We had a choice of walks today...one was up and down some pretty steep hills and one was in the valley through the mountains...we chose the low road today, anticipating the big uphill hike tomorrow. It was overcast and cool all morning, but it never rained. We went through Villafranca del Biezo, a wonderful old town with a huge castle, majestic churches, and pretty plazas. It had a very medieval look to it. I found out Biezo means sunken plain within mountain range. It is what creates the moderate temperatures in the area. It did get cooler as we made our way up the mountains a ways. On the way out of town there was one majestic view back towards the city. The castle was positioned in just the right place to see the entire castle. It was an amazing view.
We followed a stream/river most of the rest of the way. At some point it was a little trickle and then some places it was cascading over rocks creating white water. It seems to be fertile land with lots of fruits and vegetables. The people were warm and friendly. One little old lady standing up on her balcony made a gesture indicating we must be cold. She wished us a sweet Buen Camino. A car drove by us and tooted his horn, waving as he flew by.
We walked with Dave, Barb, and Birgitta today. Lots of lively conversation and sharing about family, the Camino, and life in Canada, Germany, and the States. The time and the miles passed quickly. We stopped in a very sleepy little town called Pereje for a mid morning snack and were completely surprised by how nice the cafe was inside...probably the nicest building in town. At one point a little dog got away from his master...an older woman who was rather overweight. She started calling for him, shrieking as she called. I thought she was really mad at someone, but it was just the dog. Evidently she expected him to obey her call the first time.
We went uphill some, but mainly we were in the valley of the hills. It was not what I expected, however. I was thinking a broad lush valley...it was actually a narrow passage through the hills. The hills were so steep I would never consider hiking up them....double black diamond! Eventually it opened up a tiny bit and we were in the little town of La Portela de Valcarce. The Valcarce is for the river that flows through it. The town is only about 2 blocks long and one street wide. There is one small stone church that was open when I walked by. Very pretty and prayerful inside...I stayed for a while. Lots of the homes had huge gardens with chickens and one had cows out back. It didn't take long to walk around, so it was a peaceful, relaxing afternoon.
We are in the El Peregrino Albergue. It is fairly new and very clean. Rooms have 1 to 4 bunk beds in them and each room has private bathroom and shower. Loving that! The restaurant in the Albergue is the only one in town so we will be eating here in just a few minutes...looks like a good pilgrim plate!
Dinner was great...hot and seasoned well. Loved the ice cream. Feel like I can eat anything and still work it off no problem! Mostly Camino conversation over dinner with a German gal, a French gal, and a Canadian mother and son.
A friend asked some questions so I will try and answer...it is only 9:00 so I have a few minutes.
Andy and I are feeling well and have no specific physical ailments. Andy's feet ache each day but I don't really know what we can do about that....he is taking some Aleve and ibprofin some days. My shins no longer hurt at all. My feet do not hurt but they look terrible. I will be soaking them and cutting away dead skin when we get home! Andy usually lays down for a while once we have settled in at our place for the night, just to get his feet up. During the walk we try and take a couple of nice breaks to rest our bodies and feet, too. Sometimes it just doesn't work...no town in sight, it usually we can find at least a park bench or a bench in front of someone's home. Usually when we arrive I take a shower and work on the computer for a while and then I feel like going out and exploring the town where we are staying. Most are small and it doesn't take long...just fun to see how the locals live and maybe spend some time in a church that is open.
We are not tired of the adventure or wishing it were over. We are in a new area now and the scenery is changing as well as the food...that and the interesting people keep it fresh each day. I continue to be very aware of God's presence and His care and keeping, His protection and provision each and every day. The Spanish locals have continued to be kind, generous, helpful amd encouraging along the way.
It will be very exciting to arrive in Santiago. They say your first view of it in the distance is a special moment....then the anticipation as you walk towards your goal. We understand there is a festival in Santiago the weekend we will be there. Don't really know how that will affect the experience.
We will need to check in and get our completion certificate...and then attend the ceremony at the Cathedral at noon.
We have thought and prayed about what comes next but I can't say that I have heard anything specific about what to do. It's more things like: slow down and enjoy the moment, simplify your life, take things as they come, be flexible, and trust God in every way every day. We have seen Him at work every day in big and small ways. It has been a continual God Hunt made easy because He has taken care of us so well.
Better go up to the room and get organized for tomorrow. Thanks for checking in on us.
This garden showed me how how those typical Pilgrim gourds grow!
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