And so the healing begins

The Camino Frances (from Saint Jean Pied de Port) to Santiago is 778 KM for those interested in numbers. I walked 190 KM, so almost 1/4 of the route. My memory has wiped out the gory details, but other than day one, I think I walked with blisters. Am I looking for sympathy? No, but I would have enjoyed it much more without the feet issues!

I will go back -- I'm just unsure if I'll start where I left off or go back to the beginning. I'll see how it goes. I've been reflecting a lot and one thing that comes to mind is I now have THREE entire weeks ahead of me without a single deadline. I'm not answering the phone, I can respond to texts or e-mails when I want (if I want), and I have ZERO commitments. 

You know what? It feels incredible; perhaps this is how my Camino was meant to be. Maybe the powers that be were telling me this was the ONLY way to make me slow down and smell the roses. No deadline (even walking to the next Albergue was a deadline). This way, I have NOTHING to do. 

The big question is -- will I survive? 

The day started off bad. Why? Because my "friends" (the nurse and the wound care specialist) arrived and tortured me for an hour. Yep -- I'll be losing a toenail and had two infections, which they took care of, but not without some substantial pain. And they didn't even seem sympathetic about it. Which is good! The sooner I heal, the better! I now have a bag of medical supplies to protect my feet. 

Murphy was beside herself with excitement and just would NOT settle while they were here! 

It's hilarious because part of my feet should be soaked to help heal, and other parts should be kept dry. I made a mess of the feet, but it's all good, and the healing begins. 

It all looks a bit dramatic, but it's not that bad. What's funny is that the last and smallest blister became infected almost immediately. Now how did that happen? And it's on a toe, so that nail will be toast soon. One heel became deeply infected, while the other did not? It's all weird how it happens, but the right heal, while it looks red and angry, is, in fact, doing well. 

My poor feet

And I found a nice pair of soft wool slippers to make me happy and brighten my day! The thought of putting shoes on -- any shoes -- will not happen for a while. 

Slippers to make my feet happy

But I couldn't just sit with nothing to do. You all know me. So I went to Studio U to see what I could about some more of that paperwork from the office. 

This is what I started the day with -- one table covered with this stuff. 

Stuff to sort

And a second table covered with this. Good grief -- I even found a listing for a neighboring house when we bought this house 20 years ago. Why did I keep that? No one knows, but it didn't need to be kept! 

More paperwork to sort

And I came across this piece of paper -- it may have come from Marie Kondo's book  -- I'm not sure. But I should tape that to the wall as I sort through stuff. 

Words to live by

 

I've also finally let go of these video games I bought and wanted to play. OK -- I used to be addicted to them and played for hours before I became addicted to quilting! I separated the bits and recycled what I could; the rest went in the garbage. And YES, Katheleen -- I kept the envelopes for the CDs. 

Video games -- gone

The stuff I found would blow your mind. Catalogs from 2010, junk mail, and the list goes on. It didn't take much time to fill the recycling bin and sort paper for the printer. Oh, shoot --- what's that acronym again for the paper?? GOOSE  (good on one side - eh!)

Slightly outdated catalog

I came across an agenda from M, and I had a peek through it and had to laugh. The daily assignments were all written in tiny lettering, but anything regarding NOT being in school was written HUGE. 

PA Day was a BIG thing

Issues with water --- so no school

Getting fancier with the PA Day in the agenda

And the last day of school? HUGE

At the end of the session, I had this pile I would like to go through further. I hoped to do that in the afternoon, but I needed a nap! 

Needs one more sort

When I finally got up, I was fired up (more or less) in my new slow-motion way. I thought I might try quilting some of the small community project quilts that Diane has sewn. This is one that I made at a retreat, and it's now quilted and ready to be bound. 

Small community projects quilt

Oh -- those little ones are perfect for my mindset at this moment. They don't take long to load, although it took at least one hour in my slow-motion mindset to load this tiny quilt. Well, maybe it wasn't that long, but it seemed like it took forever. 

I even got ambitious and eventually loaded one more. I dug out a few of these small ones -- they are about 40" by 44", so perfect little diversions in the day. 

I will admit that my mind is restless, and so is my body. Both want to do more than I really feel like doing. Some of that may be related to jet lag, but I don't really have jet lag -- it's so easy flying east to west -- I'm pretty much back in the swing of sleep. It's just the discomfort of the feet throwing me off and transitioning from one thing (walking every day) to trying to fit into home life. 

