Stayed in Los Arcos last night - nice Albergue - only 4 bunk beds to a room, and no snorers.
Heaven!
A nice line outside for drying clothes in a sunny spot, so things actually dried the same day.
Today I had the option of travelling 20k or 30k, and although I felt up for the 30k, the village at the 20k mark was so beautiful, I wanted to take some time to be a tourist. A bit of a tough decision as all my companions were doing the 30k.
The thing is; I have the time, and most nights there isn't much opportunity to explore the wonderful medieval villages we rest in. So I think it was a good decision.
The walk today was great - a few hills naturally, lots of stones, but the scenery was so beautiful. There are many different wine regions in Spain and this is one of them - there were vineyards all around us and in the valleys below. We seemed to be walking on a high crest, so we could see for miles around. The weather is spectacular - somewhere between 18C to 22C.
I walked for part of the day with 2 sisters from France. We had a great time trying to understand each other - lots of fun (note to self; sign up for French classes when I return home.)
Had lunch in the shade of a vineyard with Thomas from Germany and Aude from Belgium. They both speak very good English. I feel embarrassed that I don't speak 2 languages, as most people here speak a minimum of 2.
We always share our lunches - today was chorizio (Spanish sausage), bread, cheese, tomato and some grapes, of course.
Viana is a beautiful town, founded in the 13th century and surrounded by high walls.
All of the villages seem to have a village square where people gather, and there is usually a beautiful old working fountain as well, where thirsty pilgrims can replenish their water bottles.
Each region here has its own wine and, so far, they all seem to be fabulous.
I had 2 glasses today of the most divine stuff and it was about $1.00 a glass.
Heaven!
A nice line outside for drying clothes in a sunny spot, so things actually dried the same day.
Today I had the option of travelling 20k or 30k, and although I felt up for the 30k, the village at the 20k mark was so beautiful, I wanted to take some time to be a tourist. A bit of a tough decision as all my companions were doing the 30k.
The thing is; I have the time, and most nights there isn't much opportunity to explore the wonderful medieval villages we rest in. So I think it was a good decision.
The walk today was great - a few hills naturally, lots of stones, but the scenery was so beautiful. There are many different wine regions in Spain and this is one of them - there were vineyards all around us and in the valleys below. We seemed to be walking on a high crest, so we could see for miles around. The weather is spectacular - somewhere between 18C to 22C.
I walked for part of the day with 2 sisters from France. We had a great time trying to understand each other - lots of fun (note to self; sign up for French classes when I return home.)
Had lunch in the shade of a vineyard with Thomas from Germany and Aude from Belgium. They both speak very good English. I feel embarrassed that I don't speak 2 languages, as most people here speak a minimum of 2.
We always share our lunches - today was chorizio (Spanish sausage), bread, cheese, tomato and some grapes, of course.
Viana is a beautiful town, founded in the 13th century and surrounded by high walls.
All of the villages seem to have a village square where people gather, and there is usually a beautiful old working fountain as well, where thirsty pilgrims can replenish their water bottles.
Each region here has its own wine and, so far, they all seem to be fabulous.
I had 2 glasses today of the most divine stuff and it was about $1.00 a glass.
Yesterday we actually passed a wine fountain (yes, a tap with free wine, attached to the outside of a Bodega (winery), where pilgrims were invited to drink.
(See picture above.)
The Albergue is very nice here - the bunks are 3 layers high, but I was assigned a lower bunk -Oh joy!
There is something I enjoy so much about getting up each morning, putting on my too-heavy backpack and watching the sun rise over the land as I walk.
You have no responsibilities, no decisions to be made - no stressors.
You just have to put one foot in front of another until you reach your resting place for that day.
I truly understand why many people undertake this journey for religious or spiritual reasons.
(I wish I hadn't made so many pacts with the Devil whilst crossing the Pyrenees).
Perhaps, even I will find redemption before my time is up on the Camino.
Adios, for now.
You just have to put one foot in front of another until you reach your resting place for that day.
I truly understand why many people undertake this journey for religious or spiritual reasons.
(I wish I hadn't made so many pacts with the Devil whilst crossing the Pyrenees).
Perhaps, even I will find redemption before my time is up on the Camino.
Adios, for now.
2 comments:
A tap with free running wine, and you left it behind!
Are you nuts?
Pilgrim Rule #42: Pilgrims accept the gifts of heaven and earth - and as much of them as they can get for free before getting kicked out.
What?
Did I say something wrong?
I'm just saying, eh.
I agree with Steve, it sounds like my kind of town!
I can't tell you how much I love your blog. It is interesting, funny and I look forward to it. I start checking the computer around the time I think it might arrive with much anticipation.
glad you had a "short" day today though I don't know if I would call 20 kils. short but I guess it's all relative. In some of the other Pligrim blogs I've read the travelers have splurged and booked a hotel room on occasion. You know one of those places with a bed and real sheets!! Some also tired of the Pilgrim meal and went out for dinner...just a thought.
God knows you deserve it.
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