We are moving west towards Leon at this time. After today, we will reach Leon in three days. No problemo! This day is a milestone in a way. After today, we will be more than halfway through our journeymto Santiago. I can't believe how fast it's gone!
The walk today started outnwith a seemingly endless walk along a very straight road for hours. The first village was 18 kilometers away, a four hour trek. The terrain was flat and lifeles for miles and miles. Just you and the straight road ahead of you. Now I know what it must be like to walk across Iowa or Kansas.
I thought of my friends and loved ones today. Last night during dinner, I checked my email and Facebook. It's comforting to know that many of them are actively following our progress to our final destination. Although we are separated from them physically on the journey, they are with us in spirit. We are not ever alone.
Speaking of not being alone on the Camino, an interesting event occured to day (the second in the last few days). As we were walking on the straight and narrow gravel road to apparent oblivion today, we noticed ahead a travel bus in the distance parked on the path ahead of us. As we approached, the door opened and out spilled about 50 "travel pilgrims". Apparently they are on a Camino tour and as part of the tour, they get dropped off at select points of the Camino and walk about 7 kilometers. Then the bus picks them up and off they go to Leon for lunch or is it Santiago for dinner. Whatever. All I know that we walked pass this tidal wave of "travel pilgrims" just as they were starting their walk along the same trail as us. Needless to say, Jim and I had to power-walk (just short of a jog) to get some distance between them and us. We had to stay ahead of this wave of chatty people with their little day packs, clicking cameras, and fresh legs. They look so crisp, clean, and energetic compared to us. We definitely lose the contest of "best smelling Pilgrim" compared to them. As we passed them, it reminded me of trying to walk in a crowded mall. "Pardon....Buen Camino....hola....excuse me....pardon...excuse me....Buen Camino. You get the idea, I'm sure.
The day actually seemed to go by quickly. No clouds in the sky was a signal to us that as the day wore on, it would be hot. We wanted to keep walking with few rest stops so we could arrive at our albergue. We arrived safe and sound around 1:30. Not bad for a 27 kilometer walk today (16 miles). Those distances don't bother us any. Ore. In fact, we could have walked another 10 kilometers no problem. Tomorrow is another day. Cannot wait!
Buen Camino (even to the Traveling Pilgrims).
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