I spoke with my sister Linda this afternoon. Among other things, we talked about the weather (we Smiths are famous conversationalists) and she informed me that Chicago has had horrible weather lately with only 2 days in April with temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit…even for Chicago, unusually cool. (For our friends in Europe and Asia, that is only 10 degrees Celsius. For our friends from the UK…it’s T-shirt time!) Therefore, I hesitated to share today’s photos from our spectacular weather day here in northeast Spain. Mind you..the hesitation was for milliseconds…but I felt it deeply as I was applying more sunscreen.
We walked about 22 kilometers/14 miles today through hillside forests, hill-top villages and gorgeous countryside. The temperature topped off at 68 F / 20 C, but the sun made it feel warmer. Within the span of 6 days, we have moved from full rain suits, sweaters and gloves to t-shirts and shorts.
Highlights of today were the following…
For Dave – the “wine fountain” at Bodegas Irache (next to the old Benedictine Monastery of Irache). There are ancient water fountains for pilgrims to be found at many locations along The Way, but only one wine fountain. We arrived at the wine fountain at 9:30am…so draining a glass of “tinto” (red wine) at that early hour seemed “unseemly”. So we “advertently” forwent consumption of any libation…but enjoyed the concept.
For Sarah – the “laundry service” provided by Joseph the elderly proprietor of the small inn where we arrived this afternoon. (Sarah and I have differing “highlight” tastes on the Camino). After 3 days of late-night hand-washing of clothes in sinks in other locations, getting a load of laundry done for 1 euro made her very happy indeed.
Tomorrow will be our final day walking in the Basque Country. Based on some questions we’ve received from readers, we will try to capture some of our key learnings about this lovely region in tomorrow’s post.
Hasta manana. (Need to learn how to find a “tilde” on my keyboard.)
I LOVE the Basque Country already. Need to goooo!!!!
As I’m reading your blog on the south Florida Beach with my biggest concern being ‘what sunscreen do I use’ the marathon and 500 mile hike are making me feel real guilty…..naaah. You’ve inspired me; last night I wore argyle socks to dinner and after my 3rd margarita the waitress said, “you’re a brave heart.” Exactly!
Folks, Gary Fair is in the house. Gary and I worked together in the 90s at J&J…and at various times over the last 25 years. His comment reflects his superior comedic sensibility.
But seriously — and I promise to be serious for ONLY a moment — Michelle and I are enjoying your blog Angela traveling along with you. A 500 mike walk is impressive, but one with such historical and religious:/semi-religious overtures makes it more endearing. No one will ever confuse me with being saintly (can’t even stay serious for a full moment), but the world would certainly be better off if everyone were to take such a spiritual trip.
Thanks, Gary. We are taking time every day for just that purpose. Doing our best. On much lower plane…putting in a small prayer for UM over ND when the rivalry re-starts September 1.