And of course I discovered two things: the first is that I'm somewhat noise-averse. After walking nearly 10 km without a bar, restaurant, or water facilities, after using an underpass for the highway, came across a bar – restaurant that seemed to be filled with American coach tourists. It was noisy, crowded, and for some reason the sheer volume of voices was offensive. I walked on by, ignoring my thirst, and any need for a bathroom.
The other thing that I learned is that some unscrupulous Albergue owners will forge yellow arrows to take you off the Camino to go by their property. One such diversion ended up crossing Highway, finding the Albergue which was closed, and then having to re-cross the highway about two hundred metres later, adding perhaps half a kilometer to the walk. Some time, I hope the communal police will find this and fine the owner! There was a perfectly straight road which avoided mud and the highway and was the proper Camino.
As you get closer to the city of Santiago, the Camino skirts the edge of the airport. You literally walk by the end of the runway. But in true Camino fashion, pilgrims have decorated the fence with improvised crosses made out of sticks!
I'm staying at a property known as a Casa Rural, which means private rooms with bathrooms and linens. It also has a bar restaurant on site, and the afternoon was something of a reunion for many people with whom I have walked. It was wonderfully relaxed, and we are all planning to enter Santiago in the morning. But if we are going to do that in time for mass, we will all have to adjust our watches, because Europe returns to standard time a week before North America!
Today's Music: Beethoven's fantasy for piano, chorus, and orchestra. It is a stunningly joyful work that celebrates accomplishment. It Summarizes my feelings!
Today's Paces: 27,038
Tomorrow's Prayer Intentions: Gratitude
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