In Belorado

So yesterday after I left you I went to the cathedral to see the chickens. The cockerel didn´t crow unfortunately but the ones at the albergue I was staying at did many times as I was washing my clothes, so no worries. We had a nice pilgrims menu of meat and chips again and spaghetti. I virtually swallowed mine whole. I then wrote some postcards and got an early night, I woke up feeling very refreshed and full of energy.

I caught Nadia up who was feeling less enthusiastic and we walked together again. She said there is a German saying "You have bumble bees in your butt" which described my energetic and fidgity mood. We walked quite fast and covered a lot of ground early. We stopped for a coffee and then continued, stoping 4.9km from Belorado for a sandwich. I had only had a bag of dorritos for breakfast (I had been craving them) so this was my breakfast, I ate half and saved the rest to eat soon. I ordered all in Spanish, asking for a ham and cheese sandwich. I was proud. We walked the rest of the way with no real problems. Nadia was saying that we are like an old married couple that sit silently together as they run out of things to say, but we seem to be doing ok so far. We always have something to talk about, me mostly speaking rubbish. Her husband was asking about me, possibly being slightly worried she said. I told her jsut to say how old I was and that I am an idiot and he wont worry any longer. I think it did the job.

So today was a 14.2mile walk that was pretty easy. I was full of energy and well rested. Tomorrow is 15.1miles to St. Juan de Ortega which has a population of 20, apparently a nice place to stay and reflect away from some of these busier places. It looks like a harder walk with a few peaks and troughs. I plan to get an even earlier night tonight, my eye shades and ear plugs really do the job. So far I have walked 148miles, that is pretty crazy, only 342miles left. It really is beginning to fly by now, I am used to the distances a little more and the routine of washing myself and my clothes. The albergue yesterday was fantastic, really really big and had great facilities. We sat for ages on some really comfortable leather sofa and I fell asleep. This places is smaller and a bit more basic but it is a bed for the night which you have to be grateful for.

Thinking about the coast to coast walk or Pennine way in England when I return. Depending on if I am taken back at my old job for Christmas, we shall see. Would be nice to keep this level of walking ability and utilise it to do some walks in England. Heavier pack though due to a tent and cooking equipment.

So that is it really. I am off to eat my Bocadillo con Jamon e (?) queso (sp). Though I need to stop feeding the cats I find along the way. Tried to talk one into following me to Santiago but once the ham had ran out it wasn´t interested anymore, I felt so used.