Destination - Riego de Ambrios
Distance - 22 km
Hours of walking - 7:30 - 3:00
Terrain - a nice climb up, a rocky steep clim down
Weather - rain until we were soaked to the bones and then wind to dry us out
Nature - pine trees
Misadventure - Good to go!
The weather man was wrong. We had anticipated a little rain, but nothing like what we had today. We were lucky that we had purchased gloves the day before because they came in handy.
If you have been following the blog from the beginning, you will remember a day that we gathered our rocks to come to Spain. I picked rocks for Wendy in Carlye and Kenosee and I got a rock from the farm with my mom and one from Fletwood Church, where my grandparents and great-grandparents are resting. This was the day we reached the cross at Cruz de Ferro. Pilgrims have been bringing their rocks, and their burdens and leaving them behind for 2,000 years. It is an important part of the Camino. Unfortunately, the sky opened up with rain, so it was hard to get good photos at the top of the mountain.
Our hike was gentle up, however a steep rocky trip down. We opted to stop a little earlier than planned, and that was a great thing!! We found a lovely Casa Rural (similar to a B&B in Canada) and that was an amazing gift. It was run by an amazing couple that welcomed us. The rooms were a treat.
When we arrived, we found out that Louis was a yoga instructor. He invites us to join them at his practice that evening. Initially we all declined, but after thinking about it for awhile, I said I would like to go. I have turned down some opportunities along the Camino, and didn't want this to be something I regretted not trying.
I joined them in the travel to Pondeferra, a 20 minute car ride (which took us over 2 hours to walk the next day). Louis and Philipa pointed out the sites to me. They live in Pondeferra in the winter and showed me their beautiful home there. Then we arrived at the 'multi-purpose' centre for yoga. It was 'hot' yoga, which I was was not used to and instructed all in Spanish. So lots of the time I was lost, but I had a wonderful, refreshing stretch and worked some muscles not involved in carrying a back pack! In the next room, there was a choir practicing and this provided an amazing back ground for the practice. I think it was the first yoga night for a session, as Louis had everyone introduce themselves. He introduced me as their guest from Canada walking the Camino. Everyone came up to me with a warm welcome, in typical Spanish fashion with a big hug and kisses. It was an amazing evening - one I will not ever forget. The warmth and welcoming we receive from the Spanish people as pilgrims is so amazing. We are privileged.
Cheer of the day from Wendy - love finding a relaxing and amazing place to stay with a soft big bed!
Raining just like home for Dee :-) Thinking of you all and enjoying the read.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy, Dee & Brenda – We have been following you! Before Wendy left, I promised her I’d be walking with her when she was on her journey. I started a walking group which consists of Nell L, Laura S, Brenda N, Kelly M and I. We are calling ourselves the “Sole Sisters” and our theme is “One Way – Two Paths”. We have been walking with you since you left on Sept 9! (Part 1)
ReplyDeleteWe are all wearing our Fitbits to track our distance. Our initial goal was to walk a combined total of 1000 km which would be from Estevan to just past Calgary and would be close to the distance you are walking. We are doing so great that our combined total is now 907 km as of Oct 7. We have reached the outskirts of Calgary and have now revised our goal! We will walk the distance from Estevan to Vancouver which is 1900 km. I know we can do it! (Part 2)
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