Today it overwhelms me. The beauty, breathing in the fresh air, the pleasure of movement, watching the grapes go by and eating them when I want. I ask myself if it could get any better than this, and tears of happiness burst out. The only thing I want would be to take you with me. But you are there, and I am here, so I take you along with these words and pictures.

Pilgrim momentos.

Griboulli and I take a break in the remains of the Hospital St Juan de Arc, circa 1185.

Hey, a beehive hut! I saw these first in Ireland. Maybe it’s an old pilgrim shelter…

Pilgrims have colored these faces on the rocks inside. I am enchanted.

Face

Face

Face

Face

Previous pilgrims have left their momentos. I place a pebble at the base, it seems like the thing to do.

There are some good climbs, made harder by riding in dirt.

I love riding into towns.

Street scene in Santo Domingo de Calzada. There was what looked like a medieval fair happening. My hostel is in the upper attics of the church on the left. It costs a 5 euro donation to spend the night, get a hot shower, and use the kitchen.

There is a warm friendship and acceptance here. We learn where everyone is from and how far they are walking. People give me advice about where to go. I get a sideways compliment: “When I get old, I want to be like you.”

My 10 euro “plate of the day” dinner. I did a little better tonight, the wine was fun and there was even a pineapple slice for desert.

Thanks for riding along!