Day 25
Got to sleep in a bit this morning because the house rules don’t allow noise before 6. Breakfast opened at 7 and I joined Yunus in the cafe in the lobby for coffee and toast.
Today’s big excitement was the horses. Ella, my friend from Australia had already booked her riding reservation when I did. This morning we met two other pilgrims in the breakfast area of our albergue and they were very keen to ride as well – so there ended up being four of us. Fortunately Victor from Al Paso Horses had enough beautiful horses to accommodate everyone. And I’d picked up enough carrots yesterday for each of the horses – both before and after their hike. Three lads from the stables walked with us as guides.
My horse, at 20, a beautiful white Spanish breed, was the oldest in the group. He was named Babieca. I had to look up where the name came from:
Babieca: The name of El Cid’s horse, said to have carried his master’s dead body on its last journey from Valencia to Burgos. The name means informally ‘stupid’, and reflects the story that El Cid as a boy chose what appeared to be a clumsy and awkward colt, which grew into his famous horse.
He was very gentle and generally quite obedient. The group has a pecking order, as it were, and Babieca was second in line. First horse is always in the lead, drinks water first at the stops, and eats first. A bit like chickens…sort of.
What a great way to make it up 8 km of mountain! Lest anyone think I’m ‘cheating’ by not walking it – that 8 km was already deducted from my estimated walking total. The view was amazing and I was so grateful for the break.
At one point near the top of the hill we passed into Galicia – the last county, in which Santiago resides.
We got off at O’ Cebreiro and left the horses tied in the shade to cool down. They’re used to the walk but loved getting carrots.
From that point, I headed out on my own to Fonfria. I passed the famous statue which marks a high point of the Camino. Stopped for a couple little breaks but made it to my destination by 4 PM.
The albergue at Fonfria is a favorite. The couple who runs it are members of the group that supports a school in Africa. Plenty of sleeping options and everything is well cared for. There’s also a big communal dinner for the pilgrims. Looking forward to it.
More later…
If you’d like more information about my walk for charity:water, please follow this link. Thank you!
https://www.charitywater.org/marilyn-peterson/marilyn-s-camino-for-water