A walk in the woods to O'Pedrouzo

DAVE: We woke up this morning with two short walking days in front of us, under forecast sunny skies. An easy two days, then Santiago, right? Wrong. Last night, it was cold in our albergue room. I slept in my sleeping bag with my clothes and wool hat on. I awoke with a sore throat, bruised toes on my right foot from yesterday's 30 kilometer walk (two toe nails are probable casualties in the future) and a new blister on my left heel the size of a 50 cent piece (about a quarter). Who said it was gonna be an easy cake walk into Santiago? But then again, a little pain at the end is a fitting reminder of how challenging a long journey like this can be. Dan ran a thread through the blister then taped me up.  I was good to go (with three tylenols, of course). After about an hour, the pain went away and my stride returned to normal.

I walked alone for much of today again. Another perfect day of walking in the gentle hills and woods of eucalyptus trees under sunny skies. Fallen leaves were everywhere on this beautiful Autumn day. We passed through tiny hamlets along the way; many basically farming villages with nothing else of interest. 

I wanted to reflect on the journey up to this point. The many good times and the few not-so-good times. Everyone, it seems goes through this phase during their walk. The bad days may be due to injuries, blisters, illness, lack of sleep, whatever.  It is with the support of our new found friends, that help us to continue on those days of doubt. My support network of Jim, Laercio, Dan, Dian, and the host of other friends were always there when I needed them. I can honestly say, I couldn't have made it this far without Jim. He patched me up countless times and was always there for laughs, conversation, and support. Thanks, Bro! 

So here we are, just a short walk from Santiago. The afternoon sun fills the room that Jim, Laercio, and I share. All are resting as I write this (yes, Jim is caught up with his Seattle Seahawks news!). Tomorrow will be a busy day for us. We anticipate a ton of people arriving into Santiago de Compostela on he day of pur arrival (992 pilgrims arrived yesterday according to the Pilgrim Office website; a huge number). But, all in all, it should be a very special day.  Tears will be shed, feet will be doing the "happy dance" (if they can), hugs, and little prayers of thanks will be given as well. It should be an amazing day for us. Until then, I wish all pilgrems, past, present, and future a Buen Camino.