“When I was young and had nothing, I wanted to be rich and famous and now I am. So I’m not going to complain about anything.” – Dolly Parton
Never underestimate what a shade tree and cool breeze can do for your spirits. Today was another tough day but not as bad as yesterday. No meltdowns because I kept thinking about the above quote from Dolly. I signed up for this hike, it’s what I wanted to do, so instead of complaining, I focused on being grateful all day long…even during the really difficult and painful parts.
My mantra was:
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I am grateful
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I am grateful for the cool breeze
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I am grateful for the shade trees
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I am grateful for a healthy body
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I am grateful for every step
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I am grateful for the opportunity
I just kept saying it over and over. It helped get my booty up and over the hills.
We had another huge storm last night so the path was muddy in parts and even closed in two spots. Today there was another huge mountain to climb but even though the weather was warmer, there was a really nice breeze because we are closer to the water. We’ve made it to Bilbao. It’s a beautiful city with so much to do but sadly I won’t see most of it on this trip. My legs are shot so I’m going to save my steps. We did go to the old historic part of the city. It was beautiful. I really want to see the Guggenheim but I’ll add that to my list for my next visit.
We had a lovely breakfast with our little Camino family this morning. We are enjoying each other’s company and really look out for one another. Most of us are staying in the same hostel again tonight. And we’ve already planned where to stay for tomorrow. I’m going to miss these guys. Most of them are leaving this week to go back home.
We’ve walked 151.5k (94.1 miles)…barely a dent. Well Stephen has walked more because he started in Bayonne, France (3 extra days). Since we had to take two different routes today because of the closures and they were longer, the calculations are probably off. Oh well. I don’t really care. I’m not really focused on the distance so much this Camino. We will get to Santiago eventually.
We walked by a lumber yard and the smell reminded me so much of my childhood. My grandparents started a lumber yard and my parents bought it from them when they retired. I grew up around the business and have fond memories of my time there.
I saw the biggest most beautiful basket of bread today. It was like pieces of art.
Gasoline cost 1.87€ a liter = 8.40€ a gallon. $8.75 USD a gallon. No wonder they walk everywhere.
We walked with a bunch of people headed to a footie (soccer) game. It was kind of funny…two pilgrims in the mix of a bunch of soccer fans. I think the home team is called Athletic Club Bilbao. Everyone was wearing red and white. The venue looked cool from a distance.
I’m mastering the art of the 10-15 minute break. I can really relax wherever I stop now. That’s a new thing for me on the Camino.
We saw Sam again from Rochester, NY and learned a little more about his story.
The Camino is a bit like leap frog. You never know who you’re going to run into. Just when you think someone is far ahead of you, they walk up behind you.
Stephen and I both ran out of water today about 3/4 of the way up the mountain. Thankfully there was a park at the top with a fountain. The Camino always provides.
We had the most amazing meal tonight. I had grilled baby squid with chili strings and onion confit. The others had cod, muscles, seafood medley with veggies and paella with squid and prawns. We finished the evening off with some gelato…me: dolce de leche…and a short (very short) walk along the river before grabbing a taxi back to the hostel.
Quote of the day: I’ll keep it clean for the kids. Stephen, “I think the Pilgrim invented the “F” word. There is no way another human being invented that word. It could have only been invented by a Pilgrim.” As we sat roadside on a drainage grate exhausted from climbing a hill.
Highlight of the day: we stopped at the first bar (restaurant) we saw when we arrived in Bilbao and had a shandy and some olives. So refreshing. And the other patrons were so excited to see us and ask us about our journey.
Bonus highlight: Some random lady yelled “Buen Camino” from her car as she drove by us. I love how much the locals support and encourage the pilgrims.
I’m headed to bed. I’ve only been sleeping about 3-5 hours a night and it’s catching up with me.
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Eskerica – Bilbao – 21.2km
Goodnight and much love from Spain.
