Honestly have to say that to day was as hard, if not harder than the Pyrenees! There were several reasons, but towards the end...water, plain and simple.
The weather here has been lovely, but really hot! They said it was around 30 degrees centigrade, which is hot...really hot. The only clouds in the sky are decorative only...no chance of rain to cool our hot and sweaty faces. At a lovely overview high high above a small village, we stopped to admire the incredible view and look at a large display show all the peaks around us. Rosalie paused too and put down the large water bottle we were bringing along. And there it remains. Not knowing how much further we weren´t too alarmed. Maybe we should have been, but sometimes ignorance really is good.
About another two hours later, after a quick break and later a lunch on the side of the road, we began to panic quietly. They say the road provides and it did. Another trio of Germans and Americans walked by and had more than enough water to share. God Bless ém cause they really were life savers.
Suddenly after one of our breaks I realize...my sunglasses are missing. I think I must have let them slip when we sat down and rested. I will miss them. I thought for a split second about going back and decided not to. Spencer saw the look on my face, and bless him, actually took off his pack and went back to see if he could find them. They weren´t to be found, but the effort, offer, meant a lot. Talk about a Camino Angel! Complete with tattoos to boot! Spence I owe ya!
The road went on. And on. And on! Suddenly far in the distance we see a white car...and wonder if the local police are doing a sweep of the road. Turns out to be a Canadian pilgrim, taking a taxi at 35plus euros, searching for her camera. We told her we hadn´t seen it, and they went on back up the hill. When they finally made their way back to us, we blocked their path, I guess rather startling them. After making it clear that we came in peace (!) we asked how much further and did they have any more water to spare. Fortune was with us and we had only 2 more km to to go and the driver had a half bottle of water! Life is good again!
So now we are in San Juan de Ortega, and will be dining in as we can´t (won´t) put out the money for a taxi to go grocery shopping. Tonight we will splurge. After our adventure (misadventure perhaps!) we deserve a little.
The weather here has been lovely, but really hot! They said it was around 30 degrees centigrade, which is hot...really hot. The only clouds in the sky are decorative only...no chance of rain to cool our hot and sweaty faces. At a lovely overview high high above a small village, we stopped to admire the incredible view and look at a large display show all the peaks around us. Rosalie paused too and put down the large water bottle we were bringing along. And there it remains. Not knowing how much further we weren´t too alarmed. Maybe we should have been, but sometimes ignorance really is good.
About another two hours later, after a quick break and later a lunch on the side of the road, we began to panic quietly. They say the road provides and it did. Another trio of Germans and Americans walked by and had more than enough water to share. God Bless ém cause they really were life savers.
Suddenly after one of our breaks I realize...my sunglasses are missing. I think I must have let them slip when we sat down and rested. I will miss them. I thought for a split second about going back and decided not to. Spencer saw the look on my face, and bless him, actually took off his pack and went back to see if he could find them. They weren´t to be found, but the effort, offer, meant a lot. Talk about a Camino Angel! Complete with tattoos to boot! Spence I owe ya!
The road went on. And on. And on! Suddenly far in the distance we see a white car...and wonder if the local police are doing a sweep of the road. Turns out to be a Canadian pilgrim, taking a taxi at 35plus euros, searching for her camera. We told her we hadn´t seen it, and they went on back up the hill. When they finally made their way back to us, we blocked their path, I guess rather startling them. After making it clear that we came in peace (!) we asked how much further and did they have any more water to spare. Fortune was with us and we had only 2 more km to to go and the driver had a half bottle of water! Life is good again!
So now we are in San Juan de Ortega, and will be dining in as we can´t (won´t) put out the money for a taxi to go grocery shopping. Tonight we will splurge. After our adventure (misadventure perhaps!) we deserve a little.
Ahhhhhh water. I remember when.... I got caught out on a really hot day going into Cahors and some angels gave me water. Such kindnesses are some of the most precious memories of the Camino I reckon... I am impressed you got a view on the way up that hill.... all I got to see was fog. And I slipped and slid around on the top in the mus so that walk seemed to last forever. So it was a hard day for me for different reasons!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog- will be back to start from the Pyrenees later today! Margaret
Hola,
ReplyDeleteIf you get another pair of glasses just get one of those straps behind your head. I know you laugh at me but they get the job done. For water why don't you get one of those leather wine bags that usually hold wine. I think they are popular in Spain.
Hubby
ah well I remember that trek,we walked the extra 3k down to Ages and drank too much wine and then suffered the next day into Burgos.So sorry to have missed you,but can now sit here at home and follow your journey,and Margaret walking too,I am missing out!!looking forward to some great pics-seek help in Burgos.
ReplyDeletegreat blog
Ian
Hey, it could have been worse! I could be with you moaning and groaning about the heat!!!!! Glad you survived and are STILL enjoying the adventure. --- Joe
ReplyDeleteHola,
ReplyDeleteHad 2 more people ask how you were doing after the operation who were amazed what you are doing and were very impressed. We have sent emails & pics you should be or have already received.
Ray