smiling again.

The Social Side

Whenever we travel we meet others who share a similar quest

This trip is the same, as I reflect while I rest

In some ways it's much like being part of a very large tour group

Each morning we're up early and off we collectively troop

We meet people with whom we have an instant connection

We seem to just naturally be going in the same direction 

We  already have lost some of those quickly formed friends it must be said

They have left the trail, stayed behind or moved ahead

But each day as we move along we meet new faces, form new bonds

And quite quickly with these people we become quite fond

The plaza mayor in each town becomes a gathering place

As we help each other find our way around this new space

We share a table, a drink or a meal

Perhaps even help each other find the best deal

We have time each afternoon to share stories of the day's walk

We can settle in with a cool drink and just talk

Whether alone, a couple, or part of a crowd

We are free to join each other, it's allowed

It's also just fine to claim some private space

We seem to easily let everyone  socialize at their own pace

Belorado, sept 27th

Buen Camino!