Oct 10
Happy Birthday to Ben!!! We are so happy that we can share his day with him on the Camino in Spain.
We have passed more churches than we can count. Many have elaborate retablos (statues and art on the wall behind the altar). Today along the Camino path were several churches with much simpler sanctuaries. One in particular looked like the local congregation was doing their best to keep the faith alive despite shrinking numbers as people move away from their rural area. A sad story familiar to many small-town residents in Iowa and other states.
We had expected the 12-mile hike today to be easy, but the many steep up-and-downs worked our legs more than we had expected. As those familiar with mountain hiking know, downhills are especially hard on the knees… and at one point I slipped and took a tumble. Thankfully, the oak leaf carpet (and my backpack) cushioned my fall, and I was none the worse, although Jane was behind me and got a fright.
We are SO thankful that we have kept healthy this long hike- no flu, no stomach problems, only a few blisters which have now basically healed.
And free apples falling from trees along the path!!! As well as interesting livestock!
