20th June Not

 Salas to Tineo 19km

So what does a pilgrim on the Camino do when not walking? Because in reality, perhaps  contrary  to common misconception about a long distance  pilgrimage walk  some days have had more not walking than walking.

Days have varied between a leisurely stroll for 5 hours and a real slog for over 10hrs. When walking it's a case of one foot in front of the other, observing what's underfoot, looking out for direction signs either physically or digitally, and remembering to stop and see; see the magnificent in the majestic and the outstanding in the ordinary.

But with the walking over what then? Well assuming you have a place to stay, and many people don't reserve but walk on a wing and a prayer, and have checked in, then it's out of sweat sodden clothes and into what is a pilgrim's dream, a shower with power. 

Scalding hot or ice cold the choice is yours perhaps alternating the blasts at various areas of your body but ALWAYS , always at the feet and calves. And you stay there for as long as humanely possible until the guilt that makes you realise others might be forming what will soon be a disorderly queue, kicks in and forces you out.

I'd like to say it’s then dressing into clean clothes but I think a more honest description would be 'fresher' clothes for whilst some pilgrims appear to hit the albergue washing machines at every stop, a quick once over with some soap and a brush ticked the box for me. 

Then it's refuel,, for no matter how much you have tried to eat and drink whilst walking, you will be dehydrated and calorie deficient. This could mean a beer (or two) in a cafe, a trip to the supermarket or splashing the cash on some pinchos and tapas.

Surprisingly on what is now day 20 of walking I haven't felt the need for an afternoon siesta, unlike the rest of Spain, but have either wandered round where I am staying, done this blog, planned the next day, chatted with fellow pilgrims, seen to wounded feet, caught up on world news and Whatsupped TOM, so we both know the other us still alive.

All of that done, well it's almost time for bed ready for another 6am start. I think I've had one really late night where I stayed up till almost 9pm but most days I have been in the land of nod long before then dreaming of walking with a 3kg rucksack and a pair of super cushioned Nike Vaporfly shoes on my feet. 

Or maybe like the American group doing the "Glamino" just have a transport company move it all from A to B have someone organise all their dirty washing and no doubt have foot rubs thrown in for good measure.