Heaven is a eucalyptus forest in Northern Spain

As we approach Arziua, we pass through a treat for the senses...the aroma of eucalyptus, the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves and cool blue skies, The beauty of the area helps to distract from the pain of our 18 mi walk today, which took over 10 hrs. We are all a little sad that we have only 2 more days til we reach Santiago.

We stopped for lunch at a Pulperia, where the specialty is marinated octopus. There was a vending machine in the bathroom that sold gum and toothbrushes.

Sarria to Portomarin

Got my energy back after a good sleep and today was beautiful. Through forests and countryside, small hamlets and rolling hills. Interesting Romanesque cathedral in town. Traffic jam on the Camino but as usual I was well behind the crowd, enjoying the solitude, and walked into town with a lovely Australian couple. You hear so many languages at once, especially in the municipal albergues (hostels).

Onward to Sarria

Took a taxi to a cute little mountain top village with ancient stone dwellings with thatched roofs...it was 41 degrees and cold all day...hope it warms up. The walk was beautiful but I didn't have much energy for a change. I heard the fatigue has a cumulative effect. This is the point a lot of people start so it may be more crowded.

Another rainy grueling day

In spite of the fact that my blog looks like a travel brochure, this is NOT easy! I don't feel inspired to take pics of the industrial or fringe areas. Half of the walk today was through that and it rained the whole way. Too tired after 8 hrs slogging thru wet clay to go find dinner...but it's still worth it!

Foods of the Camino

European life

I accidentally put salt instead of sugar in my coffee this morning...everything works different here in Spain...every toilet flushes differently, there's 3 keys to get into a hotel and u have to put the key card in the wall slot to turn the lights on. It's really cute tho...the bathrooms always have an interesting marker for men's and ladies. Part of what I love about being in a foreign country is the sense of anonymity...when u can't understand much it's just like a nice background hum of noise. The Spanish people are quite lovely and seem to have a lot of energy.
Tomorrow is another long walk and I am still recovering from yesterday. My room has a balcony overlooking the bell tower. Life is simple...walk, eat, wash the laundry by hand and try to figure out how to configure a clothes line...

Rabanal to Molinaseca

On our rainy climb to the highest part of the camino (5000 ft almost) we were rewarded with a full double rainbow.
I had breakfast around 10 with a young man from Milan. As he sipped his cerveza he told me I had found the only Italian that doesn't like soccer. Milan is too stressful too.
I have brought my stone all the way from Arizona and am ready to lay it at the foot of the Cruz de Ferro, and along with it my judgment, my guilt, my negativity. Why do I hesitate? Is it because I am afraid I can't do it? Or do I love my suffering in some way. As I sit atop this mountain and realize my suffering has been my own design, the sun is trying to break through the cold and windy sky. I see a patch of blue.the tourist bus has let its customers off,and as they talk and laugh I say to myself I am no better than they...maybe I am ready
The wind was so strong today going over the pass, it almost blew me over several times...grueling day

Astorga to Rabanal

Glad to be back on the road and out of the city, I got a kink in my neck touring the Burgos cathedral. So tonite in a small town with a Benedictine monastery vespers and pilgrims blessing was more my style.
Population 50, including the monks. Delightful spot on the way where lovely lady made yummy vegetarian and played Mozart. Got through the last long stage with Stephen Marley.
Finished off the evening with fish soup.

Burgos Cathedral

Yesterday we bused to this Gothic masterpiece and again today on to Leon. The Camino goes on endlessly over the meseta here, so it was nice to time travel over it, but I am ready to be back walking.

We picked up a new pilgrim, who describes herself as a gay Vietnamese -american Buddhist who follows the teachings of an Indian guru, on a Catholic pilgrimage. Go figure...

Check out the prices on this Rioja wine...even with the exchange rate unbelievable. Coca-cola costs more!