All is Well!

Fran called this morning to say that she was unable to blog.....seems there have been some security issues that have dogged her and now she is unable to get on the site. Cary had been able to get her back on, but no more. So she asked if I would do it for her. Sure wish I knew short hand, but will do the best I can!! The surrogate blogger:

First I want to apologize for the "Hospital" scare since so many were concerned about my well being. I am fine and on Thursday was in a fabulous Albergue in Hospital de Orbigo - the name of the town. When I entered into the main gathering room there were artist canvases set up on easels and the walls were filled with the shared works of pilgrims that have passed through. I started a picture where I pencilled in a "wind" in the upper right corner, but got distracted talking to some pilgrims, so no pictures. Maybe R & L can find it!

The wind has been an everpresent force. The small hills become mountains because of the relentlessness of the strength of the wind. I am no meteorologist but would estimate 20 to 30 mph winds. If I were a kite, I would be VERY happy.

On Friday I walked the 11 miles to Astorga. I went through beautiful countryside with more wind :( but no rain :). There was about a 6 mile stretch with no villages or cafes. In the distance I noticed something or someone along this stretch. As I approached there was a man who greeted me with a big bear hug. He welcomed me to "Peanut Butter Paradise", a cart with organic peanut butter, fruit, drinks.....all free but there was a donativo jar nearby. I would describe him as a happy hippy, about 30 years old, high on life or wacky weed. He lives out there next to a run down stucture to which he has added a lean-to cobbled together from cardboard and such, that contains his mattress, nothing more, while he provides pilgrims with refreshments when there is nothing else around.

I continued on into Astorga to the Albergue where my pack would be waiting for me . One of the nice things about transporting the pack is that you have a reservation waiting for you because that is where your pack is dropped. I shared a room with an American family from Vermont... Mom, Dad and 15 year old that are doing the Camino.

Note to R: Saw Pilar today and had breakfast with her. :)

I had origianlly intended to take the day off in Astorga, but decided to walk half way to Rabinal with my pack (6 1/2 miles) today, do the 7 miles tomorrow and then transport the pack again as the terrain begins to be challenging again.

"B" update for Vincie with lots of pictures to follow: the previous "B" under the nail on right foot is completely resolved, but today noticed one on the third toe on left foot, but not horrible!!

Mileage update (ME:this is so impressive!!): to date, I have walked 260 miles which is equivalent to walking from Columbia to St. Louis AND BACK!! There are 160 miles to go in 18 days, so I should have no trouble completing the journey.

Hope that I've captured and conveyed how wonderful she is doing!

Love ya all, Mariann