A Change In Latitude, A Change In Attitude

Casanova to Ribadixo

Last night everyone in my room discussed getting up at 6:30 am. That sounded good to me. Unfortunately we did not doscuss it with the two guys in the room across the hall who got up at 4:30 or 5 am. They were not quiet and the light was on in their room, the door to our room was open, my bed faced the door, so every time they opened or closed the door I got bright light in my eyes. Oh well, I was going to get up at some time any way. ; )

I got up and quietly brought all my stuff downstairs. The two guys were still there. I restrained myself. How unusual! Like all Xunta albergues in Galicia, there is a kitchen, but usually a sink, a stove, and a table. This one had a refrigerator and a few plates and cups. Of course there is no pan to heat water in, so I made tea with hot water from the sink. It was ok. I don't really like tea anyway, except the loose leaf tea from specialty shops and ginger tea. I ate my banana and yogurt, got dressed, and did my stretches. It still wasn't light, so I followed the end of the Dodger game. I said good bye to the girls and wished them "Buen Camino."

I was the last one out about 7:45 am. But I could see the path. I don't think It raíned last night, but this morning the air was cold with dampness. I thought I was going to need my micro fleece jacket, but I warmed up as I walked. I was in the mountains and I didn't really have a good shot of the sunrise. But today was animal day. 

First their was a cute little kitty:

Then there was a cute little doggie:

Then there were horses:

Then cows in the field:

And this poor dear looked like she needed to be milked very soon. She looked so uncomfortable. 

And then of course there were ovejas. These were sleeping in the shade. 

And this one preferred eating. To each his own when it comes to ovejas. 

And then there was the donkey. He and his friend were camped by the river. They are doing the Camino and earning money by giving a "Donkey Stamp" for a donativo. The donkey didn't look like he cared whether or not he got to Santiago. He just wanted a carrot so I fed him one. 

Sometime during the day I realized I was being snarky in my head about the herds of day packers full of energy, the Spanish guy that lectured the two people he was walking with about something like the historical significance of each tree, loudly and continuously; and the click clack of people's poles (of course mine don't make any noise at all,) about the guy on the bicycle with daypack containing a radio blasting music as he rode by, and on and on. Fortunately, I recognized that I needed an attitude adjustment. I thought, I am walking in beauty and being irritated. If this is my last Camino or my last day on earth is this how I want to spend it. 

I started just going with the flow, like a leaf floating through this river of people. After awhile, I suddenly spurted tears of gratitude for being able to be part of this river of people. What a difference a little change of perspective can bring. 

Here are a few photos from today. There was so much beauty I can't post them all. When I get home I'll make some albums on Facebook. 

Then there were a bunch of teens having lunch on the side of the road with their adult supervisor. 

And another donativo stand:

And for those of you who remember my adventures with water elements on the Via de la Plata in 2014. Here is a water element on this Camino before Ribadixo.

 

This one wasn't as difficult as the ones on the Via de la Plata. 

I got to the Albergue about 1:30 pm and am safely tucked in for the night.