Vivid Panoramas
Today clearly demonstrated that for every walk down, there are at least two walks up. Both of us are beginning to feel fatigued after another 15 mile walk on uneven terrain. The views along the way and the differences around every corner are incredible.
Spence brought to my attention that I have been using the word vista incorrectly all my life. A vista is a pleasing view most often seen through a long, narrow opening. As opposed to a panorama, which is an unbroken view of the whole region.
The canola fields are in full bloom and the backdrop they provide against other types of crops is breathtaking. The air hangs heavy with the scent of the flowers.
We got off the path a couple of times today but only for a limited amount of time. Sometimes there are guiding arrows everywhere. At other times you have to search and be aware that arrows may be drawn to get you into a restaurant or hostel. Like they said in Star Wars, sometimes, "it's a trap!" Luckily, the local residents are very helpful. Sometimes they engage in conversation and don't want to let you leave. That is part of the charm of this journey.
We always plan to take a break for lunch about halfway through the day's miles. Today that happened on a bridge overlooking a stream where two young French men named Leo and Claymont had decided it was time to take a bath. I asked their permission, after they were clothed, to take their picture. They are doing the Camino at an entirely different level than Spence and myself. I prefer a hot shower where passers by don't get a chance to see the effects of cold water.
It is interesting to pass through the cities and villages. Some have been maintained since the 1700s, while others by the side of the path are allowed to degrade and fall to the ground.
You get the feeling that you're walking a historic route shared by millions, and even though the architecture has changed, many of the day-to-day views are the same as they have been for several hundred years. There are hours of time when we don't see a car. Airplanes flying far overhead almost seem like they are intruding on the experience.
We are settling in this evening for a pilgrim's menu dinner. Both of us are ready for bed at 6:30, but unfortunately, the kitchen does not open until 7:30 p.m. Looks like we will nurse a beer for a while until we can be served. I believe we will both sleep soundly tonight in our small, but efficient, hotel room.