Let’s go camping!

Karaoke in the big city was a blast. No regrets. But I paid for the late night and beers today. 

Not to mention, last night, over those beers, Medi and I solidified a plan for me to come by this morning to pick up his tent so I could camp tonight, a goal I had for at least one night on my Camino. 

After sleeping off the late night, picking up the tent from Medi’s albergue, and eating breakfast, it was already 10:30 a.m. by the time I hit the road, much later than I normally leave and probably not the smartest plan for a 24 mile day. 

Whether it was the night out or the extra 2-3 kg of weight from the tent and a sleeping pad I picked up this morning, I dragged today. 

Starting late generally means higher temperatures and emptier trails. The upside is that after a few social days, I looked forward to some alone time to process and reflect. 

I was greeted at the western edge of town by the brutalist architecture of the Basílica de la Virgen del Camino, officially considered to be the Spanish contemporary style. 

I entered and found mass underway, just as the liturgy of the Eucharist began. I stood at the back of the church through the Our Father and sign of peace, emotionally moved by “La paz del Señor esté siempre con vosotros.” I wished peace to the usher at the door and continued on my way, knowing how many more miles I had to go.

Shortly after, a fork in the path gave options for the historic route along the highway or a scenic route through through the countryside. Of course I chose the greener road. 

The day became strikingly solitary. Over many hours, I saw only four other pilgrims the rest of the day. 

Despite that, I didn’t feel lonely. The last couple days were quite social and I found myself craving the quiet time. 

I won’t lie though. It was a long day and the most physically challenging I had experienced to this point. It was also the first day I questioned whether I’d make it to my planned destination. I mostly attribute that to the extra weight and the impact it was having on my shins and feet. 

A series of novelties and delights along the way kept me going. 

Starting with mystery meat at lunch.