Follow Your Arrow

We hosted no pilgrims last night. This meant that I got to sleep in all the way until 7:30 a.m. – the most sleep I’ve had in two weeks. It was delicious. I got to sip my coffee rather than chug it this morning, which felt like a real treat.

At the leisurely hour of 9:30 a.m. we were out the door and heading south to the next village on the Camino, Villanúa. There we had a picnic lunch and then walked back to Canfranc – just a 10 km round trip stroll. Along the way, we were treated ton16th century ruins, mountain views and patches of wild flowers and thyme. Dana picked some of the thyme for cooking and the flowers to decorate our Albergue.

We were back at the albergue and ready for business by 2:00 when the doors are opened. First order of business: feed the hungry cats who are always waiting for us at the door, whether we are coming or going. There are about 5 regular cats of varying ages, size, colours, and well-being. They are the wards of this village, and part of our job while here is to keep the felines well fed – and this we do. One old gal has no teeth and is very skinny, so I hand feed her with softened kibble. She tugs at my heart strings. One of the calicos is pregnant. Another wears the scars on her face of a lost fight. Sadly, there seems to be no neutering of these cats and there are more on the way.

Tonight we have 5 pilgrims staying with us: 2 women from France and 3 men from France. One of the men twisted his ankle earlier today and had to take a taxi to get to us. While we are not allowed to accept pilgrims who arrive by car (or other motorized vehicles) we make exceptions for folks who have been injured and need a place to rest. And this man, legitimately, was injured. Earlier today I had to turn away 3 other men, who rolled up in their car, wearing golf attire, carrying no packs, and looking for a place to stay.

We ended the day with a lovely bowl of soup (thank you, Dana!), some steamed broccoli, a glass of Rioja and a square of chocolate to seal the meal. It’s now just after 10 p.m. and I’ve locked the door for the night. Now to sleep.