Day 9

I can't believe it has been nine days. Today seems to be my brick wall. Its been mostly rainy, dreary and cold. My tendons are a bit better but still painful. Since we stopped early I'm nearly three days behind getting to Santiago on time. I knew this might happen and have already planned to either double up on miles a few times or take a bus in certain places. Its very disheartening to me today to think that it will have to be the bus unless my tendons heal really fast. I'm grumpy and have that "wanna go home" feeling. Tomorrow Marion is leaving us to go back to Germany and then to her job in South Africa.

This morning was so hard to get on the road and walk. And continue to walk. I put my earphones in and turned on some praise music and it helped so much. It took me outside of myself until the sun came out. God is good.

We walked about 22k today and landed in a small town, Azofra. The albergue here is big and there is no heat in the rooms. When it stops raining again well try to head out for tonights pilgrims meal at one of the local restaurants.

About albergues: each one is so different. Most have bunk beds. Some have all in one room, and some have 2-4-6 beds in a room. Some have kitchens but if they do there is usually nothing to cook with. All have showers and they are usually nice. Most have WiFi (not this one) and offer some kind of laundry for a few euros But even if you use it you probably still have to hang them out. Albergues are a crap shoot. I prefer smaller private or parish ones to the large dorm-style municipal.

Thank you to everyone for your prayers and encouraging messages. I don't get a chance to answer them but I do read them all and feel your love and prayers. You are all special to me. Your messages keep me going when it gets tough.

Blessings from the Camino

P.s. also a picture of the pick-us-up dessert tonight. Flan!