Camino Day 36: Palais de Rei to Aruza
“The happiest of all lives is a busy solitude.”
Day 36: 30 kms - 38,935 steps
Hot Hot Hot 33C
Sylvie wanted to cut 6 kms off todays trail by starting from the hotel, but I wanted to restart from the last drop off point in Palais de Rei. So we agreed to meet tonight at the hotel. I could use a day of solitude. As I had to wait to get a lift into town from our hosts, we started quite late which is bad news weather wise with the forecast as hot. But a big plus in that not many pilgrims start out so late so no clusters! Yeah!
At one point I sat down to eat a banana and for 10 mins – no pilgrims at all. I couldn’t quite believe it – it was like returning to the Meseta. So peaceful. Then the first pilgrims to come along were Phillip & Rob! We walked together for about an hour and then I pushed ahead. I went into a small church to light a candle for Emma’s exams – as I promised her on the phone last night. She doesn’t need it, but it can’t hurt.
Today’s scenery was mostly similar to the last few days, regional farmlands with pockets of shady forest – loving the shade. Unexpected groves of eucalyptus trees. Lots of river crossings, each one filled with pilgrims washing their feet in the cool waters. I once again wonder how difficult it must be to complete this pilgrimage in the height of summer.
