Friday, August 5, 2016

Long Day, Brief Post

Hello, hello!

I'm going to make this brief because I am exhausted. I trekked 29.2km today, thanks be to God. I got a very late start (9:30am) and it took me all day (arrived at 6:30pm) but I completed what the book assigned for today. Two days in a row of actually feeling like I'm knocking off the kilometers and I am so grateful.

When I arrived at my destination this evening and did the customary collapsing and then the unveiling of the feet. I discovered that my left pinky toe blister has burst. I also developed a small thick blister on the outside (toward the arch) of my right big toe. It won't end I tell you. But I am now less than 70k away from Santiago and God-willing, that means there are only a few more days of suffering. I have thread running through blisters in three places on my feet and all that I can do at this stage is see how they do overnight and figure out where we are in the morning.

Part of the reason today was such a long slog was because this was the first day that I genuinely felt tired. The first 11.4k was almost entirely uphill. Between feeling wiped and wanting to go slow so as to do my best to prevent more foot damage, that 11.4 took me FOUR hours.

So tonight is the first night that all of my legs, from hips to toes, seems to ache unceasingly. Not just when I sit or lean on one side or the other but all the time. The weather was lovely and the views beautiful today but the blisters on my left arm and hand persist. Let's just say that I'm glad that I brought plenty of my tylenolPM to knock me out cold.

Highlights of the day include all of the hydrangeas that evidently THRIVE in this area. They made me so very happy. Plenty of butterflies :) and even bumping into the Swiss guy from my first day in Sahagun!

So I'm settling into my room in a pension in Palas del Rai and getting a kick out of a game show that's on with one of the participants in rocking a pretty sweet mullet.

I try not to watch TV or even check on the news back home too much. But I guess I'm starting to crave those things. I keep thinking about guacamole, and steak, and mashed potatoes...and a day at the spa. Ahh, I better stop. Haha.

I wish I had more stories to report today but the truth is that I put in my earbuds, listened to Lino's shows (I find his voice so comforting right now) and put my nose to the grindstone.

Tomorrow is supposed to be less hilly which is good news, but again we'll just have to see what the feet are willing to do.

Sweet dreams from Espana.
JR

17 comments:

  1. I'm enjoying watching your trek, Jill . . . You are doing what I've DREAMED of doing all my life! Even with the blisters, you are my hero.

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  2. So proud of you, Jill. That's a beautiful smile. Keep up all the hard work. Praying for you on the final days of your pilgrimage.

    Charlene K

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  3. You are DOING it, Jill! I laughed when I read that you listened to Lino's shows as you walked....he makes all of us laugh and feel comfortable,too! Rest up....I am praying for ALL of those blisters and pains to start disappearing. You are great! SRM

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  4. You are DOING it, Jill! I laughed when I read that you listened to Lino's shows as you walked....he makes all of us laugh and feel comfortable,too! Rest up....I am praying for ALL of those blisters and pains to start disappearing. You are great! SRM

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  5. Keep it up Jill. But keep your nose to the grindstone?.:)

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  6. Beautiful pictures Jill! You are doing great!

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  7. Jill, I'm in awe of what you have accomplished and overcome. When you get back it will be my pleasure to treat you a Mexican dinner with all the works and plenty of margaritas!

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  8. I just saw my post came up as anonymous, this is Marilyn.

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  9. I just saw my post came up as anonymous, this is Marilyn.

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  10. Continuing to pray for you, but I think you are doing great! I like how you have handled the challenges put in your way (feet). You have accomplished so much!

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  11. Keep it up Lady! So proud. So blessed to be apart of your journey. God gives you strength! Challenges are temporary....it may not seem that way today...but keep up the great trek!!

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  12. This,may sound silly and strange but do u have flip flops with u? They would not put pressure where u already have blisters. I HATE blisters so very much and feel for u. Just remember only a few days and you'll of accomplished what u planned too and be home where u can take a taxi everywhere and no blisters.

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  13. This,may sound silly and strange but do u have flip flops with u? They would not put pressure where u already have blisters. I HATE blisters so very much and feel for u. Just remember only a few days and you'll of accomplished what u planned too and be home where u can take a taxi everywhere and no blisters.

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  14. Great to see your smiling face, Jill, and those gorgeous hydrangeas behind you!
    Will again be praying for you as you continue your blistery journey! Sleep tight! No hills tomorrow - yippee!

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  15. Such a beautiful smile, glad to see your mental health is hanging in there. Glad you have your sweeties voice to listen to. Praying your feet and body hold out the end is with sight and you will be with your love very soon. GOOD JOB!

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  16. Yep, those hydrangeas are huge! They're beautiful! So glad you had a good day of walking. Keep up the good work, and we'll keep up the prayers! Lino and Fr Dave are doing a great job on the shows from Poland. They're interesting but funny too. Back here in the States tonight, we're watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. I love to hear the athletes stories. They should have you on, Jill, to tell you're story too! You deserve a gold medal!

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  17. Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but there seems to be a lilt in your "voice" and lightness in your heart. So happy you've turned the corner and are feeling more hopeful. Ty again for sharing your journey. Trina

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