Day 9. Obanos to Villatuerta - 20 km.

                             

    

We had an early start leaving at 7 a.m. to beat the mid day heat.  The almost full moon was still up and we had a hard time finding the trail in the dark.  Luckily, a lady walking her dog led us to the trail.  I noticed two elderly ladies walking fast ahead of me.  I had to ask their ages because they were older but walking faster than me and carrying their packs.They were 79 year old women from New Zealand.  We never caught up with them.

The walk today was very difficult and very long.  The heat unbearable.  Somehow we never get to be done by noon.  We make a lot of stops and stop for a long lunch.  Village after village  the churches and country side are beautiful. 

Although I had read the first two days were the most difficult, it hasn't gotten easier as the heat is unbearable  km. after km. of dusty roads covered with rocks and no shade with steep incline.  We get passed by a lot of pilgrims from all over the world.  Everyday we are joined by someone from a different country.  A young French man carrying a ukulele joined us for a while.  Needless to say Dick was thrilled to talk music with him.  

The alburgue we stayed at had a massage therapist and I was fortunate to get a short back massage.

Felt great.

Our dinner was a choice of fish or beef stew.  I chose the beef stew.