The Camino has begun

Hey, looks like it´ll be a while till my next photo posting. It seems all internet spots in Spain dont allow USB hook-ups. I´ll have to paint a real good picture with my story telling.

I started the Camino on March 3 with beautiful weather for about 4 days. And then... well it started to blow and on one day snow as well. Wasn´t the weather i was expecting in Spain, but then again it is the start of March still.

It took me a few days to realize that this is not so much a sprint as it is an endurance trek. The scenery has been beautiful for the most part, grape fields, rolling hills, epic old cityscapes and a free wine fountain... thats right... FREE. It was along the Camino attached to a large Bodega (vineyard) and offered two taps; one producing red wine and the other water. Needless to stay, it was the mid afternoon pickup i needed for my 43km day (which i am not planning on repeating).

Some days I see several other pilgrims and wish then ¨Buen Camino¨ as we cross paths but other days I have gone the whole day without seeing another pilgrim between each alburgue (pilgrims hostel), and sometimes hours without seeing another soul. Lots of time to think... and talk to myself.

Tonight I´m sleeping in a town called Grañon, in a a parish alburgue attached to the church. After climbing some stairs to an upper suite off the bell tower there is a cozy kitchern, bathrooms, living space and loft for the matts where we sleep on the floor. This has to be the most sureal hostel yet. Wish I could be out exploring the town on this sunny afternoon, but unfortunately the last thing i want to do is walk some more and the really cold strong winds are enough of a deterant to keep my indoors.

It has been great not having a timeline to follow, but i still need to tell myself to stop rushing and take my time. Although, the sooner i complete the Camino, the sooner i get to play in the hot sun in Morocco and relax on a beach. One thing is for sure, my body will continually remind me when I have done too much and give me a good humble slap across the face. It turns out I´m not invincible; I´ve been schooled my two (60+ years old) italian guys who not only kept up grueling distances each day but also did it fast and without complaining. Cheers to them. Its now that I am reminding myself to do my stretched each morning and afternoon to keep my body functioning. Who would have thought walking was such hard work.

Missing everyone at home; but sorry, not enough to come home early. I´ll try to get some photos up soon but its tricky to find good internet spots.

Ciao
G.