The words for today are strength and resilience. I felt today how strong my body has already become after only three days of walking. It’s like it remembers how to do the Camino. This means I have to be extra careful not to overdo.

I walked over 11 miles today in the hot sun, and the walking was not easy. There were long and relentless inclines.

After 8 miles we stopped at a town and my walking partner decided she was done for the day. I had a reservation at the next town and I consider taking a taxi. As I sat with an ice cold Aquarius, which is an electrolyte drink, a van pulled up that delivers backpacks that people, sometimes ship ahead to the next destination. I knew his next stop was the village I would be staying in. I had about 30 seconds to make a decision about whether to see if he would let me hitchhike with him. I decided not to and I was glad I didn’t, with a little rest and refreshment, I was ready to finish the last 3 miles which turned out to be relatively easy.

Out for a glass of wine with my friend. See the beautiful church in the background. What I had forgotten as I lay down to sleep that night, is that these beautiful churches ring the bells to signify the hour and the half hour… All. Night. Long.

Crossing this old Roman bridge this morning, as we left the village, during what I call the Golden morning hour.

This heinous climb wove through a beautiful pine forest for about 2 km, a little over a mile.

A typical Camino breakfast

And then we turn the corner and are treated to the view of the village we are walking towards. Breathtaking.

Another beautiful Roman bridge, partially in ruins, but is still holding up

Ugh, and there’s more… The climbs today seemed to go on forever

If you look closely, you can see the flat rounded stones that make up the remains of this ancient Roman Road. Beautiful, but not easy to walk on, so I thought about all the people who had walked on this road before me over the centuries. And then it occurred to me the strength and resilience of the architecture of these roads that they still survive to this day

A little oasis set up by a local farmer with fruit and wine by donation. These little surprises are always welcome. And see the shaft of light in this picture. I showed the picture to him. I told him the angels are watching over his stand.