I will NOT be a good candidate for losing my physical abilities as I get old. I need to make sure to take BETTER care of myself! 

This morning, Miss Murphy decided I should NOT sew and plunked herself right where I wanted to sew the backing for another small quilt. 

Mom --- you shouldn't be sewing! 

She eventually moved, and I got the backing sewn. So while she was sleeping there, I puttered and cleared up the rest of the work tables. Everything is neat and tidy, as I left the place quite a mess. There is one embroidery project on the table, and I might get to work on that later today. It will take a while, and it would be good to get it done during this downtime. 

The work tables are clear!

Oh shoot -- I did NOT take a picture of the cutting table. This is the ONLY project on it at the moment. I am trimming some half-square triangles, which were already pressed. 

Trimming half-square triangles

But this is stuff on the cutting table, and before I left, I needed to get a quilt together, and everything got put on the floor. My goal over the next three weeks is to try and clear up this mess. It shouldn't take too long -- some of it just needs to be put away, and some needs to be sewn. I'll do what I can. Without deadlines from ANYONE else, I can actually focus on my stuff. You know what?? I think this Camino thing had a second vision for me!!! I swear --- life is all about the attitude, and when life gives you lemons -- you damn well better make lemonades!!! 

Stuff to sort and put away

This is the current projects table, and it would be great if I could get this one under control as well. And under control might be as easy as FINDING a home for the stuff and getting rid of the visual clutter. 

The current projects table

Don't tell my nursing team, but I did take the girls for a short walk each yesterday morning. I'm sorry --- if I don't get out, I'll die! I'll do the same this morning, but now that I have different bandaging, walking isn't quite as easy. I'll take a peek this morning and see how things are going. But the healing has begun, and that makes me very happy. I'm being super careful to not make it worse, and let's protect those tender toes!! I might get my townie bike out later today as I have an errand or two to do, and it'll be an effort to do that on foot but super easy on the bike. Yep -- I could take the car, but seriously??? I'm not taking the car unless I only have one leg, and I'm not there yet!

I started a new thriller by C.J. Cooke -another physical book, and I'm hooked just a few pages in! So I have lots of sit-down things to do --- sort paper, read a book, or sew. And then there's always the napping thing! I love the napping!

So send me your texts or e-mails, and I'll respond when I feel like it. The phone? I have no desire to talk to anyone at the moment. Pretend that I'm still away because I am still away for all purposes of my life. Just quiet reflections are all my brain wants to contemplate. 

And on that note --- I'm out of here. I will likely post more pictures from my trip but not for a few days. 

Have a super day!!!!!

Ciao!!!!

The Long Way Home -- Day Three

 AH -- a full-sized keyboard! OK, and I still can't type worth a darn! 

Yes -- I am back home, and what a great feeling to be here. I have a lot of reflection and want to share it because I think it's essential. All your support on IG and FB has been amazing, and I want people to know that while I made a mistake, I'm still super proud of what I accomplished and do not regret coming home early. There's a reason that happened; I'm still working it out. 

I may or may not have pictures to share this morning. My computer does NOT want to sync with the server to get the e-mail with the pictures. You have to love technology!

Actually, I love technology, and it was amazing to see how other countries use it to seamlessly keep their world moving, especially in transportation. It is rare to find someone at many of these transportation hubs, which is good if you're familiar with how it all works but not so good if you don't! But I made out OK. 

Once I arrived at the airport from the hotel shuttle, I felt right at home since I had been there the day before and knew what I was looking for. I arrived about 4 hours before the flight was to leave, and there was a HUGE lineup. Two school groups were flying to Canada and involved about 80 students. You could tell because they were younger and had matching sweatshirts or backpacks. 

I've already checked in-- the beauty of technology and ZERO luggage to check (the BEST situation in the world!) I'll hand wash daily if I can avoid taking luggage. 

My Arrive Can form had also been filled out. And NO -- I did not need to wait in that long line, so I headed off to security. I thought they would stop me because of the amount of liquids and gels I had -- all those creams for my feet, but nope -- I headed right through security, and it was a breeze. 

Off to the gate, which was a few minutes away, but by this time, my feet had healed somewhat, so the pressure points on the sandals were no longer bothering the blisters, so I could at least walk somewhat decent. The thought of putting shoes on makes my feet cringe. The girls will not be happy they are not getting a walk this morning. 

