Left, right, left, right, one foot in front of the other, onward we walk to Astorga and Ambros. While walking we walk in sync, although my stride is a bit shorter than Abi’s. We walk in silence. We jibber jabber when one of us has something profound to say. You know, deep thought-provoking ideas, something along the lines of, I wonder what kind of tree that is or those purple and white flowers sure are pretty. There’s a lot of deep thinking between us while walking to Ambros.
Walking to Ambrose
Another gray drizzly day, it works for me. So much better than walking in heat. We know an Aussie couple who are currently walking across the meseta and they are getting pounded by rain and cold each day. You may remember we stopped walking and spent four days in Leon so my feet could heal. Yeah, I have no regrets on that decision, we have enough weather to contend with right here in the moment.
Today was a steady gradual incline and a good long level stretch. Watching the clouds, trying to decide if we should pull out our rain gear, we decided instead to stop at a cafe where we ordered fried eggs with french fries. It was a plate of hot greasy goodness that filled our bellies and warmed our souls.
The Smell of Fresh Rain
As we walked toward Ambros, we walked in a soft rain all afternoon. The smell of the fresh rain and the dramatically different landscape kept our thoughts running deep. I wonder what those yellow flowers are called?
May 3, 2015
Day 22
Today we walked 11 miles
Highest elevation: 3,850′
Spain & Mother Nature
What can I tell you about today? Day 23. If I had been home it would have been a day to curl up with a blanket, a mug of hot chocolate and a good book and/or movie. But we’re not home, we’re doing this crazy-ass thing walking the Camino de Santiago across Spain and today, Spain and Mother Nature pummeled us with everything in their power as we made our way to Ambros.
I’m talking howling wind that whistled through the trees and blew frozen rain pellets into the left side of our faces. It didn’t just rain, it poured, it drizzled, it pelted us for hours upon hours. It was relentless.
The Camino itself was a real test of agility today and many a pilgrim – including us – opted to walk the roadway rather than the trail, as it was a slippery, sloggish, rocky, muddy flooded mess.
The Highest Elevation
As if the storm wasn’t enough, we climbed to the highest elevation on the Camino de Santiago, 5,000′. Abi thought it would be a good idea to shoot a 20-second video at the summit. It makes us laugh every time. I think you had to be there.
A Dirty Trick
If it’s even possible to have a day that is both miserable and stunning, today was it. Because while she was shouting at us with all of her might, Mother Nature gifted us with some of the most spectacular vistas. It was kind of a dirty trick, how can you stay angry with someone who presents you with this…
May 4, 2015
Day 23
Today we walked 14 miles
Highest elevation: 5,000′
You don’t sound too sure but those views are spectacular.
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Ha! Ha! At that moment I wasn’t too sure!
“We are having fun.” You say it with such conviction!!! Stay warm. Are you carrying a flask of whiskey????
Do more video. Loved it.
There’s an idea but with Tequila!
I am so used to your writing voice that I was very surprised with your real voice. I loved the video and the photos. I admire your determination to keep going and hope the weather will be better from now on.
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Tobago – Hello Old Friend!
I know the feeling! I love watching a video of a blogger that I follow and hearing the voice. It makes it so much more personal.
Pretty cool to think of just the two of you walking together for so long in all kinds of weather and circumstances. That’s gotta do something good for a relationship.
I can’t imagine doing this with anyone other than Abi, and I think it’s safe to say he feels the same way about walking with me. Thanks so much for walking with us, Sandy!
Thanks for yet another superb set of photos and glad to see you are both still smiling.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the photos. Sometimes we feel as if we just can’t quite capture the beauty.
You both are amazing. I am enjoying all your stories and viewing your journey from all perspectives. Bless you both. Continued safe journey.
I don’t know how amazing we are, but this journey has been pretty amazing! 😉 Thanks so much for your friendship and support!
Absolutely stunning. You seen to have hit your stridea. I remain so impressed. My big exercise today after a large paella lunch and before a multiple tapas dinner was a 2 hour bike ride around Tarragona —- on an electric bike. My first time ever using one. I still have problems negotiating sharp turns on any bike, but the electric assist sure made the uphills easier.
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I hadn’t thought about the benefit of an electric bicycle and uphill climbs, I could use one from time to time out here on the Camino!
Go guys!!! Love the video!!! What an amazing adventure. So proud of you guys xxx
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Thanks so much, Sarah. It was crazy to film a video at the summit in pounding rain, but it gave us such a laugh! 🙂