As I came into the next village for a cup of coffee, struggling up for the last part of the hill, I looked behind me and saw a familiar character. Walking in his white habit, chatting away with other pilgrims, I couldn’t make out the face from the distance, but it had to be Father Bart from the USA.
It’s 8 a.m. and I’m on my way out of Viana and it’s a cool, fresh morning. It’s so cold I’ve had to do up the top button of my shirt 🙂 I’m now very comfortable finding my way with my eyes constantly scanning the walls and the buildings and the pavements every time I come to a junction, it’s become natural now to look for the sign of the shells or the yellow arrows.
Today was a day for thinking, and just putting my head down and walking. It was a short day with only 17 kilometers and so I was looking forward to getting to Nájera early in the day to get my washing done and have a chance to relax.
Today was a very pleasant walk, about 22 kilometers, but again I covered it surprisingly quickly, I planned to arrive at about 4 o’clock but actually got here at about 3. The walk was not too physically challenging, across rolling hills of vineyards and fields of barley and wheat.
As I was leaving Granon heading for the next village which I think is Redecilla del Camino, the path opened out with a classic Camino view with the gravel track passing through green pastures. I remembered that I had the soundtrack from The Way on my phone, it seemed like a perfect moment.
This morning was a different start, because I was able to have a nice breakfast in the parador in which I had been staying. But it didn’t feel the same, because I was in a dining room full of aging American pilgrims who seem to be doing the Camino via bus.
Today will probably be my greatest challenge so far physically in walking the Camino. Due to accommodation availability, I had two options today, either walk really short, 10 or 12 kilometers, or go long, which will be about 31 kilometers. I’ve decided to try the 31. It’s going to be a challenge, I know that. But I won’t be stupid.
The walk all the way from Belorado yesterday was interesting and quite a challenge, but I think it’s taken a toll on my feet. Certainly my heels are much more painful today and the tendons quite sore. Talking to other pilgrims last night, they suggested taking a day off in our next stop, which is Burgos. Most people who walk all the way from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago try to take a day off once a week or at least every 10 days.
One of the major topics of conversation amongst pilgrims when walking, stopping for a cafe con leche or at dinner in the evening is of course, blisters. Most people seem to suffer from them at one point and of course all have their own techniques for treating or avoiding them.
Today is the first of 3 days crossing the meseta, a high featureless area with little shade. Thankfully the temperature has dropped a little bit which will make the walk a bit easier. I look forward to getting out of Burgos, and back into the open countryside.
Recent Comments