Santo Domingo de la Calzada tonight

DAVE: We left early this morning in darkness; the earliest time, I think, to date. It's the most peaceful time of day and I love the remote feeling as we walk with headlamps guiding us. The air is chilly at this time of day, but the sky was cloudless.  We knew it would be a great day for walking. The terrain is still rolling hills but nothing major for us.  It appears the vineyards have given way to fields of mostly cut wheat or other cultivated crops. I sense our grape tasting days may be numbered. 

This morning, I walked with a nice elderly gentleman from Madrid.  He told me he was on his fourth Camino and we shared our thoughts on our personal interpretation of the Camino.  Everyone has their own reasons for walking The Way. Some, religious, others spiritual. What fascinating stories we have heard over the last week. More to follow, I'm sure.

Tonight, we have traveled about 220 kilometers, with about 560 kilometers left to go.  Each day is it's own unique journey, filled with conversation, story-telling, foot rubbing, and seemingly endless walking. But we are now heading west, and each day is one day closer to Santiago. Our near-term focus is getting to Burgos, three days away.  We plan on taking our first rest day there and I cannot wait for the opportunity of waking up in the morning with no walking scheduled. We all are looking forward to that.

The Camino still seems to be crowded in the villages. We find that it is very important to have your accommodations confirmed a couple days in advance. The Albergues are always eager to assist us, and have made countless calls on our behalf in making future reservations. Last year, it was not a problem getting a bed for the night when entering the villages.  This year, we find more and more Albergues booked full upon arrival. So far, however, we have been able to plan ahead to get beds.

All is generally well with us, health-wise.  Our feet are tired at the end of the day, said me blisters crop up, and some of us have developing coughs.  Nothing serious, however so onward we go. Tonight we're resti g in Santo Domingo de la Calzada