I didn't leave the auberge till about 8:15 this morning, that is late by pilgrim standards but the monks told us to take our time this morning any many of us did. I think I have shared that I totally underestimated the physical demand of this walk, with that said I disagree with a recent blog post that I read that tells people they shouldn't attempt this unless in great shape. I can't argue my point on this well but I can only share my observations...I see twenty something year old males struggling right beside seventy year old couples who live in some rural area of some European country. Many of us have agreed that people who hang out in a gym vs getting outdoor exercise might struggle more.
I would start this morning by myself aiming to check into a Parrish in San Ortego. As I was walking four guys were passing me and we struck up conversation. Three don't speak any English and are from one Spain, the other lives in Miami and is from Cuba ( he has lived in the states almost twenty years), he is the Social Ambassador for the group and translates. I really enjoyed walking with them and we had set our eyes on St Juan Ortega to sleep at. We got into the cathedral town and my feet were throbbing, there were hills and rocks today. The rocks can really kill your feet but the day was also filled with some nice forest to walk thru. I saw the cafe with umbrellas and was dying to call this a day (it was two pm). The faster two in the bunch I and J had scouted out the bed availability and suggested we continue on. My mind was thinking, "drinks under umbrellas or keep going with a crew I am really enjoying", they must have noticed that I really wanted to stop for refreshment and jumped in that of course we were going to stop for drinks. They bought a round of beers and after some relaxation we were off.
I loved walking with these guys, their enthusiasm was great and the "social ambassador" effortlessly translated. We arrived in Ages and it was the perfect pilgrim stop, many familiar faces popped up to greet me, I can't express the sensation of seeing people you have made contact with days later, you think about these people over and over and then to reunite over drinks, food and wonderful conversation is the best feeling. A and I went out for a pilgrim dinner, a green melon was served with a shaved dried carpaccio and it really was all I needed. I surrendered my iPad to them to try to upload pictures and went upstairs where I had a wonderful nights sleep. Earplugs save the night, we had four bunk beds and again I was the only female. I was in the safest of company though, an earlier Skype home to Steve had him speaking with my new friends who assured him they were taking care of me. This group will end tomorrow as all of the guys but A depart for their homes here in Spain. Tomorrow is a big cut Burgos...anticipation is high as we all know what awaits us, some will depart tomorrow as their vacation is up, some will stay one night, I hope to splurge and stay two. A has a slight injury and might not be up for the pace I need to keep and he returns to miami in a week and is saying he might just go home early due to his injury. This is not his first Camino do the ultimate goal has been done by him.
It is totally common for everyone to be talking feet, feet, and more feet. Showing your battle wounds (blisters) is common place and no conversation is off limits at the table...I am having a blast and have not for a second thought, "what am I doing?". Taking my first steps out of the starting gate I did wonder if I could do this, but never even a nano second of questioning my trip. My memories have gone back to a trip I took about fifteen or sixteen years ago to Greece where I joined a group of Serbians on their rented yacht and the first day was do see sick and delirious as I was booming over the side. I was in the best of company on that trip and remember thinking as I was about to pass out from getting so sick over those waves that I wouldn't hop on a helicopter if it landed to save me. My dear friends would later admit they joked (while literally holding me so I didn't fall overboard while yacking), " she can't die on us we have no American Flag to throw her overboard with".
Tomorrow is beautiful Burgos...and a tough walk into the town, some take a bus. I would never underestimate or judge someone's Camino but both feet better be broken for my derrière to touch a car, bus or taxi seat...on my feet all the way God willing!
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