A Couple of Updates - May 30

First of all, we thought we would let you know where we are and how we are doing.

We are currently in Villafranca de Montes de Oca, about 1.5 days walk from the big city of Burgos. The weather has been fabulous - big blue skies, a few high clouds, and nicely warm but not too hot (not as hot as it was when we first started).

We are getting into the groove of about 20 km per day. Our departure time varies from about 6:30 to 8:00; sometimes we have breakfast before we leave, sometimes en route. Regardless, the first stop of each day is always at the "bar" for cafe con leche. We carry snacks and munch as needed. We generally aim to arrive at our destination for the day at about 2pm so we avoid the third tier bunks and/or the overflow dorms which are much less attractive. Showers and laundry are high on the agenda after we arrive. We get groceries if necessary, check email/blog when we can (internet and phones are not always available). By Spanish standards, we have an early supper at about 7:30 and then drop into bed.

Last night we had a real treat. We stayed in a "casa rural" - a small hotel, about 2 km off the route in the tiny hamlet of Quintanilla del Monte. Ana and Ana (mother and daughter) gave us a very warm welcome. Their hotel is called "La Encantada", which means "Enchanted". Mama Ana cooked us a fabulous dinner of paella with pork rather than seafood. The "second plate" was delicious fresh sausages with a nice fresh salad. Dessert was yogurt and fresh fruit. The town itself includes a number of nicely renovated homes and quite a few old, derelict buildings. It seems to be a place where city dwellers are buying up old places, renovating them and then using them as country homes, especially on the weekends in the summer. Ana told us that, in the winter, there are just 12 residents in the town!

Another update: We thought you would like to know that we received word from Parkinson Society Ottawa that the fundraising campaign has exceeded $10,000!!! This is really amazing!!! We are thrilled and really appreciate your encouragement and support in this way. A big thank you to each and every one of you!!