Since entering Galicia, we have seen these small buildings everywhere. Usually, they are 10 ft. in the air on top of a tall rock wall. They are narrow, with a small door at one end. They have tile roofs with large overhangs on all four sides. The side walls are slatted wooden planks with a bit of space between the boards. And they always set on stone pedestals. These buildings have been used for centuries.
Any guesses? Come on, you farmers out there.
These little buildings are where farmers store their grain and feed corn, keeping it dry and safe from vermin. The key to the design is the pedestal. There is no way mice or rats could climb upside down to get into the building from the ground. It's a pretty ingenious design. (The one in the picture is from our albergue yesterday and is just decorative. A working building would not have a bush next to it or be so close to the ground.)
Today's 24K walk to Arzua was pretty hot from the start at 6:15. However, much of the hike was along shaded lanes so it was relatively cool until 11:00. Along the way we crossed several Roman bridges which dot the countryside.
We stopped walking right at noon but the albergue where we planned to stay was already full. They must have opened early and this reflects the increasing crowds on the Camino.
We have seen a lot of larger groups and families walking, usually with just day packs or no packs at all. The local taxis are very busy carrying backpacks and often tired hikers to the next town. It's a little disheartening to walk into an albergue hot and sweaty after a 6 hour hike carrying a 12 kilo backpack and have someone jump out of a taxi or find his/her pack waiting for them in the lobby.
It's hard not to feel a little resentful after walking for almost 500 miles, but everyone experiences the Camino in their own way. Just being out there walking, in whatever manner, is a good thing. I just need to keep my perspective.
Today's good intentions are for all of you who have been following this blog for the past 4 1/2 weeks. I appreciate your interest and comments and hope that you have been able to get a little taste of this journey that Therese and I have been on through Spain. It has truly been a wonderful and eye-opening adventure.
Mark and Therese,
ReplyDeleteSam and I have been hooked on your blog. We have also shared it with so many people. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I am battling sciatica so our training has stopped for a time. Keep your fingers crossed that this will not be a barrier to our walk! Stay safe and Congratulations. We can not wait to hear all the details.
XO Susan and Sam
Mark and Therese,
ReplyDeleteMike and I have L-O-V-E-D every word and picture in your travel blog! Kudos to you for taking the time to share the incredible experiences you are having on the Camino. Your entries have been touching / moving, very funny (we will rib Therese from now until forever with some of her "mistakes") and eye-opening. Bless you both and may you have a continued safe and happy journey to the end of the Camino and as you return stateside.
Hugs, Kim Moore
Hi Mark and Therese - what a joy to follow you on your journey! Thank you for sharing. Both of you are inspiring in many ways. Best wishes for the reminder of your walk and travels home.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Pamela Goetz
Therese and Mark,
ReplyDeleteI too have following your trek faithfully, I even had to check out Google Earth to see more of the landscape and pinpoint where you were. I've also shared the blog site with many of your friends here at SunTrust who ask how you are and how we are doing without you, so I know you have many "followers". Take care as you come to the close of your pilgrimage. God go with you.
Carolyn