Day 8. The agony of defeat

 So it's the end of Day 8. I haven't calculated the number of KMs that I have walked but it's a lot. It's always fun to leave in the morining when it's dark. 

WAIT -- I need to tell you about the albergue from yesterday. I stayed at one of the free albergues run by a parish. The church was stunning -- I have photos to share at some point. The only issue with this albergue is that it went by church rules so the mass was first and then the dinnr. 

And I was hanging out on my bed waiting for dinner, when a person (volunteer? nun?) walked in to recruit people for the mass. I'm not Cathoiic, but I thought why not? So I went and I got roped into saying a couple of prayers in English!!! Again -- why not!!!!

It was all very interesting. Although I didn't understand most of it as it was mostly in Spanish. 

Then we went next door for the meal that had been prepared by the volunteers. It was getting late and we all wanted to eat, but he had things to say. We had to sing some little ditty about walking which some knew, I did not. 

Then he mentioned that all of us pilgrims in that we were wanting to get out and do things and I agree wholeheartedly with that. 

Then at last we got to eat - family style which was the first time on the trip. It was a great meal, but conversation at my end of the table was sparse. No English speaking people at my end of the table -- or french. 

I hate ear plugs, but learning to sleep with them and I slept like a log. Until I heard something at 5 AM and realized it was my phone that fell on the floor from the bottom bunk!!! I think everyone was tired as no one got up early which is very unusual.

I bandaged up my feet and was feeling pretty good when I left. It was a LONG day  30 KM and I knew it would be a struggle. It was also hot in the afternoon. I made it in by 2 PM or somthing like that -- so 8 hours of hiking. 

But somewhere along the way, I knew I had reached my capacity for pain. I have a high tolerance for pain, but my feet are not good. I've got an open wound on the bottom of one foot and several blisters on that same foot. The othere foot has about five blisters and hot spots like mad. 

I was walking slower than a turtle which was so frustrating. I didn't shout out loud but I wanted to. I tried to pick myself up and think positive, but it was very tough mentally to do so as each step was painful. Not only was I tired, but I was hungry - long story there, and I was hot and my feet hurt. 

Now, so was everyone else -- hot, tired and hungry. But no one had to walk through that blooy pain. Although we are all walking tenderly because of our day. 

I decided along the way that I could NOT continue. I know -- me a quitter? I am strong, but I'm not stupid. The blisters looked fine this morning, but they are even bigger tonight. I would need five days rest with medical attention to get them under control. So this is my last day of the Camino for 2022. But I can come back and start here and continue on. 

Apparently the road gets smoother (dirt -- not STONE), but I'm not trusting anyone!!!

What's the problem with the shoes??  After drowing my sorrow in a beer with some people from the US, I suspect my shoes are NOT breathable. I was prepared for wet weather, not HOT dry and my feet paid the price. So be it --- let's just put the big girl panties on and it is what it is. 

I'm very disppoinated and yes I've shed a tear or two, but I can't change anything and I'm afraid now of getting infections in my feet and doing damage to my joints with my "blister gait". 

And so this is my last post for the Camino -- at least a live blog post. I'll probably commiserate on it for weeks! I wlll in my mind -- at least until the day I was supposed to arrive in Santiago. 

Now to find my way home. People have suggested that I get a Eurorail pass or tour around. People -- my feet are killing me!!!!  All I want right now is a big fluffy pair of slippers, lots of pillows to elevate my feet and my girls!!!  And DH's cooking. OH MY GOSH ---- I'm homesick!!! 

Anyway, that's the lay of the land. I'll keep you up to date with my travel plans as I make my way home. 

It's been an incredible journey and I don't regret any part of it. I just wish it had of ended differently. 

I have to laugh as I am sitting here writing this, they have music playing. It's pop music from the US in English no less!!! 

I'm in good spirits - I will NOT dwell on what I can't change and it's all onwards from here. 

Have a great day!!!!

Cioa!!!!