I truly wish that I had known one of the most important truisms of the Camino about 5 or days ago. Here’s what I learned after 19 days: Any adjustment to shoes regardless of how insignificant you may think it is has major consequences. About 5 or more days ago I thought I could tighten my shoe laces towards the tip and make them more snug to prevent blisters. Today as I was limping from a new blister I got yesterday, I loosened that lace and experienced some relief. It felt so much better that I loosened it twice. Now while walking my feet feel okay. After a break and for the first kilometer they hurt. I’m on the mend now and have high expectations for healing with my Compeed bandage in place.
Today we left in the dark at 5:30. By the time we finished 16 miles it was hot. When we left it was coldish. The Meseda has a terrible reputation but I like it. It’s flat and straight with some shade so far. Tomorrow is only about 12 miles to Leon, which is a major city. I’m encouraging Father Rick to see a medical doctor there. His foot is infected and swollen even with antibiotics which are helping. We sprung for another two twin bed room tonight and tomorrow night. We should get into Leon early to allow for a doctor visit.
The crops today include wheat, sunflowers and corn. The corn has sprinklers all through the fields and were irrigating this morning. David took this great photo this morning.
I have walked 278 miles since starting June 19.
I ask for prayers for Rick’s feet problems and for Dee and my dear dear friend Julia who is working through a very major medical issue and longing for wisdom as to what she should do.
For those wondering about my espanol, I have been using it more and more albeit the listener has to be patient with me. We stopped at a small (i mean small) neighborhood market last evening and the lady was so nice and patient with my attempt to speak spanish.
Tomorrow is a sad day for us. Tomorrow is the last day we hike as a group. Trevor leaves to fly back home to London, David goes to visit friends near Leon for a couple of days, and Donna meets friends from the states and leaves for Santiago a few days later. Rick and I will then hike to Santiago together and arrive July 22.