Dreams

  Today’s walk was beautiful and quite long.

I find that I enjoy staying in th Albergues in the smaller villages better than the bigger towns. I think the younger people have an affinity for the towns (more nightlife etc) whereas the pace and rhythm in the small towns is more pleasant to me after 8-10 hours of walking.

Thankfully the way markers are frequent and obvious and predictable as the days go by. I don’t tend to wonder if I am lost as often. Much of the day today (aside from one less than glorious stretch along the highway) was on paths along the Atlantic coast or through the forests. There were also somewhat fewer and less dramatic elevation gains and steep descents which tend to be harder on the feet and legs.

.It is interesting to have your awareness of your body be so apparent. I will occasionally realize that nothing hurts! That’s a happy moment. It doesn’t always last but for that time it is good. I do feel myself getting stronger especially relative to carrying my back pack. I hardly have an awareness of it anymore until the end of the day approaches.
I will be glad when my feet toughen a bit.
The other thing I am enjoying is learning about this part of Spain. So many of the early explorers came from here. The lore (and lure) of sea is apparent everywhere. The very old buildings – especially the churches- are beautiful. The one today in Castro-Urdiales was magnificent and built in the early part of the 13th century.
Now, about the title of this post: I followed a Camino route today (an official variant) that allowed more time along the sea but when I had gone a good bit of the way there was a sign in Spanish that seemed to indicate that proceeding through a long abandoned mining tunnel was not permitted but my book had mentioned that I would be passing through just such a tunnel. I debated for a couple of seconds during which I thought about backtracking (uh, no way) and I went around the barrier, put on my headlamp, and proceeded. I emerged to the most beautiful seascape and narrow path up from there that deposited me on a grassy track across a field into the town where I am staying tonight. It was magical and I wondered for a moment if I was really walking the Camino or if this was just a dream and I would awaken in Portland. Apparently not.
Tonight’s accomodations are challenging for an old girl! I’m in the middle bed of a three story bunk! Mattress is about 3 inched. I’m having a glass of wine hoping exhaustion will see me through.
I know, it probably sounds awful but it is wonderful – every aspect of it! Like a dream, really.