It's now three hours before my flight, and the flight is 8 hours long -- I'm going to need some entertainment. I spotted WHSmith -- seriously??? Yep -- at the Madrid airport. So I wandered over and looked at the slim pickings for English books. Hey -- there's a new one by James Patterson and Bill Clinton. That sounds good, so I actually BOUGHT a book! I didn't think my earbuds would last the trip. The President's Daughter

So I read until it was time to board the plane. OK -- so the Madrid airport was much more civilized than Toronto when I left. That night, at least three significant flights left simultaneously, and in Madrid, there was ONE. And everyone lined up correctly in the queues.

The line went quickly, and then it stalled just as I got to the front. Something about boarding passes? I did not have a paper one, so they issued me one, but the line got stalled. Not to worry -- I have a seat -- we will all get on. The man behind me wasn't so forgiving. What's going on? Is this the right line? Those Canadians!! Everyone WANTS to be first and get ahead. Slow down!!!!

I sat beside a lovely lady from Oakville who was returning with her family after their vacation in Southern Spain. We talked about books; her neighbor's son is Adam Sims, who narrates books. He narrates Louise Penny's books, among others. WAIT -- -I know --- you are going to say that it was Ralph Cosham who started narrating her books, and you would be right. He passed away and was replaced by Robert Bathurst. And you would be right. I'm not sure -- where Adam comes in, but he has narrated some of her books. OH --- I think he narrates for Audible, and we all know who that belongs to!!!!

Well, now I want to listen to a book narrated by him! We also chatted about Liane Moriarty, one of my FAVORITE authors of all time. What characters and tales she weaves.

Anyway, I dozed, read for a bit, and chilled for a bit. And at last, we were landing!!! 

As we prepared to offload, we were told to alleviate pressures in the customs hall that those with connecting flights could get off first. Sigh..............  But that went quickly, but all 80 kids had to get off! And then when I did get off, they were all grouped together waiting for roll call or whatever! Nowhere near the customs hall! We had a passport check the moment we got off the plane -- that was a first for me. 

Then I walked as fast as possible to the customs hall, and with my NEXUS card, I zipped through customs. My card would not work at the automated machine. WHAT??? So I went to the agent -- zero waiting. OH -- it appears that I did NOT activate my card online. Ooops. 

I got an exit card with all kinds of marks on it and was whizzed through and out the airport door before I could take a breath. I swear it took 15 minutes, including walking time, to get off the plane and out the door. You have to love NEXUS, and you have to love ZERO luggage. 

They did not even scan my passport for the ArriveCan information. No worries -- it was done, so I didn't care. 

I had replaced the European SIM card with my own while we were taxiing to the gate, and I was back in cell service. When I exited the airport, I waited a few minutes for DH to pick me up, and we were home!!

Lexi was mad and wouldn't come near me and ran outside to be under the shed. She's such a nervous nelly. Murphy was excited and couldn't handle herself, so she grabbed her stress bear and was outside -- trying to calm down. 

I grabbed my book and continued to read. Hey --- it's a pretty good book. I went to bed at my usual time and woke up a bit early, and YES -- I finished the book this morning. I got the hard copy if anyone wants to borrow it. Well, not borrow it -- just have it! I'm done! 

So what does today bring? I'm not sure. I want to get back into everyday life as quickly as possible, BUT just for me. I'm not doing anything for anyone; I'm not moving things ahead of what I had scheduled. I'll try to hibernate here for a bit. 

After living with so little for nearly two weeks, this is an excellent incentive to keep plugging away at all the crap, especially in the office. I can get it eliminated to almost nothing if I focus a bit. I want to reflect on many other things as well, and I'll be doing that for the next couple of weeks, and I might even just sew for FUN. Imagine that!!! 

So coming home early may just be a blessing in disguise! Let's see what happens. 

Thanks again to everyone who supported me with your comments and likes, your ability to make me laugh when I needed it, and your help with logistics along the way. You all mean a lot to me, and I appreciate my friends! I am blessed!!!

On that note, I'm out of here to try and figure out what to do today!!! And my "medical team" is coming to assess my situation this morning. Then I'll have a better idea of what needs to be done and how much healing is involved!!!

Have a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!!

