The Ways of the Days on the Way

In the past month (it's been one month as of yesterday!) Lauren and I have developed a pretty consistent routine, mostly thanks to Lauren--if it were me, laundry would never get done, meals would be forgotten, and general chaos would likely ensue from my more lackadaisical "it'll get done" attitude. But here's what we do more or less every day:

4:45 am: Lauren wakes up

5 am: Lauren wakes me up

We then slip out of the dorm with our pre-packed packs and go into whatever outside non-sleeping area is available and get ready. Put on the clothes we laid out, get our feet ready, sunscreen, small bite to eat, etc. 

5:50: we begin walking in the dark

6:30: the sun rises behind us 

Usually on a daily basis we walk approximately 20 km. sometimes less, often more. Our biggest day was 31 km, our smallest (in Lauren's tendonitis days) was 12. That's about 13 miles a day, with our goal being to arrive before the hottest part of the day--this works better some days than others. It's great to do half before 9:30 or 10.

7:00: having walked around 5 km, we stop at the first cafe for real breakfast, which in Spain is inevitably cafe con leche, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and some type of bread. Toast, croissants, whatever. It's bread. But always welcome! Usually highlight. We look at Brierley and plan in these moments too. I put my sunglasses on. Then we keep walking. 

10:30 am: time for elevensies! We stop for a sandwich somewhere, put on more sunscreen, check out the guidebook, etc.

Generally, we have a third break before we do the last 6 or 7 km where we drink coke or cerveza con limon (lemonade and beer which sounds weird but is secretly great). 

In between these breaks, what do we do? We walk. And walk and walk and walk and walk. We take water breaks in the shade. Thank God for a breeze or a good dirt path. We talk a lot. Look around at the scenery and comment on how beautiful and/or baked and barren it is. Say 'Buen Camino' to many passing pilgrims and pass others. Trip over our poles and rocks and feet. 

After we arrive at any given destination, there are a few things we must do and we have conceived of an order that is generally very effective:

Step 1: Shower

Step 2: Laundry

Step 3: market/lunch 

Step 4: nap

After we nap for 2 hours or so, we get up and have dinner, either something easy we got to fix at the Tienda or the Pilgrim's menu at the albergue, which is an overwhelming 3 courses that are usually way too much but sometimes the only option. After dinner we goof around, blog, pack up, go to bed around 10... Then wake up and do it all again!