Walking for Water with Camino Jim-Day 28

Today I will be walking to Triacastela which is about 13 miles away. Nothing like yesterday, mostly downhill leaving yesterday’s mountain behind. There is one other pilgrim I forgot to mention. When I had dinner with Pat in Astorga I was telling him about her. I don’t know her name or anything about her but she is different. I am walking on a straight stretch of trail when I look ahead and there is a women dressed in black, large hat walking with poles marching toward me. A few minutes go by and I’m really confused because I’m not getting any closer to her and she’s not getting any closer to me … she is walking backwards. It took a few minutes for me to figure it out. I couldn’t tell if I was coming or going! I have not seen her since. Strange.

Today’s walk puts me within six days of completing the Camino. There isn’t much to write about today. I didn’t lose anything, it didn’t rain but I did cover the 12 miles pretty quickly. Lots of cows and cow related traffic jams. I did see a bus load of American women get out of the bus after avoiding the only real hill challenge which ends at a restaurant at the top. They all lined up inside to have their credential stamped. Pathetic. I took their picture with the bus.

I have a nice little room in the Casa David. I stayed here once before. Nice people with a clothes line out back. Strange how you change your perspective on the Camino. Gone is the focus on room service, a minibar, turndown service, cable tv, movie channels, elevators, concierge, a bellman, air conditioning, real pillows and so much more. I’m now focused on the availability of a clothes line.

Tomorrow is Day 28. SAN Day. Off to Sarria a distance of 12 or 16 miles … there are two routes. One route is shorter by 4 miles but avoids the steep climb up the Alto Riocabo. I’m going to climb the hill and go 4 miles less.

Good night. Buen Camino.

Miles today: 12.2

Miles to date: 423.1

Steps today : 31,308

Steps to date: 997,398

Flights to date: 810

Total donations to date: $34,950.40