I've decided to do thoughts of the day and possibly a brief write up on the hike itself. Unfortunately, I was going to do this yesterday, 5/24, but as I went to copy it into an email, I lost all my notes. So it'll be a combination of yesterday and today. 

5/24
Start: Grañon
End: Villafranca Montes de Oca
Distance: 31.5km

5/25
Start: Villafranca Montes de Oca
End: Atapureca
Distance: 20.65km

Today was the shortest day but  difficult. It was 12km of forested trail through the mountains. Nothing changed at all which made it rough. Trees on trees on trees. But, my body needed it and it'll be a "shorter" day tomorrow to Burgos as well. We are currently a half day ahead of my schedule so that's good but will be level tomorrow. 

1. Donativo

So two nights ago, we stayed in a donativo which means you pay as much as you want. Leave what you can, take what you need was the philosophy. We were on mats in the attic of the church. It was a cool experience. 

Dinner was a communal meal. It was a nice, but simple meal. The interesting part of the meal was that it was all paid for by the pilgrims the night before. Our donations paid for the next night. There were two volunteers who ran the hospital, which stands for hospitality. It's been around for centuries and it is all about being hospitable and hence the pay as much as you want and the volunteers on two week rotations. 

2. Mass

There was a mass before dinner at the donativo. It was really nice and very spiritual. There was a special blessing for the pilgrims at the end. 

3. The people

They are so nice. I've yet to have a bad conversation. 

3a. The villagers

The hospitality they show is incredible. We go through towns with less than 30 and there are more pilgrims who pass through and/or stay at the village than actual villagers. Yet, they always say hello, "buen camino", or just stop for a conversation. I've had Spaniards stop what they're doing and just talk to me. It's so helpful and awesome. 

3b. Peregrinos

At the end of the day, it's basically just walking a bunch, eating a bunch, then not sleeping enough. However, the people you meet help make the day. Having a conversation while walking helps pass the time and I've found them to be quiet entertaining. I've met a wide array of people and had great conversations. Everyone is welcoming and looking to relax. Dinner time is just lounging around and talking and getting to know other peregrinos. 

4. The small things

People talking to you make a huge difference. It can push you to the top of the hill. A buen Camino can get you through a city. I've had a villager walk with me for a kilometer, the opposite direction, just talking to me and helping me get through the town.

The sun today just helped us get through the forest. 

You here it all the time but it truly shows that a small act of kindness can go really far. 

5. The body and walking

It can be a struggle to walk upwards of 25k a day. Today was our shortest day which was 17k after doing 30k for the last four days. It can take a toll but it's a part of the Camino.

Today was 12k of the same thing, a forest. It was awful. 

6. "The day is the same, but the path is different"

My friend has been saying that. It's true. Every day consists of getting up, walking, eating, walking more, eating a bit more, some wine then bed. Each day it's walking from one town to the other. 

But the path is different since you are different (physically, mentally, and/or spiritually), the people you meet are different, and the place you're going is different.

This may be because of peoples moods, aches and pains, or a variety of options but the fact remains, everyday is different. 

7. I found Cruzcampo! Finally! Por dios everyone has some Cruzcampo something or other but never sells it... It was the sentimental value of remembering Sevilla which made it even better after a long walk.