Happy Thanksgiving!

Russ / Oct 7

Happy thanksgiving to family and friends.  As we rest in Terradilerros de los Templarios we are thinking about our family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner tonight.  Thanks, Maureen, for getting everyone together.  We wish we could be with the family this one evening.  We miss you all and would love to be back there just for a short time, to get and give hugs.

We are also thankful today - it happens that we've reached the halfway point!!  We have now travelled 400 of the 800 km of our journey to Santiago, exactly three weeks since we started (and we had about 6 weeks to work with so we are optimistic about finishing). 

Over the last few days we have been able to maintain a good pace - about 27 km each day.  My ankle has improved steadily, thanks to the level terrain.  We both sport blisters but they are under control.  We are in very good spirits and have really enjoyed our daily walks, particularly the first three hours or so.  It's wonderful to watch the sun rise each day.  Today's walk ended at one thirty, before the sun became uncomfortable.  The weather continues to be ideal for walking - no more than 23 degrees or so and often a bit of cloud cover.

We will miss our traditional turkey dinner tonight.  Needless to say, we won't be getting that.  I got lucky last night and had rabbit for dinner while Linda had fish (pescado).  Usually, though, the menu is fairly predictable - chcken, fish, pork or beef, almost always with french fries.  The Spanish live in an almost condiment free world (Jim, you'd love it).  The food is also much more bland than I would have expected.  Also, try and find an ethnic restaurant - not happening!

Linda may add some comments as well.  Before I sign off though, I want to say that we really appreciate the emails and blog comments people have sent.  They make our day when we are resting our tired feet at the albergue.  That's provided it has wifi, of course (pronounced wiffey over here).

Bye for now and Happy Thanksgiving!