Day 7 – Lorca to Los Arcos (18 miles)

( I will post no pictures today. The WiFi connection is so poor, downloads are impossible. I hope to catch you up tomorrow. Sorry you have to miss this beautiful scenery.)

This was my first 18 mile hike with a pack. The pack was supposed to weigh 14 pounds, but, when I weighed it in the Pilgrim Office in St. Jean, it somehow measured 20 pounds. I have no idea how a few vitamins, etc. could do that, but I am carrying a whopper, it seems.

Anyhow, 18 miles was the end of my endurance. I have not gotten a single blister, nor tendonitis, nor shin splints, but still, my feet feel like hamburger. I struggled to go across the street to dinner. I cannot imagine how I am going to make it down the trail tomorrow. But, I know I will. My job is to walk. I think that maybe I’ll shoot for 12 miles tomorrow. We’ll see.

Today’s walk was just stunning. I think I was in the most beautiful place in the world. The land was perfectly rolled into uniform hills and draped in velvet. Flowers were everywhere, and, in the distance, glorious white cliffs with dark hulking mountains in the background. Up close, this was farm country, with waving wheat of many types surrounding us all day.

I think I have mentioned that the local people have embraced pilgrim culture. Well, today we saw it in a special way. As we walked, we saw a bell next to the path. The sign said “ring for good vibrations”. And, of course, we did. As we walked further along, there were creatures made of rocks and small benches to sit on. Then, a table of snacks and a cooler of drinks with a donation sign. All of this, miles from any town. Camino magic.

I am low on energy, but have one last thought for the evening. In the middle of our walk today, we saw a small mule. He was standing completely still in his enclosure and staring at us. We tried to divert his attention, by waving and jumping around, but he stared, unflinching. As we moved away, he finally turned and followed us with his gaze. I think that was our Sam sighting of the day.

10 thoughts on “Day 7 – Lorca to Los Arcos (18 miles)

  1. Laura Johnson May 16, 2018 at 9:11 pm

    18 miles! Wow! No wonder you are tired! I cannot wait to see the photos from this part of you walk. Sounds magnificent! Please take it slow tomorrow and let those poor feet of yours have a break. Sam as a mule…ha! ha! I can just picture it. Praying for you each day! Keep on trucking….

  2. No photos and still the best post yet! From your writing I am able to picture the landscape vividly. Sam could act like a mule at times :). Love you

  3. Patty McGuigan May 16, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    Gives me “ goosebumps” ….. Sam seems to be with you all the way !

    XX Patty and Walter

  4. Eliza Jarrett May 16, 2018 at 10:27 pm

    Every little detail.. 💕💕💕

  5. Emily Johnson May 17, 2018 at 3:36 am

    Praying for your feet! You got this! ❤️

  6. Just can’t believe you did 18 miles with 20 on your back and still had energy to
    tell us about your beautiful walk. ! You are incredible. Love every word.

  7. Sounds beautiful. No wonder you walked 18 miles because the views made you forget your feet- somewhat. Sam’s spirit is awesome. Aunt Vee

  8. Brian Swisher May 17, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    I am thoroughly enjoying your blog posts. Your writing is so descriptive I feel like I am watching a documentary versus reading a blog. With that said, we can let the pics slide in this post ;-). I envisioned your journey through your writing. Each day is a milestone and today was a big one! Your first 18 mile hike with a pack and the pack weighed 20 pounds!? GO TRISH!! We are all very proud of you, as is Sam. Loving the signs he is sending your way to let you know is presence is with you.

  9. Trish
    Your posts bring me to tears almost every day. Love them and love you guys. Take care please. This is an extraordinary thing you are both doing.

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