Firstly I must apologise for a missing photo from yesterday’s blog – it was to say the least a slightly exasperating time re- writing the blog, but glad it has now reached you all!
The missing photo was of the grain airer or hórreo- So 🤞🤞let’s try again!
Two intrepid hikers set off from Lesteido in drizzle this morning!
For those of you wondering how we did a Masters degree so quickly – we both now have a Masters in the Art of Pole Walking . If there was an Olympic sport we’d be entered for it!!!!How we managed to forget the poles yesterday I don’t know – because we have become positively mountain goat like going up hill and down dale- and the poles have become extensions of our arms!!!!
The Camino has also been less busy today – why, we don’t know – maybe some people spend just weekends doing it – anyway regardless it has been lovely.
Today the terrain has been completely different to that of yesterday – gone is the scrubland, to be replaced by eucalyptus , pine and oak woodland interspersed with fields of maize or cattle.
Although I can post photos – you don’t get smelly phone ! The smell of wet earth intermingled with pine and eucalyptus is hard to describe – however in some places the smell of eucalyptus was so strong it was virtually Vick on trees ( one way you could share today’s experience- rub some vick on your chest!!)We passed farms and through small hamlets and up and down hills – but incredibly quiet and peaceful throughout. Each hamlet has its own little church.
I’m pleased to say that every church we have visited has had candles to actually light. The act of lighting a candle in remembrance is a very personal and emotional thing to do – and I have to say the current trend health and safety preference for instant lighting bulbs doesn’t do it for us. 1€ for 6 candles and “ boom” is a disappointment compared to 1€ for 1 proper candle. The world is a slightly brighter place for are lightings today!
In the church in Palas de Rei , whilst lighting our candles, there was some haunting music playing. Some might say playing a CD in church isn’t appropriate but it was totally in keeping with the mood, and we are now both on the lookout for the CD by Hermana(sister) Glenda which allegedly should be on sale in places along the Camino from now to Santiago !
All in all today has been one of contemplative reflection, mixed with many emotions. I know we are doing this for what many would say are deeply moving reasons so you would expect to feel emotional, but today for us both has been spiritual without a doubt. It is true to say we have both felt Alistair with us – and as we’ve ploughed up the hills, we’ve had his voice saying “ you can look or you can walk- just don’t do both at the same time!!”
Heeding this has delivered us safely to our destination – all bones and ligaments in tact – ready to tackle 16 miles tomorrow!!!
It is true to say, bars and cafes ( and so toilets!!) are plentiful – we tend to walk for two and half hours and stop for coffee, and then a further two and a half hours until we have a much welcome beer!!
We have also seen several lovely bridges, that almost resemble the Willow Bridge on the front page of this Blog! There is one further along that is almost exactly the same – and I’ll be sure to post a photo of it!!
So today’s 13.5 mile walk is nearly complete! We arrived at our hotel – another good place! The owner not only recommended a restaurant for lunch, or just give directions, but also literally took us almost to the door. That epitomises the type of person we are meeting – they couldn’t be more helpful!
So we chose our lunch!!
On the wall was a sign – very true!
Camino Romero 
Hi well done I was exhausted reading about it sat with my gin and tonic. Keep on going and have a well earned rest at the end of each day. Cheering you on.
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