The Prerequisite Patriotic Blog Post

First off, Happy Independence Day!  I originally tried to post this earlier, but my blogging app crashed so I'm having to re-type everything.  Then, the wifi at out albergue decided it was done too, so we'll see if I can get this posted.  It's always a bit strange celebrating a national holiday in a country where it's not a holiday.  Nonetheless, the kids are rather enthusiastic about the holiday; they began the morning with a rendition if "God Bless America".  Apparently the other albergue guests were not impressed.  One of our German friends was apparently so irritated that he decided he would walk one town further than us today, ostensibly so as not to have to deal with our festivities.  I encouraged the kids to celebrate the 4th but to be respectful of those who have to put up with us tonight, and to remember the 15 miles we have to walk tomorrow.  I am not convinced my advice will be followed.  

As I mentioned before the day following a rest day is always a challenge.  Leaving Burgos was more of a mental challenge than physical.  My feet and legs seemed to be better, and the time passed quickly, but several of the kids acknowledged that they were struggling mentally.  

We are on the meseta, which is typically hot, dry, flat, and with little shade.  We have been lucky: we have had cool weather with temperatures peaking in the low-70s.  We are six days out of Leon and if this weather holds, i will be truly thankful.

I felt quite well on the hike yesterday, until we had to pick up the pace for the last three miles to beat a thunderstorm into town.  Once we arrived at our albergue (which was nice, though two bathrooms for 20 people is a bit thin), I had trouble getting warm, and in fact started running a fever.  I think I might have been dehydrated: in 13 miles of walking, I'd consumed 8 oz of water and one beer on a rest break.  Not smart.

So I hydrated.  And slept.  For 15 hours.

On the upside, I felt great today.  The walk was pretty easy, the scenery was fantastic, and all in all it's been a relaxing afternoon.  We are in the town of Castrojeriz, which is very picturesque, having been inhabited since pre-Roman times and with a 9th century castle ruin on the hill overlooking town.  It's also spread out over the better part of two miles which means a lot of walking even once you're in town.

Our albergue is nice, at 5 Euros a bed, with lots of hot water.  I have a feeling, though, that tonight's Choir of Snoring Middle Aged Men will be Italian and not French.  Thank you, sweet baby Jesus, for earplugs.

We've spent the afternoon walking around town, enjoying a nice pilgrim lunch, and I even napped a bit.  I'm going to do a bit of grading then plan to have a light dinner.  No big birthday plans for me, but I have a bit of suspicion the kids might be plotting something.  

At any rate, the last picture in today's post is the view from where I'm sitting as I blog.  I can't imagine a more Spanish setting.  Somebody light off some fireworks for me!