Sorry --- the mailbox did NOT sync with the serger, so no pictures. I'll get it all fixed for tomorrow. 

The LONG way home. Day two

Well, let's say that getting home is turning out to be an interesting experience and has required a village to make it happen. 

For some reason I did not sleep well last night. I just could not get comfortable, yet I was by the window so I could open and close it for temperature control. Did you know that all windows here have ZERO screens on them and most have metal roller shades or shutters to keep the places cool from the blistering sun. Hey North america -- instead of making our houses pretty and requiring a ton of electricity for AC, why not follow suit??? I'm in!!!

I planned on going to the little restaurant at 7 AM to get somthing to eat, but to my dismay when  I arrived, the darn thing was closed. HEY -- it's MONDAY!!!! Well, now I have two hours to kill before the bus comes and it's CHILLY out. Thankfully, I had long pants and my fleece on. But even then, it was cold. I have abandoned my shoes and wearing my sandals with no socks, so that didn't help the coolness aspect. 

My feet were feeling decent so I deided to go for a walk to warm up. Oh --- the door to the bus depot was locked when I arrived. The pavement was perfectly flat and I walked slow, so I was in good shape. It felt good to walk like an almost normal human. The walk continued down a very smooth gravel path and I still had loads of time to kill so off I went. I passed the bull fighting arena!!!! Nothing going on --- way too early. 

I managed to buy a ticket online yesterday, although I could have paid the driver directly, but I wanted to ensure I had a ticket. The bus was a bit late, but I managed to get on and sat right in the back. Thankfully, the night before, we had stopped at a small supermarket and I picked up a banadan, Dorito Bits (which I want in Canada) and a chocolate bar. That's all I had to eat on a four-hour bus ride to Madrid. 

All I can say, is that I would not have the courage to drive a bus here. I cannot believe how narrow of areas those massive buses can go and they barely slow down!! 

The first part of the trip was fun as it followed the camino or the Camino followed the road. More or less. I could see some of the signs and saw a few pilgrims along the way. Once we got to Burgos, the Camino continued on and we headed inland to Madrid. 

I slept a bit here and there on the bus. Thank god we had to wear masks because I'm sure my mouth was hanging open on numerous occasions. 

Then we arrived in Madrid. Wait --- where are we going? We went underground to an entire word of BUSES. The bus terminal is underground and multiple levels. I have no idea how we got to where we did but it was insane!  And so practical --- no above ground spaces or traffic to deal with. Although no one honks their horns here. 

I got off the bus and asked for the bus to the airport which was easy enough to find. Down  one level an Gate 11. How do you get a ticket? Oh -- on the bus. It was 1.5 E and of course, I did NOT have enough change and only had 20 E bills. There was a sign saying "no change over 5 E). However the bus driver took pity on me and so while he is driving the bus through the underground terminal, he's also making change. Not for the faint of heart for sure!!!

Oh crap  --- the schedule is posted on a screen. Multiple terminals. Which one do I want? Thank god for Google. Here's a tip for anyone. If you travel to a country where you do not know the language, BUY a sim card for that area so you have access to Google and your phone. That was the BEST 30 E I spent on the trip. 

I arrived at the airport and of course, there is NO counter for Air Canada. So I resorted to the app. I could NOT get the app to work. It kept freezing and I couldn't find a decent flight. 

So sent an SOS to DH. No answer. Seriously??????  I had to get someone to all him. Thank god for What's Up. I've been in communiation with my Monday sewing group the entire time and they have been enormousy supportivve and HELPFUL all the way. thank you Monday group and especially Heather who has bailed me out several times to make phone calls!!!!

And to Diane, who is my online medical consultant. 

The bottom line, DH got on the phone with AC and I have a direct flight tomorrow. But what to do today? 

I managed (again through Google) to book a hotel and call them for a shuttle. I'm bunkered down in the Marriott at the airport. I caved for a bit o f luxury and thought they might have a tub. Nope --- Just a shower. Oh well. 

Went to the cafe which is probably open 24 hours and I had an excellent, albeit late lunch,

Then I spend the last three hours on Zoom with my Monday sewing friends. Seriously????  I would be LOST without them. They are the BEST ever and I wouldn't be here without them!! I LOVE you all!!!!!  Hey -- at this point, I love everyone!!!!

