Santo Domingo to Belorado (Camino de Santiago)

Just a sliver of a moon hung in the sky as we walked into the Province of Leon from Rioja. The vineyards have diminished and the fields have turned once again to wheat. Red clay earth has changed back to brown. The few small villages we walked through were asleep and none provided an opportunity for coffee which was abit disappointing. As the sun rose two jet air trails formed a cross in the orange sky. I looked up and acknowledged the sign with a silent thank you. The track merged onto the shoulder of a busy highway for miles which was very unpleasant. We were happy to cover the fifteen miles and stop at the first alberque outside Belorado. It was a privately run lodge and for 5 euro, a good deal. The lodging only had a few bunk beds per room and a simple clean dining area. Outside was a pleasant grassy picnic area with a swimming pool. With a cold beer at my side I sat with my feet in the cool pool water. Tim stripped down to his shorts and dove in. The sun was hot and I laid back and melted into the grass. Mike struggled most of the day with blistered feet and slept most of the afternoon. We all needed a rest, especially the feet. Journal: “Each day takes me a little farther along. I still have so many miles to cover that it feels daunting. It will take just focusing on one day at a time, the miles for that day and all will go well. I have come a long ways so far. I can do this.”