Tough Days

I have had a phone issue.  In spite of purchasing a bundled package for phone use in Spain – of course at a premium – I am not able to send original emails from my phone.  However, I can text, receive emails and reply to emails.  I have come up with a work around though which involves Cathy.  Cheers to Cathy!

 

I am now two days late in updating.  A hundred things are running through my mind and it’s difficult to know where to start. 

 

Why not with logistics?  Today we covered 28 km and are staying in a pilgrim hostel beside a church in the town of Cacabelus at km 193.5 to Santiago.  Yesterday we covered 27 kms and stayed in a lovely hotel in the town of Molinaseca at km 219 to Santiago.  However, we also went up and down 1000feet!  I basically hobbled into Molinaseca – it felt like my walking sticks were carrying me!  Have I mentioned the beautiful cloudless sky and +30C temperatures, or the very rocky trails?  I pushed my feet and legs as far as they could go. I have 4 blisters which, thanks to compedes and duct tape, is a manageable issue.  The biggest problem is going downhill on steep, rocky trails.  I find this drains and stiffens the small muscles on the front of the shins.

 

Thankfully today had little in the way of vertical challenge – just distance.  I was very tired by the time we arrived in Cacabelus.  Apparently not uncommon for people starting – the body is just not used to the amount of work being asked of it, especially with the pack load and difficult terrain.  I understand it gets better after the first week.  My training never subjected me to anywhere near this level of effort.

 

That said, my spirits are high and I am enjoying myself.  There are all sorts of people here – all ages, circumstances and physical capabilities.  I have nothing to complain about.

 

Ted is doing well and the extra days he has spent on the trail show, especially at the end of the day when I’m dragging my butt.

 

Will write more tomorrow; night is taking my ability to focus.