Should I tell you the story of my hotel???  It's huge and yep --- I've got lost. I miss those yellow arrows to show me the way! My room is 1206 which you would think is on the 12th floor. Nope --- it's on the first floor! Which is NOT the ground floor. I think I have it now!

Well, I might wander down for a little more to eat today and book a shuttle to the airport to catch my flight. 

I have a lot of personal reflections that I want to put down on paper, but all I can say as a start is that traveling in a country where you do not know the language is a humbling experince. Actaully, this entire trip has been very humbling. Did I only need 8 days to realize that? Is that why I'm going home now? Has this trip changed me? I'm not sure about all that, but I have a LOT to reflect upon. 

BTW --- should anyone want to come with me to do all or part of the Camino? WE could make that happen!!!!!

On that note, I'm out of here. While I love my foldable keyboard, I cannot wait to get onto a real keyboard!!!!

I forget when I arrive but the blog will be later tomorrow as well and then hopefully get back to the routine. 

NOTHING changes for dates of anything. No changes to UFO, or other classes --- I'm going to hibernate or sit in the gazebo with my girls, a book and a case of Corona!!!

Ciao!!!!!!

The long way home

 It felt very weird this morning to not get up and get ready to walk. Did I miss it? I have to confess that I did NOT. Isn't that terrible? NO -- it's not. It means that I made the right decision. I could barely face putting  my shoes on and leave the albergue!!!

I also had a small nap after everyone left. But when I went downstairs to leave, I see that someone helped themselves to my walking stick!!! I guess he (and I think it was the fellow in the room beside me) thought he was the last to leave and someone left their stick, so he helped himself to it. Of couse, I'm miffed, but it's all part of the adventure. so be it --- lt's move on 

Worse things have happened. 

Then I went to the outdoor cafe that is close to the albergue. I ran into the fellow from Toronto so we had another conversation. He is definitely NOT on the trip of his dreams and he needs to make some changes. I told him that  - whether he does or not  - well that's his choice. 

It was cool sitting there with the other pilgrims who were getting ready to leave. Then I met two people who were also on the injured list. Both of them had friends who were walking ahead and they were taking the bus to the next city. One person was from Las Vegas and the other from Isreal. I did not spell that correctly!!!! My brain is fried. 

So we sat in the outdoor cafe and ate salad, drank coke and swapped stories. It was a great way to pass the morning. And around noon, the pilgrims starting coming in. So we got to meet new people. They left to catch the bus and I thought I had better get mysel organized for tonight. 

You cannot book two nights in a row -- well, you can, but you have to check out and check back in. I also decided I needed to get some cash as I was down to nothing and lots of the albergues want cash. Thank god I did that!!

I slowly traveled across the bridge to get money and I thought I would splurge on a hotel tonight. HA!!!  I went back to the same albergue - it was 2 PM. FULL. I went to a hotel -- FULL. NO --- do you know how much it hurts to walk? OK -- I walked to the next albergue and thankfully they had room. But they wanted cash. So I had cash. I'm golden!!!!

No bunkbeds in the room, but I chose the only bed without an electrical outlet. Of course!!!  It's surprising the number of people who are forwarding their bags or taking taxis or bus. Why bother??  

Anyway --- why am I still here in Najera??? Because there is NO bus to Madrid today. The Spanish live a very casual life!!!  I think I bought a ticket to Madrid for tomorrow morning. Then to find my way from the bus station to the airport and then to get a ticket home. Oh the fun and games and I don't think there is a direct flight from Madrid to Toronto. I may be home in a weekd!!!!

All kidding aside, I strongly believe I made the right decision. While I was prepared and I got an A+ on my backpack and packing, I failed F on my shoes and socks. I'm not ready to put my heart and soul in this trip, so why "waste" further time, money and my health? I've come to terms with it. 

But I want to say that I've been overwhelmed by the suppory of everyone in my decision. Thank you so much -- it really means a lot to me. 

Now that I"m not walking, I dont think I should be eating all those pastries, but a couple of German ladies just ate some delicious looking pastries. thank goodness, I would have to walk to get some and I don't want to walk!!!!

Have a super day. I'm not sure I'll be able to blog tomorrow -- it depends on what happens at the airport. So do NOT be alarmed if you don't see anything from me. 

Ciao!!!!!

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!!!!

Day Seven

So I've been on this crazy adventure for 7 days. And a "few" more days ahead of me! 

