What a great start to the day, again a day that was different from the ones before. We enjoyed our brief stay in Los Arcos, and the view from our balcony. See those guys sitting in the chairs along the road on the right? They were there when we got there, and I think they might have still been there when we left!
It was a shorter day today, so we relaxed a bit and had a lengthy coffee break in the village of Sansol, in an outside cafe with many others. A shot of the town as we approach...
...and as we leave, though actually the town pictured below - Torres del Rio Plaza - is right next to but below the village of Sansol...
The bible of the El Camino, a pilgrim's guide written by John Brierley, suggested that today was going to be a day of fairly level trails. I think he was sleeping when he walked this stretch. There were at least a half dozen or more very steep ups and downs, the kind even the best of road bikers would dismount for. Can you see how hard poor Diane is working?
Along the way, both today and previously, are many what I call stone igloos. We suppose that they must have been used in the past as shelters for sheep or goat herders. Bert fit into it quite comfortably, and it was very cool inside...
A prominent feature today were the many vineyards, as well as olive groves, and even an almond orchard...
One disappointing note for today is that one of the Surrey foursome on this trek, Joyce Wierda, developed foot blister issues which required medical attention and prevented her from walking today. Diane is having some blister issues as well, but has a pretty good medicine stash with her to help her cope with it - hopefully! Nothing is more important than taking good care of your feet!!
We are currently staying overnight in the Palacio de Pujadas, a restored palace opposite the ruins of an old church. Dinner is at 8 and we are having a hard time adjusting to these late eating times. Don't you feel sorry for us?
Oh, and I decided to try and grow a beard for the first time in my life, just to see if I could. Here is what 10 days of growth looks like. Diane thinks it makes me look like Ernest Hemingway???
Distance today: 18.6 kms
Time on the road: 5:15
Total distance to date: 156 kms
Walking days remaining: 29
Well, Mr Hemingway, it looks like not much of a result of 10 days without shaving - obviously you're not a Schaafsma........ :)
ReplyDeleteJanette here :) Praying for all the blistered feet, and glad you've made it this far! What a beautiful Country to walk - thanks for giving us a taste of it all through the lovely pics! Very happy for all of you and giving thanks for good weather thus far!
ReplyDeleteWe are currently awaiting our flight home from Ottawa, here at the airport. Had a great time with our Mary Ellen and her new pup, Phoebe! Very smart, cute animal. She loved us :)) happily, the terrible winter is finally over, and the past few days have been sunny and warm, bringing trees into leaf and tulips into bloom. Had a lovely walk at Dows Lake yet this morning! Now looking forward to our own home and the sunny warm weather forecast for our first week back in Surrey. Solar blanket's going on the pool tomorrow so hopefully we can get an early start in using it! Sending love to you, dear Pilgrims......XOXXX