Mas Duro, Mas Frio...

It was really hard and very cold this morning climbing to the top if the pass. It was 38F when I left the hotel this morning to climb another 1,000 ft to the top of the 4,500 ft. pass where I am sure it was below freezing. There was also wind that just wears on you. It wasn't as bad as last night, maybe 10mph, but added to the cold and the uphill climb, it just got to me. I had almost every piece of riding clothes I had with me on. Three windbreakers on top of my jersey, leg warmers, toe warmers, heavy riding gloves and I was still bitterly cold riding uphill into the wind. Just when I thought I had reached my limit, I got to the the top at 4,500 ft. There was a cross there with dedications and memorials that were very sweet. I came almost all the way back down to 1,800 ft and started to finally warm up.

This afternoon was interesting. I finally got a chance to talk with some people. I don't know where all the Pilgrims went, but there have been way fewer of them for the past couple days. I don't know if I just got ahead of the crowd, or if they are huddled up with the weather. Anyway, near the top of the pass, I met Herman, a German guy who looked to be about 40. After I told him I was from California; he just said " I never said this to an American, but thanks for everything America did for Germany after WWII". I mean neither if us were born yet; but somehow the Camino brings out Gratitude for what you have and what has been given.

Later in the day, I met a group of college school kids from Utah doing the Camino for credit. One of them was doing it in socks and Flip-flops. I asked "really?" In socks and sandals? She said she got blisters wearing her running shoes. Gotta love youth!

I passed thru Pondererrada where there is a Knights Templer castle that was pretty cool looking.

I then met a older guy walking alone. He asked where I was headed for the day and told him. I asked about where he was staying and he said he didn't know, he didn't know where he was. I offered to let him look at my map, but he said it wouldn't help, he was blind. Wow. I wondered how he had gotten this far? He said "Buen Camino" and I went off. About 1/4 mile further, the Camino crossed a busy highway. I was concerned about this guy making it across so I waited a minute to see if he was coming. I didn't see him and I took off. I wish I had waited longer...

It turned windy and cold again this afternoon and we started climbing back up into the hills again to cross yet another pass tomorrow. It supposed to be really cold again tomorrow and we gave to climb up to 3,000 ft from 1,800; back down to 1,800ft and then up to 3.000ft. I don't mind telling you I'm worried especially with the chance of rain and winds.

I am staying in a hotel tonight in Villafranca del Bierzo which is a cute town at 1,800 ft with about 4,000 people. Got a nice town square.

"Dad, you'll never walk alone; you're with me every step of the way; carrying you in my heart forever - Your loving daughter" - Message left on rock at Camino Marker

Dave