24 September 2019 – DAY 20 (Villasabariezo)
So, I once again left nice and early – 5:30. I really enjoy walking completely on my own in the dark. At sunrise the markings were not really good, and I suspect we have taken a bit of a detour. Cherie (don’t know how to spell it), Jose and a girl from Japan. Anyway…we’ve made it to Sahagun (halfway mark of the Camino) where there are no toilets. I’ve walked 6km with a full bladder – it was awful 😂 My feet were really tired, and I met Becky from California while changing my socks. We discussed how nice it is to walk alone but can get a bit lonely in the evenings. We’ve decided that I’ll try and get into the same place as she. However…Bercianos del Real Camino was quite a creepy town and before I knew it, I was out of the town and on my way again. So nice not to have commitments and to be able to do whatever I want. However…it was a total of 32km today. Don’t know what’s up with my bladder today but had to do first ‘veltie’ on this trip – on an open road!!! I’m knackered and my big toe (which is about to get rid of its nail) is really sore. I think it is getting infected, and my friend back home told me to put it in hot water and then to prick it. It makes sense but sounds sore. So, if it really really becomes unbearable, I’ll do it. Thus…soon 🙈 First break this morning I had a croissant and orange juice, the second place had no food, so I’ve grabbed a donut. Needless to say, I’m starved. I remembered towards the end that I still had almonds in my bag…. had two handfuls before I staggered into the town. First Albergue told me they are fully booked and only have a room. Yes please!!!!!! It costs a bit more, but tonight I sleep under bed linen, I have a shower and toilet for myself, no snoring, real towels, don’t have to shower with flipflops and really looking forward to relaxing. Will have a quick shower and go hunting for real food. I see I have a 13km walk before I’ll be able to get breakfast. Will have to find a supermarket after my shower for a yoghurt or something. I can do a 26km tomorrow and then it’s only 13km to Leon, or I can do 19km and have a 20km walk into Leon. Will still decide. Met a SA lady who was born in UK. Helen West lives in Kakanja in Nylstroom and very good friends of hers live in Cheltenham (Brian and Catherine) – what a small world.
