Depart Time: 11:00 Temp: 52F RH: 65%
Walked: 1 mi. Camino 2024: 148 mi.
We both slept well and Linda is much improved with respect to the bug symptoms, and her appetite was improved enough for a light breakfast.
She’s still quite weak and a normal walk today might be pushing too much, too soon. So, it’s a taxi to Bercianos and an extra day to let both our bodies catch up a little more.
The normal checkout time for Albergue San Juan is 11:30, so we’ll take advantage of that to enjoy a leisurely morning before getting the taxi for the ride to La Perala albergue in Bercianos.
A taxi took us to Bercianos in 15 minutes, saving us a 9 mile walk. We walked into La Perala for the 4th time, since 2019, and no sooner sat down in the lobby than the owner’s son, looked at us, recognized us immediately and said “Welcome back “. Then, in Spanish, “I’ll check on your room” and 2 minutes later he handed us the key and said we’ll do the checkin later! Wow! Talk about being treated like family, it was more like Welcome, HOME.
Along with more downtime, Linda had a light lunch/dinner, confirming her rapid recovery. Maybe the Camino’s curing power helped some too?
As Linda began feeling stronger, we took a short half-mile walk into the village of Bercianos and back, helping her to gain confidence she is getting back her strength.
The staff has checked on us throughout the day to confirm we’re doing ok. The word of our situation had gotten here ahead of us, as the same family owns and operates both Los Templarios and La Perala and their concern for us has been heartwarming and very reassuring.
Taking a off day today has made a big difference and we’re planning to get back on the “way” in the morning. We’re essentially still on our original schedule, having used the unplanned taxis the past two days with the only effect being knocking 17 miles off what we had originally planned to walk… a de minimis impact on Camino 2024.
Jimandi 