I am sorry. While I liked, and took pride in, last year’s blog, by comparison so far this blog isn’t cutting it. A number of factors are contributing my disappointing performance. First, I’m sick and just holding on. Second, the route is desolate, many days there are no towns between the start and finish so no little churches, no cafes, no ancient hamlets, no piles of remembrance. Third, very few Pilgrims so I am missing the communal flow. Fourth, this is the second time around so less awe. Fifth, the lack of spiritual presence- just not feeling it- that’s my fault. Sixth (and the reasons are not in order of significance) I do not have Carla physically with me, though she’s with me in spirit as are all of you. All of this after just 3 days 43 miles of walking. Well I have 582 miles to squeeze out what the Via de la Plata has to offer. I hope things change soon.

This morning I left before sunrise as it was a long one. A symphony of birds greeted me with the mourning doves in the lead. When I hit a quiet stretch, the only sound was the earth crunching under my feet. Then some cuckoo birds made themselves known. In light of the above enumerated factors the atmosphere was merely survival, not spiritual. The food has been tough to put down. I don’t dine, I ingest calories. There were some beautiful sections and I was able to spend quiet time in verdant settings. I walked through an expanse of cork trees. I saw many beautiful flowers. It took me 6 hours and 4 liters of water to finish today’s walk. Tomorrow is easier. Yada yada, yada

My hotel predawn

Who’s that stud?

Those are cork trees in a background

A beautiful spot where I took my second rest of the day- sights and sounds were indeed restorative

Entrance to town after an insanely steep climb