We had three flats today, two before breakfast and leaving the albergue. It wasn’t too cold riding, and I quickly shed one layer and ear warmers. Michele rode the first stage to Carrión de los Condes and waited a half hour for us to catch up to him. We had the last flat (down to only one spare tube), had to wait for sheep to pass us twice, and passed a trio of horse riders.
As we rode today, I marveled at how green the Meseta is in the spring compared to the brown autumn hues, smelled freshly mowed hay, saw snow in the mountains which made me think of Kilimanjaro, and heard the co0coo bird. My left wrist is doing OK, but shifting is a bit painful and, after riding 70 km (42 mi) is was swollen. After icing, the hand looked more like my other. We are about 70 km from León, Spain. Depending on weather, (rain predicted) we might be there tomorrow.
We are staying in at Albergue Viatoris in Sahagún, a hostel for bicigrinos (bicycling pilgrims). There must be at least 50 bikers here. Dinner should be entertaining. Looking forward to it.
Well Jane, yes I missed the green of the Meseta, but when it came to the cold and wind (touch of rain), the Meseta did not treat me kindly. It was the worst part for me weather wise, the winds were so strong for 2 days it was difficult to walk forward. It was miserable cold and rainy in Boadilla and then of course later on, I got my injury. However, I am following a few pilgrims on their blogs and marvel at the beautiful vista of the Meseta, almost makes me think of going back in late Spring/early Summer, and then I listen to my voice recording of those days… and there is no desire to so again. lol
I am glad your wrist is mending…. I lived on voltaren cream and pills, easy over the counter at the farmacia. Wishing you continue clear skies, gentle breathes and magical encounters. Ingrid
Ingrid, It is currently raining and cold. I hope your wish for me comes true by tomorrow morning.
I don’t often reply because with all you have to do for daily maintenance, I don’t want to add to more emails to check….but I’ve been following you trek with anticipation. Also, sympathy(rain, pain, lost route frustration), excitement. I’ll never remember all the places–that’s your job!HAHA. But thanks for sharing…and the photos. This one is really neat also(you may know that our weather extremes, fluctuations are incredible this “spring.” Last Mon. it reached almost 90(sunny and humid), rainy for 4 days straight, with 2 days only highs in the 40’s, then in a couple days we’re supposed to be 90 again. But everything is in bloom–my yard is pretty lovely. Thinking of you, your soreness and pain. Hoping your dinners are very “entertaining” to make up for the rigors. Love, Ann
Ann,
The Camino has a lot of joy and pain. Hopefully the latter will make us more appreciative of the effort.