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July 2nd - Castaneda to Salceda
I get up at 7 am pack up and head down to the bar - have breakfast with the two American sister- in-laws - a cclg and huge chocolate croissant - very tasty.
I walk slowly today - my feet are starting to act up again. The walking weather is perfect - cool, sunny with a nice breeze. We walk today on natural pathways - what else - with nice shade much of which is provided by groves of eucalyptus - their tell-tale acorn like seeds all over the path - their smell permeates the air. There are also periodic steep climbs with three shallow river valleys in between - more cardio and foot work.
I stop at a few bars along the way and eat a nectarine and two apples and the mandatory cclg(s).
After about 18km my feet give out and I take a room in a hostel Albergue. The room is nice - I order a Spanish omelette and get two eggs instead and tomatoes and bread - my Spanish is not good. The eggs are very good and I
head back to my room to tend to my feet. Three new blisters - one on my left heel - they're the worst. I suture them and dress them and sleep for three hours.
I get up and walk down the street to a bigger bar and order supper - caldo Gallegos and a glass of vino tinto - I get the soup and a full bottle - just as cheap as a glass. The soup is thick with local spinach, potatoes and white beans - a nice heavy bread to soak it all up. The wine is fair - I only drink one glass - at 3€ a bottle I do not complain.
I head back to my room, catch up on my blog and return some emails. The decision to stay or go home has occupied most of my thoughts on the trail again. I need to make up my mind. I mention this in my email to Danielle today and to Mark and Debbie as well .
Danielle leaves the decision up to me. Mark and Debbie offer their sage advice - I make up my mind and
email my agent to see if it can be accommodated. I hesitate but finally push the send button. I feel instant relief and know I made the right choice - I will sleep well tonight and better tomorrow if my choice can be accommodated.
Piss off of the day - heel blister / decisions - the camino has exacted a toll on me - between the lack of sleep and foot issues I am getting discouraged - I was hoping my feet were on the mend but such is not the case - reality is setting in. - it is hard to stay optimistic. On the other hand kind reader it is at times like these when we are stripped raw that true introspection and self-reflection takes place - I do believe this is a natural result of this arduous walk. It is an unexpected gift that I will not refuse. I will jump into the rabbit hole - I was half expecting it.
Tip of the day - give yourself extra time for a walk like this unless you are sure you can meet your target kms - or even better leave the
return date open
Blessing of the day - a great travel agent - thanks Gord - Malika has been a life saver
Funny event of the day - at the first bar I stopped at there was a line up almost to the road - I got in the line and there was a few chuckles from the Irish ladies in front of me. They finally let on that I was in the line for the women's washroom not the food counter - at least they didn't wait until I got to the bathroom door.
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