Memories, Slate and Water

Foncebadon/Acebo

Oct 4. 14 scary km

The hiking was a challenge. We both do fine on uphill grades, but yesterday was an incredibly difficult descent. In places it was a steep 12% grade over slate and scree. It was a thank you God day, in a big way. If there had been rain, the danger factor would have gone way up. The descent was for about 2500 ft, most of it on this kind of surface. One misstep and an injury would most certainly result. Of out 14 km walk, about 10 km was this scary, difficult surface.

After our moments at El Cruz de Ferro, we solemnly walked down some beautiful paths and not many other people. John's mother's wedding ribbons from her bouquet and one of his dad's brass buttons from his dress Navy uniform are now at the cross. Right next to my heartfelt remembrance piece.

It's an honor to have this opportunity to commemorate the people we love and who have played such a big role in our lives.

At many points we were above the clouds. I believe we were up to 3750 ft elevation before we started our descent. We saw many people walking with just day packs, having shipped their heavy bags on. John read about some albergues that don't accept the shipped bags. They have space for people carrying their full packs only.

A few stops were made during our descent into Acebo. Loosening or tighten boots, getting jackets off, removing rocks from boots and plenty of waster. John found the best views for our breaks. Once into Acebo, we knew it would be foolhardy to continue on to the next village has only a few beds and the descent continues for another 900 feet in elevation before we get to a city with sleeping rooms. Many tired walkers have injured themselves pushing on down this section. With our older bodies, we also gain a bit of wisdom and know when to say stop.

The little town of Acebo has a few old albergues, a tienda and some stunning views. We walked through town to see all of the options and stumbled upon a new, still being built hotel, that has a section for walkers. Four bunk beds to a room, amazing views, comfortable furniture and there is a fireplace in the common room. The huge pool drew a few hardy walkers, but not this one. We shared our room with three folks from Italy and a retired Irish cop, who now lives in Germany. All of them are on the fast track and will reach Santiago in just over a week.

Early in the afternoon, there was an emergency in one of the women's showers. A women was down and did not respond. By the time EMS got there, nearly 45 minutes later, she was conscience again. My best guess was that she hadn't drunk enough water during the day, fainted in the shower and conked her head on the tile. She walked down the stairs, with help, to the EMS truck. It's happened to me before, at home. I've tried to drink enough water and it was certainly an eye opener for me to see this.

Tomorrow, another day. Drink water. Then drink MORE water.