A short day — 17 km — but along a mostly shadeless landscape. It was mostly natural paths, much of which forms the old paved Roman road known as the Via Aquitana. After a chilly morning (40 degrees), the sun came out and made it very warm by late morning. With few trees and limited water and no villages, it made for a rather dull view.
The farmers have begun to turn their fields to plant the winter crops, and the stacks of hay bales are a constant along this stetch. Only once have we seen a stack gone awry — a few days ago — but I’ve included the picture here because it just made me laugh — “I told him not to pull it from the bottom” went through my head.
I started the morning with Will and Karen, but we each walked at our own pace, and often with music, which is a saving grace when it’s hot and a bit boring. Karen and I are staying in this very small village (population 60) in a sort of hostal hotel — private rooms, but nothing very fancy — but I had that last night.
I had an email last night from Keith and Lynn (Brits who I met in Bayonne when I met Freddie); they are only one day behind. And an interesting thing has happened with this blog along the Camino — people are identifying each other from photos I’ve posted. Johnny has been found by both Henry and Claire and now Keith and Lynn, who told me last night where he was! And just to complete the “whatever happened to…” bit, I will let those who care know that Freddie has chosen to head home. He had stayed in Logrono for a day or two with Mary, before she had to return to work, and he then decided that the mountains were calling, so farewell to my Swedish friend. I’m including a photo of Karen and Will in this post; if you’re on the Camino, keep an eye out for these good people.
Have just met some people from the Netherlands sitting here in the bar (where the internet is better), and will have dinner with them later. Always nice to meet new folks along the way.
and they all fell down!
fields plowed
nicely stacked
Canadian Karen and Aussie Will
much of today’s path
Have you noticed a chance in your weight? endurance? Appetite?
endurance is better, and I’m eating all the time… everything. Don’t think I’ve lost weight but who knows — jeans are baggy from not being laundered! Hope you’re well — love your blog!