As difficult as it is, I have to face that I reaching the limits of the capability of my knees. So, now, I have to figure out how many more days I can realistically count on them before I have to take a prolonged rest.
I’m now 7 walking days out of Santiago and all the days and all the KM before Sarria mean nothing if you can’t do the last 100 km.
Long day today from Molinaseca, a cool town, to Villafranca it was hotter than I certainly expected. As I walked into town, the temp at the Farmicia was 40C or 104F. Our albergue was on the far end of town and across the river. When I arrived, they gave me a glass of water as I waited in the shade. Then…Renee came down the stairs, I thought they’d caught a cab and was very surprised. I had take the route through the vinyards which was longer than the road route. I had no idea how they got past me, I was easily 30 minutes ahead of them.
Tomorrow we have a pretty big climb to O’Cebreiro, our last significant ascent of the Camino. Today, I was hurting, the descent yesterday to Molinaseca really pounded my knees.
I’m sending my pack ahead which knocks about 18 lbs off my knees, it seems small but you feel it. If that doesn’t work, I can only get 1 day of rest before Sarria. I will walk in to Santiago, it may be late but I will be there.
As as I approach the end of my Camino, days of the week are coming back in to focus, I know that next Thursday I arrive in Santiago and I will see Susan & Leah. For weeks now, I had no idea of days or dates and, I didn’t care.
My focus is on getting to Santiago and completing the Camino. My reward is seeing Susan. No matter how much you try to prepare, this is a tough journey and there always seems to be something trying to stop you. There is always, another hill.
Hot day today with rolling hills the entire way and a long climb in front of us.
Still can’t easily post pics, those from the climb up to Cruz de Ferro are some of the best.