Day 22 - Faster, Stronger, Smarter?

Destination - Villar de Mazerife

Distance - 24 km

Hours of walking - 7:30 - 12:45

Terrain - good old prairie walking

Weather - it was so cold this morning 4 degrees. Then warm and sunny

Nature - prairie landscape 

Misadventure - Dee's cot has a mis-fire at 5:20am

After a day and half of rest, it felt good to be back on the trail. Too much time in the city would have turned us into ladies of leisure! We start on the second half of our journey and we hope that the lessons we have learned in the first prt will serve us in the second. We are stronger. We know there will be challenges ahead but we hope to hit them smarter .. And lighter - pretty sure we have got rid of everything out of our pack we do not need. 

So... It was up and out. Wendy and I are concentrating on short even steps to mend our injuries and we have promised our physio to drink 4 litres of water a day. That means a shorter day, with more rest, restroom and stretching breaks!

Follow the arrow

Even though it was SO COLD in the morning, we quickly pulled off our layers as we are still in the desert. How we love the Mesta!

Prairie landscape 

We had a great walk, even though at times it was painful. We concentrate on each step. It reminds us not to take anything for granted. We are fortunate that our bodies have allowed us to get this far. Many have not. Each challenge gives us new opportunities for growth. 

We were welcomed to our home for the night by a beautiful mosaic and gate. Signs of the Camino are everywhere. 

Made with mosiac tiles 

Shadows of the Camino

We found a bed in an Alburgue and explored the town. As with most towns, there is an interesting church. 

Palm trees by the church 

Storks nests built on top of the church. We didn't want to sit there long in case a stork dropped a baby by mistake

We continue to be surrounded by interesting people. We were once again reunited with our friend Ken. We met a new friend and roommate in John. We also met Father Tom, whom is from Atlanta and on sebatical. He walks the Camino in his sacred cloak and performed the mass at the church tonight. He is a warm man with a great sense of humour. We ended dinner tonight with Father Tom and Ken leading the restaurant in 'always look on the bright side of life...' from Monty Python. Only on the Camino it seems. 

Cheer of the day from Wendy - so happy to be back in the trail and walking again!