A Letter Home From Julie

lane 4 said...
hey! how are you? i wrote a very long email yesterday but i tried to send it and one of the addresses was incorrect and I ran out time before I could save or send. I was very fustrated to say the least. The trip is going well, a 15 mile walk yesterday and 16 today. More than 7 uphill yesterday a very steep ridge, but we were rewarded with magnificent views of all the country side. A lot of farming all around. Actually the trail goes through the fields or alongside. We ate lunch on the huge white whirling windmills placed in long lines along every ridge. I was so glad to be going down hill next, but it became grueling with huge round stones unevenly over all the paths which left with blisters and smashed toes. We were all tenderfooted as we limped into the monastery in Puenta la Reina, a town known for it´s ancient and beautiful arched bridge. The building are all large stones mortared together with very deep walls and thick wide plank doors with beartiful metal work holding them together. Very European. Reminds me some of Italy. I have to keep reminding myself that it is not Mexico. The culture is very different.
We slept in our first beds on Friday and were all so eager. The showers were cold and no heat in the room and weather was below freezing. Had a simple meals of lentils and bread and Adam made his Spanish tortilla, which is cooked sliced potatoes with eggs poured over top and cook in olive oil. Stick to your ribs kind of food. We had planned to stay in Pampaloma, where they run the bulls, a beautiful town, but the albergue (albeargay) was closed and we had to hike 3 miles down the road. Could only find a tiny grocery like a Little Store. Hard to make dinner for 13 with little choices. We took of to do the hike I earlier mentioned. The monastery in Puenta la REina was really nice, warm showers but again no heat except a fireplace in the dining room. We washed out our stinky clothes and hung them to dry. Somehow I left my tiny camp towel there and now my one t-shirt has been converted to a towel. Boohoo! I am trying to think of things to through out of my pack because it is still much too heavy and you really feel in on these long walks! I tore the first 5 chapters out of the book Fahren gave me for Xmas. It broke my heart as I have never destroyed a book since I was a baby probably! But aching feet and back are a driving force!
Could you let family know that i am posting on your blog. It is much easier than trying to send emails. Mitchell, Fahren, Mike, Liza, Kelly, Marilyn and Larry, Dad and Jo and Kim Blake. Maybe forward with a link to Mike and he could type in the names from my computer wich will come up with them right away.
Gotta Go out of time.
love to you all
Take Grampy to The DR!!!
julie