Stage 10 Gronon to Belorado

Only about ten miles today. My feet are doing better. We walked through fields of sunflowers much of the day.

I am feeling slightly melancholy. I had to say goodbye to the Brits: Jenny, Lynda and Elaine. They are accelerating their pace because they have a deadline to get to Santiago. I might see them again. I hope so. We shared a lot of laughs and details of our lives. I will miss them.

We had pintxos and beer for lunch at a little cafe. Then we walked to our Albergue. A big coed multi story dorm like affair. I have bed 45. The bottom bunk. We made Lea and Justin take the top bunks. I took a cold shower. I hand washed my clothes; then hung them to dry with my special travel towel. The life of a pilgrim on the Camino. Now, I am out back by the swimming pool, blogging in the shade. 

A lot of people (including me) are limping around the Albergue. Sore and swollen feet. I just tried to walk around town. I made it a half a block. I stopped to have a glass of wine with Nelson from Montreal. Afterwards, I had to come back and lay down to rest my right foot. It will be fine tomorrow morning. 

The daily cycle will start again: up early; start walking in the dark; stop for coffee and a bocadillo; continue walking with stops at fountains for water; keep walking; stop for pintxos and a drink at the cafe in the town square, by the church, in the next destination town; check into the Albergue; chill til dinner at 7 or 8; in bed by 10.

I walked alone a lot today, by choice. I was walking with a Kiwi who just wanted to complain about his government and the Māori. I also wanted to be alone to think and contemplate my life. 

We are about one third of the way to Santiago. 

love, 

the bear