A Slow Morning for a Change
I did NOT start early today. I woke up after 8AM. I opened the blackout cover on my window and saw the yard full of pilgrims who had already walked there from the previous town, having coffee. I went downstairs and got a coffee, but took it back up to my room to enjoy in the quiet. I did this a second time. I did not leave until after 9am.
It was a hot and lonely walk, having started so late. There was a 12km ’empty’ (no towns/services) stretch that climbed a ridge. The climb was nice, it was shaded. After the climb, it opened up, was less shady, and seemed to go on and on. I finally reached San Juan de Ortega, and found a final cup of coffee for the day.
It was a short walk from there to the town I wanted to stay in, Ages.
These kilometers went by easily.
There were nice views, and I had a chat with nice a gal named Fran from Ireland.
Reaching my albergue late, I somehow lucked out. I was assigned a bed that was not a bunk! The ceiling is sloped in the room, and the bunks would not fit on that side, so it is just a twin bed.
I opted for the Pilgrim dinner, since it was available at 6 (it is usually much later), and sounded really good. It was off the hook!!!! Pumpkin soup, paella, bread, salad, dessert. All made in the kitchen here!
I did some stretching in the small patch of grass in town as it cooled off. I met two nice guys from Ireland a girl from Mexico.
