Today, Saturday, Aug. 20 was Day 6 of walking, and we’ve covered more than 100K to date. Today’s “mileage” was 22K to our lodging. We knew it would be a tough one because of anticipated heat (93 degrees at the end of the trail), and the last “services” were at 9.5K.
That means no water fountains, no towns, no nada for four hours (or more?). And, did I mention the heat? In preparation, we decided to take the risk of leaving our rain coats, rain pants and backpack covers in the suitcase to make our backpacks lighter.
We filled our “camelback” water pouches to the brim, 2 liters.
Water or Wine?
Look what we found at the Monastery at 3K mark—la Fuente de Vino. The fountain of wine. One tap is water, one is wine. We didn’t bring cups, so we had to improvise.
Until two Italian bicyclists showed up and offered a tin cup.
Yes, it was bueno. Donna and I each took a sip and called it Camino communion.
(It has taken me more than two hours to create the above post. It’s getting close to bedtime, so I’m going to try and post the picture (I have a great video that I may put on Facebook) that captures the dramatic, albeit somewhat desolate scenery.
And we realized how precious our Camelback water reservoirs were when we stepped to the side of trail for a passing car.
“It’s the police!” I said. “What in the world are they doing out here?”
The car with two uniformed officers stopped beside us, rolled down the window and asked, “Esta bein? You OK?”
I answered yes in Spanish and the officer driving knew enough English to communicate that they were patrolling the Camino with the sole purpose of helping peregrinos (Pilgrims walking the Camino). He asked if we had enough water, we said we did by wiggling the spigot of our water bladders.
Then he told us that there are no water fountains in Los Arcos, which was our destination. And nothing between us and Los Arcos.
OK, we’re OK.
“If you need help, you call 062,” he said as he pointed to the outside of the driver’s side of the vehicle. “We here for peregrinos.”
When we truly looked at the vehicle and read what was on the side, we got so excited and touched by the focus of these men and their mission.
”Can we take a picture?” I asked in Spanish.
“Si, si,” he said, and took my phone from me.
And then Donna said, “We want YOU in the picture!”
Kojak of the Camino!
We ended the day in good spirits. That’s a win, trust me. The last 2 or 3K is when the mental game comes into play. Horse-to-Barn mode is not the best, but Grumpy Town is worse. Today was “Hot and Bothered, but Proud and Powerful.”
So amazing! Glad to hear that you have someone that knows you guys are there walking the Camino and pass by to check to see if you need anything, especially water!! Enjoy your updates and pictures. Stay safe. 😊
I’m so proud of you two. What are you doing is amazing!
I love the vino along the way.
Very impressive & humbling!! Scenery & heat remind me of Chico!! And there is no way I would do that kind of trek here! ( the vino may be a tiny bit enticing!) My prayers & thoughts are with you & Donna❤️
Love these posts, love “Proud and Powerful”. Keep rocking The Camino!
Beautiful day! I’m going to petition El Dorado park Nature center to put in the wine/water fountain! God bless you both, buen camino!
Happy to hear you are being watched over…..by God and humans!
These pictures really show how the heat plays a big part in how difficult the walk is on some days. Yesterday was so beautiful, not that today was ugly, but weather conditions certainly affects your attitude. Donna, I miss your accommodation and window photos. Please take care of yourselves.
Love Mom
I am so envious wish I had done something like this
How incredible is that? So awesome!!! Not just that they’re there but now you know they there… a little back up never hurts, mentally and physically.
Thank you, thank you for sharing your journey & photos❤️❤️❤️
So impressed by you ladies⭐️⭐️⭐️
Donna
Wow. What a grind. Keep it up. Enjoying the commentary andphotos.
I have a question , Terri ! Do you do this every year. Please explain !
Candy, Donna and I walked the Portuguese coastal route to Santiago six years ago which was about 200 miles. Three years ago we walked what is called the French way, but started in Burgos. That was 300 miles. We didn’t want to hike over the Pyrenees. And then we got to missing the Camino during Covid, and this time we are doing the whole 500 miles including the Pyrenees. Long way of saying, no way do we do this every year or plan to!
Wonderful story.
Good job ladies!