Trail Legs

Camino Tom at REI said that if you train you can expect to get your “trail legs” about the third day.  I think we got some those magic legs today. After yesterday’s “challenging” trek we decided to take it easy and just hike about 8 miles at the most. We had a leisure breakfast with a young German pilgrim( photo below) and didn’t hit the trail until after nine. I think I owe you an explanation here about the pictures of our shadows.  The photos mean blessed sun. No rain!!! The last two days we have started out with multiple layers,wool caps, gloves.  The chill in the air AND the gale force winds were constant companions until late yesterday afternoon. Today was amazingly different. Today we were shedding our coats within sight of our beginning village and were down to one long sleeved shirt before 11.  We  aren’t complaining but amazed at the change.

The day was really easy even though the mileage was almost ten. Allen and Chuck, our tech geeks, are going to help us with this for a few days to come. I think Michelin distances are “as the crow flies.” We have quickly discovered that walking does not speed digestion. Our lunches are usually a piece of fruit( the oranges are unbelievable), half a protein bar or bread and some nuts. At night we eat generously from a Pilgrim Menu but breakfast and lunch are sparse.  It is amazing how quickly we can adapt. 

The trail became sendas today. That is the Spanish word for a pebble lined trail that exists beside a road. They make for pleasant and safe walking. Always there are the comforting yellow arrow signs or yellow shells. Spring is beginning and a delight to come upon flowers or blooming trees but the majestic snow capped mountains still amaze us to our right.  Still very few pilgrims but Ernest and I are loving the solitude. 

I am posting a photo of a pilgrim we met when we stopped for cafe con leche. He has walked 15,000 kilometers. He is from Portugaland is 59 years old. Being a pilgrim has certainly aged him but wanderlust is his passion or uncertainty his path.  Mot of the rest of the photos are of our hotel, Ceasar,the proprietor( He reminded us of the mayor of the Spnish town in the original movie of Romancing the Stone), scenes of the path, one trying to show you the snow capped mountains. There is one of a shady place we rested. 

By the way, no international news of naked pilgrims. We found a dryer. There is one at this hotel too and I am getting ready to wash clothes, myself and become a new woman! I wish. 

It was a great day! 

Buen Camino