I am sitting outside on a really nice albergue eenjoying 70’s and wind. The nuns unlocked (literally) the door this morning at 6 am and we took off immediately thinking 17 miles could be hot this afternoon. It was a pleasant flat hike in good temperatures. Father Rick and I sprung for a two bed room with private bath and terry towels. Well worth the 21€ each of us spent. Last night was 7€.
The albergue last night is run by nuns. At 6pm we were invited to the courtyard where 5 nuns lead us in singing. They asked each of us to state where we are from and why we are on a pilgrimage. I did okay with the where but broke down with the why. Rod’s death is so fresh. Afterwards two nuns came to me to console and told me that they would be praying for Rod and me. Quite moving. Now we head to mass and at the end of mass all pilgrims are invited to come forward as a group for pilgrims blessing. By chance the bishop was there and after the prepared blessing the bishop laid hands on each of our heads and made eye contact. The parish priest now comes and makes the sign of the cross on our foreheads. We are then dismissed with a prayer. WOW
We thought we were going to miss breakfast completely since nothing is open at 6am and there were not any towns for about 12 miles. we knew that sometimes there is a food trailer at about 5 miles. He was there. I had cafe americano, patata tortilla ( like thick quiche), and watermelon. A true feast for 6€. I should have taken a picture.
The land is very flat and 17 miles was easy. They are beginning to harvest wheat and oats.
I ’ll give to a quick foot update. My tendonitis wasn’t great this morning. When we got to the trailer food place I took my shoe off and cut a piece of moleskin to put on the bottom of my foot. It helped tremendously and I’m optimistic this may solve my issue. It’s still a little swollen but is so much better.
Sorry I’m so wordy today. I’m about 250 miles now.