Rest days

We have now walked 115 kilometres, thus were very happy to have arrived at the town of Balaguer where we had pre-arranged accommodation last year, via one of the hospitality websites. In the time we have been walking we have stayed twice in private rooms, twice in albergues (or community hostels), a convent and a ‘hostal’ (a cheap hotel). Each of these has its own unique characteristics, but it is especially good to be in a home again. We realize how a home has a warmth that reflects the lifestyle and values of those who live in it. Our current host, Jordi, is inspiring in his commitment to a self-sufficient lifestyle. We have enjoyed his soup, salads, breads made with his home grown and home ground wheat and dried fruits and nuts.

Our last three days of walking took us through mainly flat agricultural areas, which kept Bob’s mind challenged as he observed the different agricultural practices.  There were many acres of fruit trees and young crops, all looking very healthy and maintained with extensive irrigation channels. Not an animal was to be seen, yet the presence of pigs was very obvious from the smell which followed us much of the time. Jordi tells us that there are more pigs in Catalonia than people, and we are ready to believe it. Like most of Europe, animals here are kept in sheds and do not graze freely in open paddocks.  

We have been here at Balaguer for two and half days and have spent the time resting and eating lots and can feel our bodies being the better for it. Tomorrow we will set off again and walk for 17 kilometres to the next town. When possible, we like to limit our daily walking distance to 15 – 20 kilometres: however, the spacing of accommodation on this particular section of the Camino does not always allow for this.