Ok, so we didn´t quit, and are doing quite well. We stopped in Logroño and stayed in a hotel. You forget how much you miss your own shower, toilet, quiet bedroom. We took super long showers, shaved our legs, and rested in the air conditioning. We also perfected the art of the Spanish siesta, as we napped twice. While the time in Logroño was a bit off the path, it was much needed and enjoyed. We felt a bit like tourists, which made starting the camino difficult. However, yesterday we only walked 13 kilometers and we did it very fast. So we eased back into the routine. We were a bit discouraged last night as our routine was a little messed up, but we ended up bumping into our German Swiss friends (whom we shared a room with our first night in Orisson) which made our whole day. Today we hung out with them in the afternoon and then had dinner with them. We are helping many people practice their English!!
Today was much better! We felt as though this was our best day of walking. We are feeling stronger and walking is getting easier. Today we started walking a little after 6 AM and finished by 1:30. This is the earliest we have arrived at any destination, so we were able to hand wash our clothes, take a nap, eat lunch, hang out, and relax a bit. Usually it is late when we get in and we are tired, rushed and go straight to bed. Today we even walked 22 kilometers. It was a long day, but quick for us as the walking was pretty easy (aka not much uphill).
Your prayers have definitely been felt and appreciated. We are feeling much better. I bought new shoes in Logroño and they have made a HUGE difference. (no Steph they are not Reefs, they are North Face) We are still very glad we are doing this and we are confident that we can finish. We will have to take the bus in a few days in order to get back on schedule, but we are okay with that now. Many others have to take a bus as well. Most people are walking until they finish, because they have endless time. Most are retired and are walking circles around us. We sometimes wish we had endless time becuause then we wouldn´t care where we ended the day. However, a goal in the morning is good.
Lesson:
Don´t let someone else wash your lights and darks together, especially in hot water. Everything turns gray. My white panties are now gray as well as Toni´s shirt.
Funny story:
While in Pamplona, we were looking for a place for Tim to buy some Compeed, and we wanted postcards. Toni says, "Hey Mel, there are postcards in there. WHy don´t you get some and meet up with us." I said ok and went in. Um, yeah.... it was a drug store and by this, I don´t mean pharmacy. Apparently light drugs are legal in Spain and this was definitely a place where I was out of place. We laughed for quite a while. I made Toni go in later to see where she had sent me.
Love you all and enjoyed your comments,
Mel and Toni
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9 comments:
Wow, what a difference a couple of days make. Your tone is much improved and alleviates some concern on my part. I have thought of you often this week, and each time you cross my mind, I say a prayer. Your pilgrimage is benefiting my spiritual life as well. That is especially nice for me because I am cool, comfortable, and my feet don't hurt. By the way, what did you end up doing with your Paris clothes? Did you leave them in a locker or at a hotel?
Mel, did you mail your boots home, or are you having to carry them?
All is well here; My final is Monday in my Advanced Psyc class and I start my Ada classes Tuesday. At 4.00/gallon, my 4 day a week commute will be expensive. At least it is only in July.
I'm so glad you took a day off to rest. I could tell a HUGE difference in your voice. You sounded much better than a couple days before. I am so proud of you both. You both are AWESOME!! Dad keeps telling me that he wishes he was there with you..I say I would like to be only if I could ride the bus to every town. It is encouraging to me to hear yourstories and am anxious to hear many more. Kater got a wii for her birthday and is having a blast with it. They were playing mario cart and Lexi said she had to quit cuz her hands got too tired. They are both playing tennis..so I'm sure you get home, they will want to play a game. They are swimming alot at Linseys(Melanies friend). Dad is applying for a pumping job at OXY..that is where CJ and his dad work. It would be straight days..7 on and 7 off. He would work from 6am to 6 pm. Hopefully it will work out for him. Take care or yourselves. I love you both
Mom, That would be so great for dad! I hope it works out!! I can´t wait to play the Wii with the girls when I get home. I wish you were here with me too.
Deb, good luck in school. We decided today that our next Sunday school series should be about tending vineyards. WE have been through vineyards for days now and can´t stop thinking of the I am the vine, you are the branches verse.
Can I please have your autographs when you return? I feel honored just knowing you two. Thinking of you both often. Be careful and for goodness sakes, take care of those feet.
Later
You girls are amazing! I am cracking up at the comment left by Sherri - I had just been thinking that your story is so inspirational I would love to have you come and speak at our co-op (we're starting one next year for our home schooling group). You are going to be regular celebrities when you hit home!
Keep up the awesome work and the inspiring posts!
Love you, Christy
I'm so glad you are taking it easy so that you can make it through this journey. I continue to be so proud of you guys and can't wait to hear all of the details and see the pictures. Toni, have you taken any pics of the food you've eaten? Canaan really wants to see those ;)
By the way, Ainsley rolled over twice today! She'll be walking before you get back, I'm sure. Love ya!
Ha! I can't believe you ended up in a store full of pot. Funny! I am glad you are feeling better. Your legs are going to be stronger than ever when you get back!--JPATT
Aunt Toni & Mel, It have enjoyed reading about your pilgrimage. You both have been in my thoughts and prayers. Your strength is inspiring. We will have to get together so you can share more when you return. PLus, it has been way too long since we have all seen you. We miss you.
Love Ya, Rachel & Joshua Henry
Hey guys. You two are awesome!!! I bet you thought I had forgotten about you guys. Well I have made the move to Edmond and I am totally exhausted but....who am I to complain. Look at what you guys have been doing everyday. I get tired just thinking about your feet. I know the song says, "These boots are made for walking" but give them a break!!! I know that you guys are both walking close with God these days, not that you didn't before but my goodness you are really seeing some of God's greatness. I wish I were there with you guys but like Mel's mom - on the bus. I don't think my feet could survive. In fact just from our move my mom is having foot surgery because she broke a ligament in her toe. I can't wait to see pictures. I am waiting for you guys to get home so that we can all go eat in the city and come to my house for dessert. Good luck. I will keep checking in on you guys.
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