The hostels are beginning to look like civil war infirmaries: limbs strewn about, rolls of gauze everywhere and a low, continual moan. I’m shocked at how badly so many people are faring.

Me? I feel good! Other than a couple of tender pinky toes, all is well. To what do I owe this good fortune? Middle-age sensibilities? 

Perhaps — I paced myself over the Pyreenes, drank plenty of water and have been eating well. But more likely it’s my lucky (laminated) rabbit foot (thanks Jane)  and prayers to St Servatus, patron saint of feet (thanks Joan).

I have no intention of becoming cocky however. [knocks on wood, lights candle]

   

Speaking of hostels, somehow I’ve gotten to this point in life without having ever stayed in one. Maybe I had a deprived young adulthood? 

Patrick told me I’d meet the best people ever and the worst people ever in the hostels. So far nearly everyone falls into the best category. Except Señor Italy, who was clacking on his phone at 5:30am with keyboard clicks TURNED ON! A pox on him!

I’ve enjoyed staying in the albergues so far. No fuss, few decisions (top bunk or bottom bunk?), and certainly a good deal. However I am not ruling out a private room should the urge (or opportunity) strike. 

The irony of last night’s stay at the  donativo was that I had the best nights sleep so far. There were a lot of young guys as predicted but the great thing was none of them snored! It’s also possible that I simply crashed from tiredness. (And I’m not going to discuss the Rioja wine factor).

And today’s walk. I need to break out a thesaurus for some new superlatives. How about a few iPhone photos instead…  

  

   

   

  

I was sitting out in the Los Arcos village square with my Canadian amigos (lovely sisters from BC and a couple from Ontario), drinking wine and relaxing when this guy appeared with his guitar and began singing and playing the most wonderful music.  

Staying tonight at the Casa de la Abuela albergue. Small, private. 13 € includes breakfast, lockers. laundry service is another euro. laundry service, ahhhh.