42k from Burgos to Castrojeriz today. Needless to say, Paul and I have been complete wastes of human beings ever since we arrived at the albergue at around 5pm. I love a good physical challenge; it brings me back to my cross country and track days. Mind over matter, always.
A fairly easy day into the beautiful city of Burgos. I probably looked like such an idiot this morning, because I was literally smiling to myself the entire 7k into the first town. I couldn’t help it. Everything felt so perfect. The sun was rising against a cloudy sky, I could see miles and miles of rolling hills and mountains and villages from all angles and I had kickass music blasting through my headphones. The wind was blowing like crazy, and I just put my arms out and let it carry me down all the hills. I was probably having a little too much fun. It’s days like this where I literally couldn’t be happier than where I am right now.
Today was one of those days where I kept forgetting I was in a different country. Walking through the woods made me feel like I was back in Washington; the familiarity was kind of nice. The wind was blowing approximately 10,000mph and it was pretty grey out, but we managed to have another day with no rain. 30k in the books, meaning that tomorrow is only a 20k to Burgos. Now to sit in front of the fireplace for the next 5 hours until bedtime. Hostel life really isn’t so bad!
Knee is getting a bit better and Paul and I managed to beat the rain. Currently sitting in front of a fireplace after taking a hot shower and eating an embarrassing amount of bread…this is my idea of heaven.
Still pretty bummed that I couldn’t walk much today, but I’m thankful that Paul is a sweetheart and stayed back in Santo Domingo with me. Having company makes such a difference. Earlier today Tracie called my knee a “blood baby” because it’s so swollen, so here’s hoping that the rest day will help. At least this is a cute little town. Cheers!
A beautiful walk and good company.
Sunny sky, rainy day.
I felt like I was walking back home in Nebraska today (except for the mountains in the background). It was a weird mix of nostalgia and bittersweetness. Never thought I would actually miss a place that I once hated so much.
The walk was decently short today, about 21k, which was a nice break on the legs. I feel pretty strong, but I’m also really, really sore. I’m starting to fall into the routine of this whole thing; wake up early, walk all day and then do laundry/eat/hang out at the albergue until bedtime. It’s weird to be so free yet still so stuck in a routine. I am quickly losing my sense of adventure and curiously, which makes me really sad. I just feel tired.
Nothin’ like getting to the albergue, meaning to go out and explore the town and then falling asleep on a bench in the middle of the park. At least I got a tan. Also, sorry that I suck at this whole blog thing. I promise I’ll have some more updates later. And pictures!!
Funny how plans and mindsets change so abruptly. I was so adamant on doing this alone. But sitting in the kitchen at the hostel in Pamplona, watching my fellow friends (classmates) cook and drink wine and laugh together just made everything feel alright in the world. I truly don’t believe that people are meant to be alone. There are times for it, of course, but in general company and friends is so, so important. Why is there such a stigma around reflection only being possicle in the midst of isolation? Why can’t you learn about yourself and the world through others? Honestly, at the end of the day, relationships are really all that matters. They make you feel whole. This trip has taken a wonderful turn.