I am choosing to use Guthrie's version of this adjective (from Bloomability, a fantastico book) because it encompasses so much more expression and vitality. That is definitely how I felt today. My feet aren't healed, but compared to the last ten days, it felt like I had finally turned a corner. They moved without all the prompting and prodding and ibuprofining of the last few mornings. I didn't even have to bribe them with the promise of pedicures (though over the course of last week, I did promise about ten, so if anyone is wondering about Christmas or birthday gifts in the coming year ...).
It truly was a good day despite beginning st 4:30 when some super early risers made such a racket and didn't let me fall back asleep. It meant I got an early start myself, out the door at 6:00. The first 12 km meandered through a tranquil pine forest. A hundred butterflies, a foot-long lizard, and a deer all flitted, scampered, and dashed across my path. The temperature was rather cool, so when the first town appeared around 9:00, it was the perfect stopping point for a coffee to warm my fingers.
The rest of the walk today went equally as well, with a small exception of a short, extremely rocky ascent. That was a minefield for blistered feet. The Cardenuela albergue has potential of being a favorite as I'm in a room with only four beds, a private bathroom, and so far have it to myself. We shall see how dinner fares. Jack (N. Ireland) and Don (Netherlands) are both here, but we seem to have lost Matt (USA). Yes, my current camino family consists of three dads. All in all, it's been an incredibly encouraging day, full of the sights and sounds of life.
Love from the Oregon coast! Many people asked about you!
ReplyDelete