I did not get lucky yesteray and was stuck in the top bunk. I wasn't prepared and so I am laying in bed and everyone is also in bed and I decided that I had better get some ear plugs and cream for my feet. So I climbed own the ladder to get my supplies. Next time, I must put that kind of stuff in my bed and hang it from the bed post. I'll hav the routine down pat by the time I finish!!!

There are certainly some interesting people you meet along the way. Yesterday I met three ladies who are traveling together. One is slightly older than the other two and not as physically fit. They (at least the two fitter ones) regaled us with stories from their trip. Let's just say that I'm glad I started on August 27th, as there was rain on the 25 and 26 and lots of fog and people were getting lost in the Pyrenees. 

So the three ladies got up bright and early this morning and were gone, However I did run into them about one hour into the walk. The slow lady was down a hill because she thought that was where the path was. NO and they were on the phone with her trying to convince her to join them. 

I'm not suree what was going on, but it was a bit crazy.  Then I ran into the two ladies later on the other one was behind them. Were they not worried she would get lost? Maybe they wanted her to get lost? Anyway, I said they had the patience of a saint. And they confessed that they were not going up, but down at the end. It has been quite a trying experience. I could hear it in their voices!

To make matters worse, one of the two just got invisiline braces. Seriously??? Would you not delay that until you got home? I just don't get it.. 

The route was pretty decent all day and no major ups or downs and I walked with several other people along the way. I didn't have my FitBit today as it wouldn't charge last night. At first I was a bit bummed out, but what are you going to do? So I just walked and used the marked sign posts along the way to watch the distance. But I should leave the distance alone as it can mess with your head 

I only walked 20 KM today which was the rest of the stage that I started yesterday afternoon. Let's just say that I'm on track and that's a good thing. The average per day is about 23 KM and I want to up that to 25 but not before my feet heal. 

The blisters are feeling pretty good and I was able to walk almost like a normal person for a bit. However, I do have a BIG issue with one where the skin has gone and well, that's an issue. I've not had this major of a problem before and quite frankly it sucks!! 

Just waiting for the stores to open after siesta and I'll get some gauze and tape and see if I can protect that raw skin a bit. I'll likely have to stop several times along the way to reapply, but if it means that I can keep walking, then I'll do that. 

Tonight I'm staying in a albergue run by a church and we eat at 8 PM. HOLA!!! Thank goodness I have a snak and I spotted a candy store on the way to the pharmacy!!! I won't be stopping. 

We are in Logrono which is a large city. I hate the large cities. You have to find your way to the albergues, then to a restaurant or whatever else you want. I would like to do some sightseeing, but that is totally out of the question for me. I'm OK with that. I'm not here to sightsee. OK -- I could have done a geocache, but it's a bit too far for me to walk to. Another time. 

My feet are tired -- the first time since we started. I'm sure walking with these darned blisters isn't helping. But I hope they are on the mend and I'll just have to deal with that big one. 

I love how there are NO cars in any of the city centers. You can walk wherever you want, but I had to laugh because at lunch time, the beer trucks were making deliveries as close to city center as they could. Let's get that beer in there!!!!

It was nice to not think about the pain in my feet for a while today -- -gosh -- I bet some of your are thinkng -- just come home! But no -- these things will heal and I'll be fine! It's building character!! 

The other thing I love about the cities/villages here - they just build. Or so it seems. while there are streets, none of them are straight, the buildings just go wherever and the people are calm and relaxed. I think I said this yesterday, but no one honks their car horns!!! They just wait. Now if only that would happen back home. 

I walked into town with two Americans and they were headed to Burger King. All the way to spain for Burger King? Well, each of us is walking our own Camino!!

On that note, I'm out of here to stroll to the pharmacy. Yep --- I have a new pace - strolling, but at least the sandals are not as painful as they were yesteray, so that's an improvement. 

Have a super day!11!

ciao!!!!

Day 6 -- In the heat of the moment

 So it's day six and I'm now in torres Del rio. Sipping on coke (again!) and have had the most amazing beer ever!!! 

Last night was bizarre. Although we were in the albergue, there seemed t be Spanish kids in the backyard when we were trying to sleep. And at one point, I swear they were murdering each other. I think they stopped at around 11 PM. 

