We opted not to get something to eat at the grocery store for our walk today. BIG Mistake!! Nothing was open in town so we headed out of town with a very steep climb. We stopped after a km to eat an apple and a peach and drink some Aquarius. 

The joy of having walked a previous camino (or 6) is knowing when you are getting to the top of a climb. On today’s hike there are a couple of surprises with a steep descent and another steep climb. But all very doable. 

One of the things I do to climb up a steep incline is to either count my steps (I know strange but it keeps me focused) or I sing (not out loud just in my head, I have to save all my oxygen for the climb). But it’s like Mary Poppins would sing, “just a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down in the most delightful way.” Well it helps me. 

We ran into Stephanie from Texas but lives in Louisiana now yesterday. We met her in Zubiri and haven’t really seen her since. We saw her several times today. As well as Daniel who sat down with us at lunch. He had heard about our camino story and asked if he could hear it from us. That was fun sharing. 

On our way into Cardenuela Riopico we  saw a pilgrim who seemed to be really struggling. When we were meeting him he shared that he was tired, had a bad hip and wasn’t sure where to stay. We walked in with him and helped him find a bed and get settled. It’s just what you do on pilgrimage as well as in life. 

Tomorrow is another day and I’m looking forward to what it brings. I hope you have happy journeys. Buen Camino 

Oh PS. I have stayed in Cardenuela Riopico 4 times. The first time was with Lindsay when they were celebrating their third anniversary. The owner asked to have a photo with us. 🙂

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