Farewell To Lenny And Squiggy (Day 11)

Today Team Crim (that’s just me) rallied hard from yesterday’s horror show and ripped out a more than 20 mile hike to just outside of Burgos. After a great meal, some sinus headache medicine and 10.5 hours of sleep I’m back on track!

That hill in the middle was a bitch. Just sayin.

Last night I ended up dining with three other pilgrims and had an exceptional home cooked dinner. Two of the pilgrims (a married couple from Puerto Rico named Steve and Daisy) were heading off to the same place as I was so we pushed forth together. Outside it was cloudy and windy and I kind of assumed it was going to be another crap day weather wise. I knew things were looking up however because I truly enjoyed Steve and Daisy’s company and they were upbeat and optimistic. Also, my sinuses weren’t all whacked out and I didn’t feel like I was off balance and hung over.

Awesome. Rain clouds.

In my rush to get out the door I left behind my walking sticks, whom I had named Lenny and Squiggy. I had purchased them in Saint Jean upon arrival for 9 Euros and had used them everyday since. While I loved L&S (or was at least strongly in like with them) I didn’t love them enough to turn around and backtrack 5km to get them. So, farewell Lenny and Squiggy. You served me well and I hope you are happy with whichever pilgrim ends up buying you for 4 Euro at the albergue yard sale.

It’s obvious where they got their name and of course the one on top is Lenny.

The hike began in the clouds but as we progressed it became warmer and it seemed less likely we were going to get drenched. Eventually there was even a blue sky sighting.

What’s that in the distance??

The way then took us out of the rolling fields and into the woods. It quickly started to resemble a hike that might be found near home.

A very Forest Park type trail. There was definitely a little bit of homesickness there. Except I didn’t miss the trail runners. Those guys are a pain in the ass.

It carried on woods until we reached a village that had signs up commemorating its 1,000 year anniversary. 1,000 years! That’s hard to fathom. It would feel just slightly longer than Avengers End Game (oh snap).

We reached our destination village and tomorrow is the final push into Burgos. While I did lose two friends in Lenny and Squiggy I gained one friend in this dog name Winston, so it was still a pretty good day.

Winston

Also, my Garmin watch tells me I’ve walked just over 176 miles so far. That’s not too bad either.