A Gudina to Campobecerros
Distance: 12 miles / 20 kmJust under six hours in crossing the Sierra Seca.
Total: 48 miles
Meeting lots of friendly pilgrims but everyone is on a different schedule so we share a meal and then follow our own paths.
Notable memories
A chance to help
I was walking through this de-populated town when an old man pulled up in a car, stopped and asked me if I had seen an old woman walking down this empty country road.
I answered that I had not seen the woman. He explained again that she was not well in the head and that he was looking for her. I said I could not help as I had not seen her. He pulled away to continue his search.
Shortly after that, as I exited this ghost town, an old lady wearing a jacket appeared just to my left coming out of a small gulley. She quite evidently was the lady that the old man was searching for. When I tried to engage in conversation, it was evident she was not in touch with reality.
The only thing I could think to do was call Spanish Emergency Services. The operator was very kind with my less than good Spanish, especially as I was on a part of the Camino where I did not know the town names were not marked so I could not tell her where we were.
The emergency services agent was preparing to call the Guardia Civil when the old man came back. I don't know if it was his wife or his sister or some other family member, but I had found the woman he was looking for.
He thanked me and then they went on their way. It was nice to have the ability to interact with local residents and the emergency services in order to help somebody.
I answered that I had not seen the woman. He explained again that she was not well in the head and that he was looking for her. I said I could not help as I had not seen her. He pulled away to continue his search.
Shortly after that, as I exited this ghost town, an old lady wearing a jacket appeared just to my left coming out of a small gulley. She quite evidently was the lady that the old man was searching for. When I tried to engage in conversation, it was evident she was not in touch with reality.
The only thing I could think to do was call Spanish Emergency Services. The operator was very kind with my less than good Spanish, especially as I was on a part of the Camino where I did not know the town names were not marked so I could not tell her where we were.
The emergency services agent was preparing to call the Guardia Civil when the old man came back. I don't know if it was his wife or his sister or some other family member, but I had found the woman he was looking for.
He thanked me and then they went on their way. It was nice to have the ability to interact with local residents and the emergency services in order to help somebody.
Today's challenges
Soul is good. Body needs adjusting. Actually body is hurting. Lots of sore muscle groups. Trying to cover too much distance before the body is accustomed.
I had considered going 22 miles today, but it just felt like the wrong thing to do. So I cut the day short. This makes tomorrow's shorter hike a rest day. That I will be one day behind schedule does not seem important.
The reason is that there is a tremendous mountain range to climb shortly after the next town. It would have been crazy to hike tomorrow and catch up to schedule and then tackle that mountain range in the middle of the afternoon. I will wait and do it the day after in the morning.
I had considered going 22 miles today, but it just felt like the wrong thing to do. So I cut the day short. This makes tomorrow's shorter hike a rest day. That I will be one day behind schedule does not seem important.
The reason is that there is a tremendous mountain range to climb shortly after the next town. It would have been crazy to hike tomorrow and catch up to schedule and then tackle that mountain range in the middle of the afternoon. I will wait and do it the day after in the morning.
Rafael, Juajo and I bonding before heading out for today's Camino. The three of us checked out one of A Gudina's finer eating establishments last night.
Embalse ( reservoir ) As Portas in the Sierra Seca
Franz and Bernadette ( Netherlands ) - Had a great time with lots of laughs, some serious discussions and great life stories. Bernadette had a toothbrush in her mouth when I asked for the selfie. It was agreed that we would wait.
No comments:
Post a Comment