Lights on at six, lots of shuffling and sniffling, folding of sleeping bags, collecting of (hopefully) dry laundry, taping of sore feet, and stuffing of packs, accompanied by mournful sidelong glances at last night´s worst snorers.
Out the door at 7:00 and quick into the first cafe for a cafe con leche (cafe au lait) and a sticky bun. Then off into the still-dark looking for the way markers. Quick away while its still cool.
The next 6 to 8 hours consist of trudging - thus far in bright sunshine every day - interrupted by a steady series of breaks At these stops, some combination of: drinking water and refilling water bottles at fountains, taking off shoes and socks to air feet and, if necessary, add/adjust bandages, and drinking coffee, juice or water and eating lunch at bars (cafes).
Between 1:00 and 3:00 pm, arrive at the destination, proceed directly to the albergue (hostel), grab a (more or less comfortable) bunk, take a shower and put on the clean set of clothes, hand wash the dirty clothes and hang them out to dry before morning.
For the next 5 or 6 hours, hobble about the town, check out the cathedral and/or other notable sites, drink beer (me) or water (Pauline) in a cafe, eat a "Pilgrim menu" dinner in a restaurant. By 8:00 pm or so, back into the albergue to read up on the next day´s challenge, brush teeth and then lights out by 9:00 or shortly thereafter.
All of this in the company of a steady stream of other pilgrims doing exactly the same things.
Just started reading your blog. Nick called and gave us the address. I've read the hardest part is the first week, so I'm glad you're through it. Tell us more about the countryside you are going through, the food you're eating, the people you are meeting and what the hostels are like.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, I know you are going to make the whole distance.
Bill.
This is very evocative, Rick. I hope that your (sg and pl) feet are toughening up. How are Pauline's poles working out?
ReplyDeleteCarol