My Beautiful Walking Pole

Sometimes you just have to go back...

I think I told you about my walking pole I got on day two. I bought it from the boy at the bottom of the hill on the way to Zubrini. It cost 3 Euro. I thought I would use it until June 23rd and then get rid of it. Then the 79 year old pilgrim from Wales added a string. It's a really funny story that can only be shared over wine and good company.

Well today we set off from Grañon with the intention of walking 27.7 km to Villafranca Montes de Oca. About 1.5 km on I realized I had forgotten my pole. It took about 3 seconds to decide I had to do the three km round trip to get it.  My friend pushed on and we said we would meet at the first Cafe. So I walked back to pick it up and I was so happy when I got it. I just couldn't image not having it. The day before we came across a really scary dog that we thought might get over the fence and my friend was going to fend it off with my pole if necessary.

The funniest part of the return for my pole was I got to witness I runaway donkey. LOL. 

So the donkey is coming towards me on the path. The guy behind is yelling instructions at me (I think it was Spanish/French/Italian all mixed together) to wave my arms and say stop and to stand in front of her. I am a little scared of horses but do my best. She slows down but looks pretty determined to get past me. I moved out of her way and let her pass. Then I hear the fellow say "No Charlotte Stop" but she runs even faster. I apologize for my feeble attempt and keep walking. He eventually got her turned around and it took two of them to get her back on her lead. It was quite fun and another adventure on the Camino. 

It took to 1:00 pm before my friend Eric and I found each other again. We kept saying we would exchange emails and phone numbers so we could stay in touch but in my hast to go back for my pole we just said the next Cafe. When I got there Eric had already moved on. So I pushed on. We don't usually walk together in the mornings. It is our quiet solo reflective time, so I wasn't too concerned. After 15 km and I was having lunch I thought I had better find a way to communicate where we booked to stay and I easily found him through his blog and Google - Eric West Virginia Camino and presto

https://coachingoutofbounds.blogspot.com

So here is Eric's blog. Another perspective of this amazing journey. 

We did catch up after lunch just outside Belorado. I am so grateful to have met Eric. He is a kind, generous, positive, family oriented man who I am so happy to have shared the last few days with. We share similar values and views on life that has made the miles go quickly. 

We will walk tomorrow as close to Burgos as we can manage. It's 38 km to Burgos but we will try to get 30 km in (again). Then the next day we will pick up Martin and George (a friend of Martin's who will spend a week or so with us) and carry on to Hornillos. This may be where Eric carries on to try and meet his Santiago deadline of June 17. A tall order for 469.4 km in 16 days. 

It's been so fun sharing this adventure with you all. I just figured out how to respond to comments. I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has commented. It sure helps for me to know that you are reading and enjoying.

Love 

Lauralee