A day without thought. That is essentially what today was for me. It was a day of one foot in front of the other for about 16 miles. Not having constant thoughts is an unusual event for me - I didn't really think about anything but instead felt gratitude for a day without rain, an ankle that was holding up and a cold that was getting better.
We started the day with a breakfast of eggs and bacon. I still marvel at how good eggs are in Spain. I really must find better eggs when we get back home. It was cold outside and the hospitalero was concerned about me with my cold so offered me one of her scarves to wrap my neck. I showed her I had a neck gaiter and she was pleased I was going to be taking care of myself. Such is the concern for pilgrims on the camino.
It was my original intent to forward my backpack on to our next destination, Mansilla de las Mulas, and just carry the lightweight bag we use each day after our walk. I decided instead to move most of my heavy items from my backpack to the walking bag and forward that on. It was amazing how much difference taking what was probably about five pounds off my back, knees, ankles, feet. It speaks well to the adage to walk far you must carry less.
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| Roman Road |
Since we had chosen the Roman road the day before, we were now committed to continue on this ancient road to our day's destination. It was interesting because the rocks were worn on the tops, much like marble steps are in old buildings, which made me wonder (I know I did actually have some thoughts today) if this was the result of pilgrims walking or from the chariots and horses from two milleniums ago. Very strange to think we were walking on the very road that Emperor Augustus took. The road was in actuality really pretty monotonous outside a small area of trees and flowers and the high speed electric train whizzing by with some frequency.
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| Flowers along Roman Road |
At one point, we had the option of continuing on the Roman road or take a short hike over to the regular route. Again we chose the one less traveled and found ourselves wishing we hadn't as we walked past the prison and unmarked and unused paths into the city. We evenutally found the Municipal Albergue where our bag had been delivered, relieved to find it actually made it there, From there it was to locate a hotel where I could spend another night isolated from other pilgrims so I didn't pass along to them my cold.
We were once again greeted by Camino friends Barry and Char when we arrived in Mansilla. We checked into our hotel and headed out to find a farmacia where we could purchase more drugs - acetominophen, ibuprofen and most treasured codiene cough medicine so I can hopefully get a good nights sleep. It is amazing to me that I can just request codeine and without batting an eye, get what I need. Not in the U.S. I also got a pressure cuff for my ankle. The total cost - $14.00. Amazing!
We found a place to get a beer followed by a cup of coffee and before long other peregrino friends were joining us - Marilyn & Jim, Dawn, Char & Barry, Ralph, Stephen & Barbara. We also met some new people from Oregon - Dylan and his mother Laura.
For dinner we all headed next door for a very good peregrino meal. Tired from getting only about three hours of sleep the previous night, coughing continuosly has a way of keeping you awake, we headed back to our room for what will hopefully be a codeine induced slumber.
We look forward to our short 11.6 mile walk into Leon tomorrow where we will be staying for two days. At that point, we will have less than 200 miles to go!
Lesson of the Day: Not thinking has it's merits!
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