blistering day

Today was a blistering day. It was a long, hot walk to Najera. We walked about 29k and almost all of it was on hardpan. I developed a blister on the footpad of my left foot. it is very tender. We will walk less tomorrow and I am staying off of it tonight as well as doctoring it. Aside from the distance and the blister it was a wonderful day. we began early and walked about half the way in beautiful tree lined lanes. Once outside the city it was wonderful and we loved the quiet and cool of the morning. it was only the afternoon that took its toll. I think 29k is just not good.

We met an older couple today who are just hitting the highlights of the camino as they walked the entire thing in 2006. This time they were going to do the pass from St. Jean to Ronsevelles but they got into bad weather and the woman almost died of hypotherma. She tells the story noting how easy it was to slip into a state of not caring about living or dying. she says the near death experience has given her a calm about death she did not have before.

The Camino gives each one the lessons they need perhaps. Her husband is glad that is over!

blessings to all of you this day.

michael