Best bits

I can´t really put into words how special this trip has been. I don´t know if it´s the physical challenge, the amazing beauty of the place, the people I am making instant friends with or what! But I feel like I am really living in the moment and my head is really clear. Best bits... When you don´t eat for hours, food tastes divine! Especially the juicy fruit which I am devouring! Finding a potential seat (even if it is just the shadow of a tractor) when you have been walkng for hours. Talking to a new friend when you have been lost in your own thoughts for an hour. Seeing a yellow arrow or a concha (shell) when you are sure you must be on the wrong path. Finding a water fountain (fuente) when you are running low. Finding a new path which is on natural ground, not asphalt! The challenge of walking uphill. Watching the beautiful butterflies and smelling the pine/eucalyptus. The cheap local wine (€1-€1.30 a pop). I will have to pack a few bottles, Ryanair or no Ryanair!! The locals coming up to you for a chat. Bumping into a friend from days ago, ones you never thought you would see again. Walking at 5am under the moonlight and actually seeing the stars. Watching the moon go down as the sun rises. I was lucky enough to see the full moon. Watching the sunset from the mountains with a glass of wine and good company. Getting a bottom bunk. Sleeping like a baby at 10pm. Pushing yourself to your physical limits. Stuffing your face on tapas. Enough said. Reaching medieval villages you would never have seen otherwise. Always finding a place to stay. Becoming more tolerant. Of flies (I don´t even bat them away now!). Of snoring. Of peregrino menus (€8). Cheap, but sometimes below the usual Spanish standard it has to be said. Taking your boots and socks off at breakfast-lunch-breaks. Dipping them into a stream. Being able and enjoying wakling 30km+ a day. Cafe con leche and pain au chocolat for breakfast no.2 at 9am. You know it makes sense! Plus the pains here are A5 size and come with cutlery. Just what the doctor ordered?! Hmm. Being free to walk as slow/fast/far as you like. On your own, as a pair, group... Not wearing a watch. And not so great... Walking downhill. A nightmare - rocks and pebbles galore so you have to go about 1km an huor. The pain in your knees.