Sunday, September 13
The meseta
hola...we had a nice afternoon in Burgos...took a local bus to LasHuelgas monastery and took a tour in Spanish. It was very pretty. Dinner in the plaza that night...pizza and vino. The next day we entered the Meseta... sometimes a very difficult part of the trip for many because of the monotony and the heat but we have been very lucky. we have loved it so far (2 days) we have had a nice breeze and the sky is a beautiful blue. It is a very solitary place...at times we see no one...there are no animals, trees, only an occasional bush, some rocks....mosty plains of harvested hay or wheat fields...a honey yellow...and relatively flat. it has a very unique beauty...it must be brutal in the heat and so harsh in the winter with the cold and the wind. We had a big climb today and we could look out over the meseta...we both thought it was a beautiful contrast of land and sky. We definitely feel alone at times. We walked 19 miles through the meseta yesterday and ended up in Hontanas...a small little pilgrim town and we ended up staying in a very cute hostel. Our inspiration to walk was a young man from Seattle who we have encountered along the way who said if we actually made it to Hontanos he would buy us a beer. He was the first one we saw as we entered the town at a little cafe and he was true to his word. We only walked 12 today....beautiful weather and scenery and are staying in an albergue in no mans land....nothing here...we are going to get up early tomorrow and try for a long walk. Still have heel and blister problems...there is a 3 star hotel in Carrion so maybe that will inspire us to get there. besos y abrazos....gene and susu
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Hola! So glad you are enjoying the meseta! There is something mystical about it, I think. Sometimes the silence and solitude is overwhelming; for me it was, anyway. Funny, because I think I crave more silence and solitude in everyday life! Hontanas is such a cute little town; I remember feeling like we were never going to get to it, and then it was like the ground just opened up and there it was, down in a hole! We had a beer in that same cafe; good memories. It has been gloomy and raining in Boston for the last few days, and I kept thinking how glad I was to be inside and not walking in it. So happy to hear that your weather has been great! You should definitely stay in the hotel in Carrion...it used to be a monastery and has a lot of character! Was a big splurge for us, but so glad we did it. That day is a long one. Take care of those heels and blisters...think of you when I put on my peppermint foot lotion everyday. 6 pm young adult Mass starts up at my church tonight for the school year and I will sit under the icon of St. James with shells and say a prayer for you both, and all of your fellow travelers. Peace, love, and buen camino!
ReplyDeleteHi- was it Scott Logel!?Ha! Seems like the perfect place for him- Sounds very beautiful, but lonely at times.....what a different world! Walk hard for Carrion and splurge!!!! Love you both- Julie
ReplyDeleteHola - Great job going 19 miles and then 12! I can't wait for some PICTURES and to see some of these places you have been staying. Maybe your Seattle friend could help you post photos to your blog?? :) The good thing about all of this is that you won't think my house and bathrooms are so dirty after these places you are staying! We miss you and love you. C
ReplyDeleteWe love hearing about all of the new friends you are making along the way...can't wait to see some pictures. Your journey sounds amazing and your spirits remain so high. You are both inspirations! Travel well and take good care of yourselves and your feet! Love, the Raleigh Logels
ReplyDeleteHi Gene,
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great day and did all the miles you wanted to. Nothing new here. I need a Harris-Teeter card though. I might not get my care package to Leon so look for it in Santiago I guess. anything you want me to send you. I have already made the two of you some speaking engagements around the area. I told you you need that power point presentation. Maybe kevin could help with that. Goodnight and sleep well for now.
Te quiero mucho, B.
Hi Dear Friends,
ReplyDeleteI never have uplifting news, but hopefully that will change soon. Buried Mim's ashes yesterday at a very touching (but long--will tell you that later) service attended by dear friends, Phil Cheatwood among them (Bob paid condolences by phone)and feel relieved that she is no longer in the state in which she had been. Sad, nonetheless....and I just returned with Perry from his surgery--which was not successful...stone could not be removed due to edema and previous trauma. The Dr. put in a stent, and will try lithotripsy in 3 or 4 weeks. Seems to be a dark cloud hovering over our house--Ha!! Am always uplifted to read of your progress and experiences. No more bad news from me!! Miss you!! Love, Libby
Hola Gene and Susu- You people are making me look bad. I walked for almost 25 minutes tonight and was feeling woozy. I was so tired I had to sit down and finish that bottle of red. Keep up the good work! We'll say hi to the Pope for you the first week in October! Cheers, Jim
ReplyDeleteHola Mamasita (sp),
ReplyDeleteHope you had a good hike today. where in the world are you? Closing on lot going smoothly so far, despite R. Lewis. Had lowfat paella (sp) tonight. I must cook it for you sometime. I miss you and want you back in 3 weeks so no detours or surprises. Doggies are fine but follow me constantly. Need a blog!!
Te quiero, Roberto
S and G, Jack and I have been out of loop so are glad to learn all goes well with you. Will fill you in on the other life at Walker Cup after we celebrate your gold metals. We pray daily for your health and joy in your pilgrimage. our love, L and J
ReplyDelete