We also were situated beside a major highway - I mean right beside the highway. I swear the trucks were coming through the window. Then strangely at 11, they seemed to stop and I did NOT hear another vehicle until about 4:30. Now why is that? 

I was up and out the door at aout 6:15. I didn't stop for food as I had my croissant and my chocolate danish with me. It was a bit tricky getting out out of Estrella, so thank goodness for the Camnio Nina app. If you know anyone going to do the Camino -- they MUST use this app. It keeps you on track if you are not sure which has happened a couple of times. I am NOT getting lost again! 

Then we were in the country and we did make a couple of stops in a couple of villges along the way. I didn't stop in the villages as I had water with me and I had my pastries. 

I had checked my feet before leaving and I've now come to the conclusion that no bandaids will work while walking. They need to be lubricated but not bandages. OH -- I didn't have anyone above me last night, so I stole that pillow and put my feet on it. Those blisters hurt like crazy the night before, but they were pretty good last night. I have visions of walking painfree today. 

What a dreamer. However I asked the girl who took the bus about her blisters. OMG -- she has one about the size of a quarter on her heel. Suck it up girl!!! She supposedly took the bus again today. 

I walked mostly by myself again today and I LOVE IT. It's "stressful" to maintain a converssation with someone and ensure you are keeping pace with them. I don't want any of that and happy to walk alone. 

I made decent time this morning for the first 10 K but the second half was challenging. I stopped to check my feet. Nothing seems to be gettting worse. But then I developed a hot spot on one of my toes on the right foot. Seriously???  I'm about done with the issues on the righf foot! OK --- so I need to suck it up -- there are loads of people with worse ailments that I have. 

Whenn I arrived at Los Arcos which was to be the end of Stage 6, I chatted with a woman from Quebec who also had blisters, She was going to change her socks and let them air a bit and then she was pressing on to the next town so she would havea head start on tomorrow which is supposed to be a long day. 

So I had a Coke (oh god - loads of sugar) and then I changed my socks and looked at those feet. A new blister on the top of my toe which I was able to relieve the pressure from and I said to myself -- you CAN do this. So I took off for another 6 KM to the next town. 

Let me say that it was getting hot by now as I started out about Noon and arrived at 2 PM more or less. Zero shade!!! Except for one or two trees where someone had conviently placed a bench. But still hot. I have no idea what the temperature is and I do NOT want to know either. 

I'm now in Torres del Rio and 6 KM closer to tomorrow's destination. The only problem with jumping like this is I arried "late" and guess what? Yep -- I've got the top bunk! But I can live with that. 

The roads for the most part were decent. Hills, but nothing major. Stoney roads but not too bad. All in all, the walking conditions, other than the heat, were good. Thank goodnes for that hat. But here's the thing about the hat -- it's false security. I keep thinking I'm reaching a shady area, only to look up and see the brim of my hat and the sun!!

That talkative lady had passed me twice now and I've been polite, BUT not encouraging. I do not want to have to shake her hospitality. And did I say that she was MADE UP??? My mascara would be swirling down y cheeks. 

We were approaching one "mountain" and were trying to determine if there was a building on top or was that just a rock formation. As we drew close, I believe it was a medieval castle built into the rock formation. I passed the medieval fountain which had fish in it!!

I've had lunch, a shower and my clothes are INSIDE to dry which means they wont' be dry and I'm not paying 3 E to use the dryer. They'll be hanging off my pack tomorrow, except for my shortss which I need to wear. Those shorts are the BEST thing I could have brought. With the very loose fit around the legs, they are perfect for this heat. 

An can you believe me, who is always wearing that grey sweatshirt back home, leaves the albergue at 6:15 AM in a short sleeved T-shirt and my shorts. My long sleeved stuff stays in the backpack. 

Mentally, I'm doing OK. I have spent a lot of the last two days dwelling on my feet which isn't good. I'm getting better at taking care of them and I think (I PRAY) that I'm over the worst of it. But after I got myself organized for the last 6 KM today, I foused on enjoying the walk despite the heat. 

an you believe that I've been waling for 6 days already? I can't use my personal mileage as it seems to be way off, but we have walked about  --- hmmm --- I don't know the mileage and my book is upstairs. I'll have that for you tomorrow. I do know that I walked almosts 30 K today. 

It's nap time and I think I have run out of things to say!!!

Hae a super day!!!!

Ciao!!!!