15.5 miles later

Today we walked for 6.5 hours and covered 15.5 miles. I wore my sandals for the first 12 miles but it was not a great option because I kept getting small stone under my socks and knees were not too happy. With three miles to go I made up with my boots and gave them a second chance. Once we arrived in Fromista we went to see the local pharmacist and we were lucky enough to find one who spoke English. He sold me a silicone cap for my toe and promised me relief. He said I did not have a blister but my toe had been jammed going down hill and thus the pain. Sue does this sound familiar? I feel like a new hiker already!

The walk today began with a very steep climb followed by an even tougher descent. We were both happy that it came early and not at the end of the day. The scenery has not changed, we are still walking through the never ending Meseta. Fields and fields of farms land. Today we passed fields of sunflower plants that were being harvested. It must have been beautiful a month ago. Today the plants were dried up and their heavy heads were bent towards the ground.

The population of Formista is 800 and the only local people we have seen are men at the local bar. Where are the women and children? The most striking building in the village is of course a church. I will include a picture because the architecture is quite interesting. We have yet to find a church you could enter for free or attend mass! They are all museums and you are welcome inside for a euro or two! I find this very strange on what is supposed to be a pilgrimage. Perhaps this will change once we get closer to Santiago.

The worst part about today were the gnats. For the last five miles we walked through clouds of tiny bugs. There was no escaping them. If you opened your mouth you swallowed them! They got in my hair and behind my glasses! Penance?

We met some lovely people today. Janver and his wife Jennifer who are from CA and two  Swedish women. I will not try to spell their names. Charlie hit it on the head last night when he said, "The Camino is hell all day and heaven at night!" Everyday, once the walk is over we meet the nicest, most interesting people from all over the world. If the world could be like The Camino it would be a wonderful thing. Everyday wewitness people helping strangers. It is a real United Nations. Only 11.7 miles tomorrow so my new toe and a shorter walk it should be a great day.