28.8kms But On My Terms: No More Group Plans

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I never knew opening an envelope could be so liberating.

During the night I came to a decision that my Camino was becoming a bit of a group venture. It started out as a private enterprise but I’ve let it slip.

The village I was in was terrible and not worth a look around, and now I was booking a bag through, booking an albergue, and therefore making a commitment that I hadn’t been so keen on.

I canceled the albergue at 5am, and after preparing 2 backpacks last night, one to send on, one to carry, I combined both and opened the forwarding envelope.

It felt very empowering to take the €5 and put it back in my wallet.

My group, who are all very nice people, left before breakfast, and I stayed on to eat.

I left shortly afterwards, and even though I still walked to Belorado, I walked most of it alone, some of it with them, and am staying in a different albergue.

Actually, the one I canceled is at the start of town as you walk in, and does not appeal to me. I remember it from previous walks and never liked the look of it.

I’m at the one I have stayed at before, have exactly the same bed as 2016 ( great), and just enjoyed a nice meal with a man from Korea, a lady from Colorado, and an Irishman. Sounds like the start of a joke, doesn’t it.

The walk today started with field mice crisscrossing my path , in the beam of the headlamp, continued through villages with no sign of life except doves cooing, and wound up walking in blistering heat with sweaty hands controlling the poles as I set a moderate pace to Belorado.

I’m now on track to walk my camino, my way.

Tomorrow is another 28km day but I’m booked in for 2nights in Burgos the day after so I’ll get some well deserved privacy and rest.

On a sad note, Sue informed me that a friend passed away the night before. He had been ill but it is still a shock and too sad. The walk to San Domingo was pretty tearful this morning, as I thought of his strength and resolve, and the loving care and loss to his loved ones. It helped me to put many aspects of life into perspective and I am so lucky with my life. I hope to appreciate what I have more and take less things for granted.

I’m using this Camino as a mental detox of sorts and the process continues.

Vale R.S.

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Photos

Entering San Domingode la Calzada
6kms down and too early for the shops to be open

When Big Is Big
The walkers next to it give it perspective

Sad Sunflowers
My day was looking better than theirs.

A Cafe With My New Mantra
Love walking with people, but alone is good too. I’m doing my own thing.

A Common Camino Views
The next village to pass through.

A Cool Bar At Viloria de la Rioja
Donation only for a coffee and cookie. After a quick sock change, 2nd for the day, I was set to make Belorado.

Famous Feet
Miguel Induraín and Steve Sherry

Belorado is Coated In Great Street Art
This is an example near our albergue

Storks Nests On The Church Roof, Belorado
The Medieval Ruin Of The Castle is in the background

Washing Day Every Day At The Albergue
Mine isthere amongst the vast array of walking apparel and underwear

Comments

[Christine Braden]

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