Hit a mini wall. Would love to stay in bed, but time to get up. On to Los Arcos.
Depart 9:30, arrive 6:00 pm. Miles 16.32.
Once again, added mileage of about 2.5 miles because we missed a Camino marker (less than a mile mistake). The rest because Siri cannot be trusted and she led us out of town instead of to our hotel. She’s got plenty for which to answer. 😡
First stop at a blacksmith/artist. Very cool stuff, bought a small Camino shell necklace. Tempted to buy so much more but luggage limitation is real.
Second stop a water and wine dispenser. Water cold and delicious. Wine not so much.
Better luck ahead. White wine at 11:00 am, why not?
We have entered lavender country. See it for miles and smells great – even to me, and I don’t even like lavender.
Forgot to mention yesterday that I met a priest traveling in full black cassock and sandals! He and his group (total of 10) are from San Luis Obispo, CA.
Met up with them today about the halfway mark and walked into Los Arcos with them. They are all super nice. A mix of young and mature. Some walked ahead and a couple others opted to bus or taxi due to feet ailments. We walked a couple miles with Tom who is some sort of data guy. Very friendly. Very attentive to Caleb as he has a son same age.
Here’s Fr. Dave. He walked the last couple miles with us. Was home schooled, university, seminary, a monk in Orange County for a couple years then transferred to Diocese of Monterey. He is quite interesting and was very easy to talk to, so a win for the Catholics😎
He’s about 6’4” and quite a striking young man. Hard to miss on the Camino.
We are at a pension, but they have put us in a casita. We are the only ones there, so I have an entire floor to myself, as does Caleb.
As they do not have a restaurant on premises, they sent us to a local sports complex for dinner. Interesting arrangement! We had a credit of 15 euros each. Excited at the prospect of junk food, we had ham croquettes, chicken nuggets, hamburger for me (with bacon and an egg!) and pizza for Caleb. Two cokes and two beers. We did not meet our dinner allowance but were more than satisfied so declined any further delicacies.
Back to the casita to watch Jack Ryan on Netflix in our cozy living room. This was a special treat to have so much space for ourselves. Tomorrow we will not be so lucky I fear.
Last thought for the night – I do not tire of hearing “buen Camino” from those we encounter on the road – locals and travelers alike.
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