Day Seventeen: Terradillos to Bercianos

This morning started as many other mornings do on the Camino: Vera and I were the last ones to rise and the last ones to eat breakfast and the last ones to get out on the path -- but that's just the way we like it! It means no lines for the bathroom, no lines for food, and plenty of sun for the start of our walk. Although lately it also means no room at the albergues, so MAYBE we will think about changing our wake up time. 

The walk this morning was beautiful. The sky was deep blue with clouds that seemed so low you could jump up and grab them. It was a little chilly, but that made the sun even that much more appreciated, especially when we found a sunny spot to soak in the warm rays. After we walked about ten kilometers, we found just such a spot at a church outside Sahagun. The church was closed and locked, but there was a pretty bridge that lead to it and these metallic sculptures that were curved just perfectly to recline in and enjoy the gorgeous day. I think I could have sat there all day -- but the Camino literally means "the walk" so onward we went. 

When we arrived in Sahagun we found the city center and enjoyed lunch. The waiter at the restaurant was really sweet and rather than allow us to try to use our Spanish insisted on using his phone to translate so he could talk to us in English, which resulted in awkward exchanges, such as when he tried to tell us to enjoy our food / meal but instead said "Your enjoy!" (I really hope this isn't how I sound when I try to speak Spanish ... but I have a sinking suspicion that it probably is. Oh well. It's all about the A for effort, right?) We also met a fellow pilgrim from South Carilina -- it's so fun meeting new pilgrims and having an instant connection that all pilgrims on the Camino share. 

After a long lunch followed by a rest, we got back on the path and marched until we hit the divide in the path. This always calls for a map check to be sure we are going the right way. (When you are walking twenty six kilometers, you don't want to have to walk twenty seven!) Sure of our decision, we continued on until we hit our final destination. 

The Albergue we are at tonight is really nice! We are in a room with only four beds (which is the smallest bed to room ratio yet on our Camino) and the bathrooms are really clean. And our favorite Polish siblings are staying here tonight, too! We had community style dinner that was supposed to be followed by prayer in the chapel, but there was an overflow of pilgrims who are now sleeping on mats in the chapel, so there was no prayer. The lady who runs the Albergue did bless us and the food before we ate, so I guess that will have to count. (Of course I do a lot of praying out in the trail, too.) During dinner we met a couple who are from Canada and sat for over two hours talking with them about travel and whatnot -- I love hearing the stories of everyone else's adventures and adding to the list of adventures I someday wish to have. I also love learning more about my fellow pilgrims, their experiences and lives away from the Camino. And now I am tucked into bed and ready for sleep. 

Here are some picture from today: 

Buenos Dias, Camino!! 

I'm crossing the bridge!! I feel like my backpack doesn't look as big in this picture as it feels when it's on my back ... Although I have to say that it is getting lighter every day! 

Sunbathing and watching the clouds ... Life is good. 

Don't the clouds just seem so close?! 

I was getting a little artsy with my pictures, trying to get in the bridge and the cross ... haha 

You didn't think you were going to get away without a foot / toe picture, did you? I think my pinkie toes have morphed into something other than toes. And the bottoms of my feet are bruised. How does that happen?! But you will be happy to know that despite looking awful, none of this really hurts that much. 

Today you get a "post shower" selfie -- clean and ready for dinner!! 

Passing the plate! Also: that is the couple from Canada. I hope we run into them again! 

A picture from inside tonight's Albergue. Go up and you will be at our sleep rooms; go down and you will be in the entrance and dining room. See all our boots lined up? It's really common for albergues to have designated boot and pole areas. 

And my bed for the night. 

All of a sudden my Camino seems to be going so fast! Tonight Vera and I were discussing the next few days and realized that we only have two weeks left. I think now is the time to really live in the moment, to enjoy what is happening right now, and to not worry about tomorrow. 

Buen Camino. 

Jena