Len shaves his beard off and Dick hits 100 K!
Trip Start
Apr 27, 2008
1
8
27
Trip End
Jun 05, 2008
Vega del Valcarce,
Spain
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Hi family and friends!
Today was a fabulous day--I got back on the trail with the guys; Dick hit 100 km. and Len shaved off his beard for the first time in decades! His children back home are still in shock!
Today we walked through countryside, mountains and a stream running all along the trail from Villafranca to our destination, Vega de Valcarce. We see wildflowers all along the trail such as ajuga, vinca, primrose, rose of Sharon, Scotch broom, candytuft, violets, and many more that have been domesticated around the world, hear crickets and walk just 15 kms. to our destination. I walk quickly (although Len and Dick don´t set a fast pace, honestly) except when I stop to shoot photos. My subjects are predictable--old buildings, old people, (young and) old dogs, old churches (I obviously like old!), chapels, farm animals, important sights, etc. I promise to post a few when we return to Portland.
Today we stay at a Brazilian albergue, run by, yes, Brazilians! They are a great couple who run a tight ship and, of course, work very hard from early morning to late in the evening. We are back to bunk beds, maybe 100 people in a large room; communal everything; dinner and breakfast included and nice bar (bonus). At dinner we eat with French (they are very patient with my rusty French); Australians (two men who are here on a dare from a freind); many Germans (more Germans are on the trail than any other nationality); a Swedish woman, and us. It was a lively and fun evening. Everyone has their own reason for walking the Camino, their own goal, their own story. And we find that the Camino is very ephemeral--pilgrims come into and out of our lives, some often, some rarely. We all set our own pace. Oh, a note about the Germans. Sadly, Len has seen many signs along the trail: "Germans, go home," in English. Not sure who is writing these, or why. After all, Franco was allied with the Germans during the Civil War in the 1930´s.
We hope this finds you all well. Much love, ciao, Dick and Sue
Comments
Hello sue!
It's a good thing the whole headline of your most recent entry didn't get cut off --imagine if the last 3 words were cut off. (share this thought with care --or keep it between us girls)
It certainly sounds as though you're have the time of your life. I'm so glad that you're healthy --such a disappointment to get sick when you're on a trip. I bet you're glad yiou trip is longer than 10 days --it give you time to forget the beginning set back.
The trail sounds beautiful --It is probably a lot like the geology we saw in the low Pyranees a 3 summers ago. I do love Spain. And the Germans ARE everywhere (in the nicest possible way). I remember staying in hostles when I was young and recall the joy and ephemeral nature of meeting new people --I still recall some of the people I met --they are imbedded in my memories.
Have fun and don't break a leg. Hi to Dick... Love jeannie