Month July 2020

Amy was right. The host, Lalo, is very helpful. He jumps right into action to help me get rid of bed bugs. We lay out all my clothes on the brick wall outside the office and spray them with a…

The scenery has changed now. The road is often covered by shade trees, and cool breezes occasionally blow. Not always, but often enough to feel encouraged. After another night, I realize I haven’t gotten rid of bed bugs. I have…

I arrive at my next stop and spend the afternoon at the laundromat, trying to get rid of bed bugs. Yes, bed bugs! Then while laying on my bed at the hostel, Patrick, a solo traveler from the UK, comes…

The descent from El Acebo is the scariest, the most difficult, I’ve ever encountered. It’s very steep, over loose stone in some places. Every muscle in my body is being called into play. If I could turn around and go…

              Amy and I walk to the Cruz de Ferro (Iron Cross) together. It’s a tall wooden pole topped by an iron cross. Pilgrims usually bring a stone from home to leave there to…

I pay extra for a private room tonight, rather than share the dormitory setting with fellow pilgrims. I rationalize the room is worth the extra cost because I will likely be crying tonight in anticipation of tomorrow. That’s when I’ll…

I get off the bus in Astorga and see that it has some structures designed by the Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi whose work I adore.  The Episcopal Palace of Astorga was built in the late 1800s. This building is like…

“Keep walking and your heart will catch up.” That’s the advice I gave to someone this week and take it for myself now. Except today that means not walking, but taking the bus again. I’m running out of time and…

My comfy private room is so nice. The bed is comfortable and an open window lets in a cool breeze across my bed. My blister has healed and I feel good. I decide to take another day and stay here…

After a 9.5 mile hike in the sun with little shade, I get to Belorado and take a private room at a Casa Rural. When I can finally handle walking again, I go to the town square and here comes…