Day 2 of El Camino de Santiago...¡más facil que el primer día!

When I headed out the door of the albergue at 6:45am, I was one of the first perigrinos to leave Villadangos this morning. I´m glad I got myself going too--I was able to witness a spectacular sunrise over the town and endless fields of crops as I walked down the Camino. The smell of the fields as I left Villadangos immediately took me back to my days at Black Hills High School, where that same pungent smell associated with livestock and agriculture would greet me as I turned into school each morning.

Todays section from Villadangos to Astorga was about 20 miles, which surprisingly, felt easier than yesterday´s 15. I think it was a combination of the beautiful fields, great conversation with another pilgrim named Daniel from Uruguay, and (yes, I´ll admit it) some great tunes from my iPod. There was a really tough couple miles around the 15-16 mark, but just as I began to really tire a man appeared on the horizon with a wagon full of refreshments like a mirage. It was absolutely brilliant. Shortly thereafter, the oppresive heat from the sun dissapated the sun hid behind some clouds, as though the universe was saying, "Ok Kelsey, we´ll give you a break for a bit."

I really enjoy the solitude, the challenge, and the solidarity of the Camino. The wildflowers that frame much of the path smell amazing; my favorites are a beautiful red and have delicate, fluttering petals like poppies. They always seem to appear when I´m feeling a bit weary, along with a butterfly that will dance in front of me over the camino.

Passing through Hospital de Órbigo was pretty amazing. There is an impressively old bridge that leads you into the city, and to the left there is a jousting arena set up...perhaps they will be holding a mideval tournament soon? No sé, but it was really amusing to stumble across. I stopped in town for a quick café con leche to refuel for the next ten miles. Back on the trail I met Daniel, and we were able to sustain a conversation in a combination of broken Spanish and English for the next ten miles, exchanging stories of heartbreak and travel adventures. It helped make the second grueling half less taxing.

Living out of my pack is becoming easier and less frustrating. I haven´t worn a lick of makeup for five days, which is pretty liberating to be honest. Let´s just say I´m not getting many second looks from the men around here, though ;) Today, even with the extra weight of three liters of water in my pack, it felt lighter...less like a large toddler clinging to my back for mile after mile. I´m hoping this trend continues!

Well, I´m off to find some good chow and take a siesta. I´m treating myself to dinner out in Astorga tonight instead of whipping up pasta again at the albergue.

Sending love from BEAUTIFUL northern Spain!

Abrazos,

Kelsey