Life's a Stitch

AKA, the day of the non walking wounded. The Camino is full of inspirational messages.

Pain is part of the Camino. The relentless walking takes its toll on the body: tendinitis, blisters, which thankfully for the most part we've avoided, bursitis, burning knees and fall injuries.

Resigned to our real rest day, we positioned ourselves to watch the pilgrim parade passing by. There came the Chicago duo, admirably continuing their Camino after his fall on the fourth day, arm casted and slinged.

Next arrived our Vancouver horse riding partner and her brother from Australia. She had visited the same clinic as I and received a diagnosis of tendinitis in her shoulder, requiring a rest. Luckily there were two beds available and they've joined us at Club Camino. OK I wasn't going to say anything, but this place in the middle of nowhere, is more like a mini resort. And only 45e per night!

The massage therapist came to work on me at 4:00 pm. Now that was an interesting experience. There was a little shed on the property reminiscent of a small shipping container. Unheated, there was a massage table covered with cold paper sheeting. None of the discrete draping we're used to. I'm still glad I did it but am looking forward to the Canadian version I'm accustomed to.

These are the pictures pilgrims are not supposed to send home.

The banquet room was prepared for a large family reception. Notice the interesting collection of sewing machines decorating the wall.

At lunch C was hesitant to order a beer because he hadn't earned it. So we pretended we were taking vacation time from the work of the Camino and indulged ourselves.