All I did was climb a mountain...

Last night as I walked around the albergue I found the place to wash clothes.  There was a big sink and places to hang stuff.  There was a washing machine with a sign above in several languages .... This may look like a washing machine, but it is a mirage for pilgrams.  Ha.

And last night it was good to have eye covers and ear plugs.  There was only a French couple staying... But they whispered lots.  They left this morning at about  0730 hrs. 

And I left at 0830 hrs... After an espresso and a tart at the shop next door. 

I knew I had to climb a mountain today and I was nursing a sore leg.  Slow little steps today.  I also knew that at some point they may be a detour for water on the trail. 

But the water came early on the trail. 

I was feeling pretty good walking on the side of the water. 

But it started getting tricky.  I passed a metal gate that was locked closed with a chain.... I know too much tv and movies.. But it had the look of a horror movie, or a murder mystery.  And now I was part of it.... I picked my steps carefully through the mud and by the prickly bushes. It was eerie!

This was not good.  I should mention I actually put a clean pair of socks (my last) on today...

I tried to walk around only to find a river.  Then I walked back and looked at my situation again....

I took off my boots, and socks and put on my oh so supportive (not) foam shoes (crocs by another name). The water was basically ankle deep for about 2 mins. 

Boots back on and I was feeling proud of myself having solved my predicament. 

Then I was surprised by the Monday bike club. Bom Dias ... Said Bon dia ... Good morning. 

Oh no not again.... As you can see I walked under the grapes on this one!

Little on the streets and back to the trail. 

Bit of a fixer upper you think...

These guys are harvesting olives. 

I keep looking at the mountains around wondering which one I will climb...

Fear not ... He is just resting... And ya know what they say about sleeping dogs. He did lift his head to look at me.  I would like to stop and lay in the sun... Onward..

Slow little steps and all is good. 

So the guide book said I might have to take a detour by the highway... There was a fence stopping pilgrams and others.. But as I carried on the trail under the bridge was fine- dry. 

I really don't know what this was about...

This was a nice trail.... Eventually up..

I found what looked like a bus stop to rest and then as I was about get up.. I was almost run over...

And some roads...

And finally lunch, it 1130 hrs ... 

I stay for half an hour... 

If you are wondering why I keep going on about the mountain I have climb ... Here us what the guide shows today.. 

Down a bit then up up up ....

I like the way sheep stare you when you walk by... There are two in there...

Nice colours...

Up up...

Onward...

Now I'm hiking...

I passed the scat .. Now prints. I am now an expert tracker and envision a man with a donkey.  He is leading it up the mountain loaded with cool drinks and maybe food. 

I thought this might mean 15 min to the top ... But it took me longer...

Up up...

Are you tired yet?

Let's stop and I'll tell that I kinda solved my leg issue... Yes small short steps, but the boots were tied too tight.  Things are getting better. 

And finally the top... It's 1345 hrs... 

I am not the first to come by ...

Someone actually lives up here.  Time catch my breath, change the socks and dry out with the wind. 

And down... no more water please. 

I feel like I have crossed into another country... But that is tomorrow night.

My feet are happy now..

And the trail is still nice. 

Civilization... 

I bought a couple of oranges. 

Time for more sheep ...

Almost there.  I have decided to head to the albergue again.  5 Eur is the right price.  Finally I am there. 

I walk around to the front door, it's open and I sign myself in.  There is no one there.  It is close to 1600 hrs. .. I forget. 

There is no wifi and no food- kitchen should I have food.  The French couple have signed in, but there is no sign if them. 

I take my pack and head down the road for some food.  I find the local spot for pilgrams and grab an espresso.  The owner speaks a bit of French and he changes from the tennis match to TV5. The local men wander in and banter with the help.  I update my blog on the wifi. .. 

And read about Remembrance Day, a baby girl born to a friend, typhoon, earthquake.... All I did was walk about 18km over a mountain. 

I have cooled down... No shower yet.  But it's time to eat.  I will post this now and stuff the next time I find wifi..