Last night our landlady told us that today the sun would shine...it did that, but first it poured during the night and was still raining when we set off in the early morning light. Everyone was excited for today, warmer weather and a flat stage...I even made my solar shirt available. Something of a disappointment this morning to look out and see the rain, but it did eventually ease off then finally stop. You don't dare put your poncho completely away as you might tempt fate and the rains start again...so you kind of push it somewhere to the side and walk on. No superstition out here! We puddle hopped and slogged through the mud for about 13 kms today...harder work than it should have been.
We did have some fun with some local dogs on the way...beautiful animals, all three.
And the scenery was lovely along the small creek...
Annemarie did well today...at least there were some smiles while crawling through the mud, and we stopped regularly to rest her foot and have a snack. Of course it's possible that the smile was a bit drug induced, but you'd have to ask her...for sure he was very happy to return to the trail.
And she even made a new friend...
Yes, tourist stuff is everywhere in our world! We should pass on that we had a large group for dinner last night including Beth who is from Victoria and lives just blocks from us. Her best friend Terri is walking the Camino Nord and they plan to meet up in Santiago at month end. Beth is doing just fine.
We keep bumping into old acquaintances, and it's just like you haven't seen each other in years...all the catching up that goes on over libations even though its often just been a few day. Lots of fun and one of the things we will miss the most.
How would you like to have this cave in your back yard? Bet it's full of mucho vino!
Our packs seem to be shrinking...must be all the rain!
We continue to hope for more of this...
Buen Camino...
This from Annemarie ...
Accommodating Ourselves
Many of our fellow walkers are happy to take their chances in finding their nightly place of rest
They check out the various albergues and settle on the one they think best
Others have pre-planned, booking themselves for the whole way
They are committed to reach their appointed destination each day
We are not blessed with the level of spontaneity required for the first approach
And fully pre-booking doesn't allow room for adjustment, and could be cause for reproach
So part of our day's routine is to look one or two days ahead
And determine where we are likely to stop and find the best bed
This has worked well for us so far, our accommodations have been diverse
Interesting enough to even inspire this verse
We have joined our fellow pilgrims in albergues for sure
But we seek a private space (I'm a little demure)
We have had a lovely apartment and a camping bungalow
Some rooms have been fancy, some have had little to show
A convent ranked up there, a peaceful place
And various hotels have provided adequate space
Sometimes it's the helpful front desk staff who are most memorable
For instance Maria in Logrono who was very capable
We've had three and four stars, luxury for sure
A little indulgence to bring pleasure pure
La Molina Casa Rural exceeded expectations
Filled with good company and liberal libations
Perhaps in Leon we will have luxury galore
There we're hoping to stay in a Parador
We have found with good planning, moving from bed to bed each night
Hasn't proven to interfere too badly with our respite
Our next three nights are organized as well
What happens after that? Who can tell?
San Juan de Ortega, Sept 29
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