Day 6 & 7

Viana to Azofra to Santo Domingo de Calzada

Two days of walking, one was windy and one was calm. Both were wonderful.

We are getting into a routine, a pattern of the day. Up around 7:00, walking at 8:00 - 8:30, and stopping at 3:00 - 3:30. In the morning we eat a small breakfast of fruit and yogurt but then we stop for coffee and croissants ( see photo). at the first town. Delicious!! Yes, they are "muy grande".

Lunch is a "picnic" on the road but there are many traditional resting places that are maintained. We were fortunate to come across this beehive hut, which provided shelter. When I entered I met 2 women from Germany, 1 from Holland and a man from Ireland. Can you find those places on a map?

Today was very calm but much warmer and there was this rest stop that had "cool" benches. Yes, they were " cool looking" and "cool to the touch". The class shell is resting on a bench while I fill my water bottles at the fountain.

Last night we stayed at Azofra, a town of 500 people which depends on the Camino for their existence. There are 2 small stores, 2 restaurants & 2 albergues. We stayed at the new municipal one which had 60 beds. There are 3 floors with 10 cubicles on each. ( See photo 4). We are in the very last room. The " cubicles" have 2 beds, 2 closets for backpack and stuff and a window/door that goes from the floor to the ceiling. You can let the breeze in or better yet hang wet socks on the slats. It all overlooks a spacious garden area that has a cold water pool to soak tired, sore, swollen feet. I got a great sleep.

At the albergue you can catch up with "old friends" like Helen from Kingston, ON and Emily from Pittsburg, PA and meet new friends like Hyru from Korea. Yes, it's time to get your maps out again. What is special, is that we have an instant bond because we are all pilgrims, all walking the Camino de Santiago. The people are so interesting.

Meet Martine, from Belgium (see last photo). In 2004 she walked from her hom to Santiago, 2040km. She walked by me, going in the opposite direction. "You are going the wrong way," I said. "No, this is the right way," she said. We stopped to visit and I so enjoyed this kind, wise, strong woman. She started in Santiago and is walking home to Belgium!! A very special lady and a very special day.