Dear Christine and Renee’.
Except for a few brief spits of rain this morning it has remained dry.
The sun came out and (thankfully) helped my shoes to dry along the way.
They had remained wet and uncomfortable from yesterday.
Speaking of uncomfortable: In the morning when I wake up my lower back and right hip are really tight and painful. Ibuprofen barely helps. But an hour of walking and I feel good again.
Somewhat similarly Britton starts to feel twinges of discomfort in his right knee by the end of a long day walking.
Again, it is not the one day walking, rather it is the day-after-day walk that is the challenge. In these matters we are not alone.
We see other pilgrims with taped ankles, taped knees, blisters… and we think we are not doing so badly. (Knock on wood!)
Today we encountered a grandfather and grandson from France walking the Camino. Grandson is 14 and grandfather 62. We are not alone!
Britton’s shyness again raised its head. It occurred to me that he is not shy with using his language skills, he is just shy as most 15-year-olds are in meeting strangers. Give him a little time with people and he is more personable than many adults.
I think he and I have found our comfort levels with one another. We seem to both now seem instinctively to know what to expect from each other. It’s all good!
There was time today for a little fun and to pose behind some “cut outs”.
One remarkable sight we had been alerted to was that of a huge olive tree at the entrance to a local bodega. The tree is huge and reputed to be well over 1000 years old!
I have continued to work through plans to assure us of reaching Santiago in time, but with a minimum of discomfort. As pilgrim Anna from Montana has recently told us, “There is no trophy for suffering the most!”
We are doing a good job of taking care of each other.
Love to both of you. Peace. Dad.
PS. in the evening there was again dinner with our Polish friends!
Liz says:
The picture of the two of you walking away – must find itself into a frame somewhere. Glad to hear that the weather Gods have shined down upon you. Walking for long periods in wet shoes can equal some nasty blisters! (as me how I know – ha ha). Great to see you both chugging along … also sweet to hear of the intuitive bond that you have developed in your journey – something that can never be broken. Much love…Happy Trails to you both.
Pete Schloss says:
So far (knock on wood) no blisters. Our socks, Darn Tough from Vermont, really are excellent. The picture was taken by our friends from Poland. He sent it to me later. I too really like the picture! Be well, Liz.
Laura Gust says:
Good wishes for fighting off the aches and pains. That Olive Tree is awesome. I also immediately thought “blisters” when you mentioned walking in wet shoes. Believe it or not, Britton, after a few months at home most of the pain will be forgotten and the great memories will take over. be well.
Pete Schloss says:
I agree!! Thank you Laura.
Annie says:
You two are doing SO WELL, considering the day-after-day miles of walking plus the tremor “adventure” (how IS that going?) and I, too, love that pic of the two of you walking!!
Pete Schloss says:
The tremors are doing pretty well. They are at their worst when I am tired or dehydrated. Thank you so much for asking!
Pam Roberts says:
It’s nice that you meet people along the Camino where you get to exchange companionship, conversations and friendship. Love the pictures as always.
Pete Schloss says:
Pam, I think meeting the people is my favorite part.
Maxine Harrison says:
Do some yoga to warm up before heading out. Stretch that hip out with a pigeon pose or cross that tight leg over the other and bend forward to a gentle stretch and increase if you can. Even a couple of these might help. I have even done them on stairs. Next time bring an oil can like the Tin Man had! But otherwise sounds like the 2 of you are having a wonderful experience together . Those of us following you ate certainly enjoying the trip. Chip is recouping from surgery which was rough and our poor Kayak is slowly fading away. I expect him to go at any time and my heart is breaking. You provide me with a much needed escape! Be well and Adventure On!
Pete Schloss says:
Max, I’m glad to hear that Chip is on the mend and I’m so sorry for your poor puppy. Christine is home taking care of our “grand puppy” who also has seen better days. Our hearts will break when she says goodbye.
I have tried doing some stretching, but not as much as I should. It is helpful. Thanks!
Ron Ninemire says:
I am really enjoying your journey with your grandson. I read your email every day. Take of your self and that grandson!
Pete Schloss says:
Thank you so much, Ron!
Lorraine says:
Maybe it’s my imagination, but with each passing day of your Camino, as your bond strengthens, it seems you and Britton look more alike, especially the eyes. How fortunate for you both to be able to share this experience. Seeing how he is changing with each mile must take your breath away.
Safe travels and thanks so much for sharing.
Pete Schloss says:
Funny, but your observation has been said to us by others!
Barb Fouts says:
So wonderful to have that opportunity with your grandson. A great adventure never to be replaced. The old tree is amazing! Barb Fouts
Pete Schloss says:
Thank you Barb.