Today's walk started with the most gorgeous walk through glades in the woods to the next village, where we purchased a breakfast and began to head off the road and up into the woods again.
We discovered some of the curious customs of the Camino: Breaking sticks apart and weaving them into a fence to form a cross; Stacking stones on Camino markers almost like innukshuks; Sitting down at a place in the woods to break bread and eat cheese together.
But then there was one of the worst moments of the Camino, at least as far as the walk. We had completed 17 of the 22 km today, and were about to head down the hill into Zubiri...Unfortunately this downhill came with a price – it was covered in sharp vertical ridges (like sedimentary rock on a vertical axis) and loose large rough gravel that looked like recent storm wash. My feet and legs, which had been feeling pretty good today, even though it was a longer walk took a real beating. Sturdy hiking boots could not prevent the inside of your foot from being twisted around in your boot.
But as I have said before, the Camino gives more than it takes. One of her crap when companions lost a wallet early in the day panic settable searching for. She let everyone she knew or saw know about the lost wallet. She tried to taxiing back to the place that she is been; a driver had pity on her and drove her and after understanding her tale of woe even try to give her money. She struggled through the day battling with the emotions of a lost wallet, with money and cards. But providentially, a Spanish pilgrim found her wallet and started spreading the word backwards that he had found her wallet and brought it to Zubiri.
I also lost something today – my pedometer. I guess I'm going to have to put my paces in from my iPhone. I don't think it's as accurate, but it will still give a notion as to how many paces we take.
We were in Zubiri early enough that some of my Canadian friends and I as well as an American from Spokane with whom we had walked went for beer shortly before 4 o'clock local time. That meant that it was 11 o'clock at home, and I called the church just before the Eucharist. It was lovely talking to everybody and chatting for a few moments and involving the folks at home in a small way in this Camino.
The pilgrims' meal at a nearby albergue was special not only because of the food but also because of the company...I was seated beside a girl of catholic-Jewish heritage; two Australians; an English woman, a German fellow, and five Canadians.
Today's music - Liszt la Campanella (you hear bells all the time-sheep, cow, horse, church)
Today's paces - 37,565 but don't believe it...the guidebook said 22 km
Tomorrow's prayer intentions: Cheryl, whose late husband's cursillo cross Ian carrying to Santiago
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