Day 16 To Hontanas

Day 16 Sept 24 Destination = Hontanas / 476 km to go Looks like rain, still better than the erupting volcano on Las Palmas! Met Angelo along the way who started out walking from his home will end up in Santiago on his birthday October 15 for his fifth Camino. Turns 71.

When I finally arrived at my hostel I was so tired I simply sat down (soaking wet) at the bar and had a glass of medicinal vino tinto and chatted with Anita who just rolled in as well. Anita on a shorter Camino doing number five at age 80 ending two weeks of walking with a couple of weeks volunteering in a favorite hostel. I asked her why - her response was “it is kind of in my blood”. She says at her age she likes to walk a few weeks and then volunteer as a hostelero. What a great retirement annual event to look forward to! Very cool. Today it did rain - a lot

“Walking is good for solving problems – it’s like the feet are little psychiatrists.”
– Pepper Giardino

Big Sky Country of Espana. Mentally tedious, alone, but pleasantly contemplative

Yes, I walked into this storm. Thank you Fred Rogers for the song I could not get out of my head “it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood “. Tape played over and over for one hour. Shoes will still be soaking wet and full of mud tomorrow when I put them on ( 3 days to dry out). The oft “how much longer” “how much further” daily afternoon thoughts are beginning to dissipate… I no longer care as I know I’ll eventually get to where I need to be

Angelos’ gift to himself is Camino number five where he ends up in Santiago on his 71st birthday. I think he said he started from his front door- I think he said he’s from Valencia where he started his Camino (see map #1).