30 K a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

We did a 30+km walk today through some more mountains into a wee village called Ages where pilgrims outnumber the residents.  I reserved a room In advance, thank goodness, for our little group of 7 Canucks and one American wannabe. We're all cozy here in our beds trying to keep warm before we head out for dinner. There is a raging thunderstorm  outside and the temperature is quickly dropping to 3 degrees. Its freezing in this albergue, as is the case with all of them. 

But I'm having a grand time and my legs and feet feel good. Many of our friends have either fallen far behind or dropped out due to physical injuries or frustration with the weather or lack of accommodation. Apparently this is the single busiest time ever in the history of the camino. I've talked to a number of veteran pilgrims who are so discouraged with the overcrowded  conditions that they're dropping out of this stream of walking humanity...

However, I'm having lots of fun travelling in our little group. We all have something to contribute, and we look out for each other. We are each very positive and grateful to be on the camino. 

Here we are enjoying a fabulous dinner last night:

We laughed in the afternoon when i ordered water and Ally ordered  baileys Irish cream in coffee, and each one cost just over a dollar.  I particularly appreciate the vending machines that sell cold beer for a buck (right beside the pop and chips and condoms). Ya gotta love this place!

Often dessert is simply packaged ice cream...

It is so cold up here in the mountains that the leaves haven't even come out yet. 

We discovered these rock circles created by individual pilgrims adding one stone at a time, leaving their wishes for themselves or their loved ones with each stone...