Day 12: Belorado - Ages, 27.6 km.
All I can say is WOW. Super strong day for both Marina and myself. It's amazing to experience how I feel one day does not inform or even indicate how the next day will feel. This day was awesome and for the first time I didn't experience the “final five” as a limp and hobble into town. I can honestly say, I still had some pep in my step.
This days trek changed landscape and terrain just about every 5 kms. Green fields, tiny towns, dark forests where in ancient times the bandits waited to rob the pilgrims, pastureland, wide open spaces, red mud, and so much more. The first 1/2 was villages every 2km and the second 1/2 was 12 km with nothing but nature. That is until we happened upon a magical artist who created a rest stop with all sorts of supplies in return for donation only.
This was another true Angel Stop, our second so far in 12 days. It’s a glorious feeling when you are on a long trek with no stops or services or supplies in sight, today for 12 km, and then you crest a hill in the forest and there is an oasis. Nothing better than to have the spontaneous experience of awe and gratitude and creativity and generosity all rolled into one.
The kind woman who’s angel stop this is, is clearly an artist. With totem poles, sacred alters in nature, hammocks, tables, and goodies for site and consumption everywhere…these moments elicit pure joy. 2 cups of donation paid vino tinto later, we found our second wind and pushed on to my longest day yet. 27.6 kilometers.
