29 April 2008

We had a great dinner last night and, when we got out of the restaurant, it was freezing cold. The church across the street from our Hostal was opened so we walked in for a visit. It was quite dark until a Pilgrim lady inserted a Euro to turn on the lights. The whole place was covered in gold leaf, from floor to ceiling. It was more than the eyes could take. Bernie took pictures of yet another church to show you on our return. We turned in early after buying a couple of pastries for the next morning´s walk.

I woke up in the night and Bernie was awake thinking about the Camino. He announced he was ready to pull the plug and that we could go to Paris and spend a few days there. He said it was far more difficult than he ever expected (his allergies are quite bad). I can´t believe it but I replied that we could continue, at least for a little while longer. He turned around and we both went back to sleep. I woke up at 6 am, woke him up and proceeded to get ready. I was all dressed and almost all packed, ready to go when he finally got up and did the same. We had a great day on this leg of the trek, even if the sun came up at 9 am., and it was a cloudless day, there was always a cool breeze and the road was never that difficult or dangerous.

Part way through the morning, we stopped to talk with a couple we had met on the road many times and it turns out they are from Orleans, a 5 minute drive from our place. We did a some of the road with them then continued on our way. We later met many people we had talked to before and we all ended up at the same Albergue. The route was fairly non descript walking through a lot vineyards (this being wine country). We walked about 21 kms today to a town called Azofra passing Najera and another village which name escapes me at this time. The Albergue here is fantastic. They have 60 double rooms only, each of which has two beds, 2 large cupboards and a nice big window. The walks are pressed wood but each floor has toilets and showers. We have joined up with 6 other people we have been meeting for the last many days (including the Orleans´couple) and went to dinner. A good time was had by all. A funny thing happened at the restaurant. The lady serving us seem to take an immediate liking to me (maybe I look like her mother or something). I noticed it right away and so did Bernie. When we were leaving, she came to see me, gave me a nice bag of almonds which she said were a local sweet, and gave both of us a great big hug and wished us a Buen Camino. The almonds are great, covered with butter and honey. She told us she wanted us to have them for the road tomorrow. We are now off to bed. Tomorrow´s destination will probably be Graño, about 22 kms away.

P.S. at the end of the walk today, my feet were a bit sore and I mentioned to Bernie that if he offered to quit right now, I am not sure I would talk him in to going on.