Day 11: Santa Domingo de la Calzada - Belorado, 24km.
I walked out of town with a bounce in my step in the hope that my new shoes would give my feet the solace they longed for. It was a day of sunshine, strong cold headwinds, rolling hills, green fields, gravel paths, and small villages every 2-3 km. The temperature was 28 F/-2 C to start the day and warmed up to about 58 F/14 C.
Marina and I walked together again today, which is such a blessing. Sadly her ankles were still giving her fits while my feet were feeling greatly improved. She was an amazing trooper and managed to complete the entire 24 kms with never a complaint. What an inspiration she is.
Some of the small villages we pass through may have only 600 residents. We left La Rioja and the vineyards behind today and are back to hiking through farmland and wheat fields. The most unpleasant and my least favorite walking is when we parallel the N-120, a rather busy highway.
I'm happy to report my shoes and feet played well today. My blisters are on the mend, and my body/mind/spirit grow stronger with each mile.
