Best bits and blessings:
- We attended vespers with the monks last night. While it wasn’t my preferred style of worship and I really didn’t understand much of what was happening, it was unique to be staying in a Monastery and to have the opportunity to join with their small community in worship. It included lots of singing by the monks.
- During our morning coffee stop we spent a little time with Maria, a Dutch lady whom you may recall me mentioning before. I walked with her one morning for an hour or two, some weeks back. She has had all manner of physical challenges during her Camino which is why we are overlapping now. But she was overwhelmingly positive about the whole experience and very encouraging, despite only being able to walk short daily distances herself. An inspiration!
- On another one of our breaks, we shared a bus stop with an elderly gentleman for a while. We were looking for a spot to take a break out of the sun and he beckoned us over. He did his best to talk with us and find out where we were from. He explained that he was 95 years old, and I suspect he takes a short walk from his home down to the bus stop every day to have a chat with the passing pilgrims.
- Over the half way point for Christine!
Challenges:
- There is no doubt that the main challenge today was the heat. It was an amazingly clear sky day and quickly warmed up. The walking itself was not difficult, but was made so much harder by the amount of road walking that was necessary today. The heat was definitely bouncing up from the hard surfaces.
Even the cattle were trying to get into the shade. An uphill stretch at the end on approach to Arzua was especially difficult. Christine did amazingly well to persevere. We checked into virtually the first pension we came to and took their last free room. Shower and rehydration were the first priorities, followed soon after by a great meal.
Now we are almost human, again. When we came out of the restaurant the temperature was around 33. Maybe a little more than when we were walking but sooo hot! We will try to leave earlier tomorrow to beat the heat and the thunderstorms predicted for later in the day. - And yes, suddenly here in Arzua there are pilgrims everywhere! Lots of the other pilgrims staying at this pension have had their luggage transfered here, so are walking with small backpacks. I’m trying to have a good attitude! Everyone walks their own Camino!
There's more in you! 