Another two dozen kilometer day! Today, we were treated to John William’s Imperial March from Star Wars as we left Lugo, thanks to a fellow peregrino’s cellphone playlist. It was the ???? consecutive day starting out in a foggy mist, which gives the landscape a serene emptiness and we feel more apt to speak in hushed tones. As we hike, it’s difficult to determine when to remove the waterproof outer layer as we build up warmth; I usually pull a Clark Kent and unzip my jacket to pull it open in the front (and sometimes with gusto – it makes me feel super).

On our tenth day of hiking, it’s easy to see that a sort of loose bond has former among all the Primitivo hikers. You wave and greet one another when you see each other from across the street on the evening excursions to town; if not sure you’ve seen someone before, choice of footwear and pants is usually a clue, as is the telltale waddle of multi-kilometer beaten feet. I’m a little sad when a familiar face doesn’t show up at our albergue, but the thought that I could see them next in heaven is pretty cool… I imagine something along the lines of, “Camino?”, “Buen Camino!!”. There is a clear camaraderie that is developed through shared misery. 🙂

My feet continue to ache, generally more with pavement. My chosen insoles’ support appears to have reached its lifespan. However, another adjustment of lacing near the toes caused an immediate lift in Jessica’s spirits. We’ll see how it holds up!

Walking among corn fields and past manure sprayers, and being nearly run off the road by large John Deere machinery is reminiscent of home. So is dodging the thousands of acorns aiming for my head; so far, no knocks on the noggin!

Finally, our digs for the night: S-W-A-N-K-Y. We found a private albergue for a bit more money (about $12.50) and received free shampoo, cloth sheets (instead of paper), and cotton towels!! What luxury! Plus, soap supplied at the laundry sink. Now, I await my laundry drying while asking in the evening sunshine.

A good day. 🙂

Just 75 km more to Santiago!