Hontanas to Boadilla - 29km/18miles
To prove the full recovery of both my feet and my stomach we decided to go a full day today! I have to admit it feels good to get through so much distance and to be on the trail all day. I mean, that's what I'm here for, right? To walk, and to walk a lot! Of course, never in my life did I think I would say it feels "good" to walk 18 miles in a day!
My feet are very tired. But that's just it, they're tired, not blistered, the only pain is the normal pain that comes from walking so much. Yay! I like normal pain :)
Here's the San Anton monastery. We wanted to stay here last night. Luckily someone told us their guidebook said it was closed. We emailed and sure enough; it's closed. Thank God for the helpful info because it's not near any other albergues and I'm sure I wouldn't have been too happy to find it closed when we got there!
There was a huge archway over the road. See the tiny little person on the road?
Inside the archway there were these two spaces where pilgrims have left messages, thoughts, and prayer intentions. I thought it appropriate that this one in English was left right at the front where Em and I could read it.
Emily found a walking stick! It's a bit heavier than mind but she said it was really nice for the hill we climbed today.
Entering the town if Castrojeriz.
A camino marker at the top of the hill. Castrojeriz is the town in the distance at the bottom.
A not-so-great moment for Green when she accidentally stepped in horse crap.
A random building with interesting graffiti. I like Jack the pumpkin king!
Here's our albergue for the night. It looks a bit odd from the outside, but inside the entryway is a nice courtyard and very friendly hosts! Also we bumped into Rosvetta, a wonderful lady we met the day before we started. She's always a joy to run into and catch up with!
Today I'm thankful for my new shoes; they took me 18 miles without a single new blister! I'm also thankful for the good weather and trail conditions. And I'm most thankful for all those at home who have been praying for me and my poor feet! It worked. THANK YOU!
I learned that 18 miles can feel pretty good. And I learned there are days when I actually WANT to get out of bed and walk... who knew?!
Quotes
"You are the mother (in reference to Emily) and you are the daughter? (in reference to Betsy)" - a priest about to give us a blessing. We both just looked at him dumbfounded.
"Yes! This chair looks old and nasty and comfortable. It's perfect for me!" -Betsy in the sitting room at the albergue
Love to all from me sitting and blogging in my old, nasty, comfy chair!