Day 4, April 20 – with my best girl by my side 

With another 21km under my belt, I’m sitting comfortably in Carrion de Los Condes in the back patio of our albergue for the evening – the same lovely Santa Maria where I stayed last year with the same warm welcome (sit and have some tea and biscuits while I take your heavy load for you) and invitation to the sing-along, vespers and mass (my Camino friend Lysa from Colorado has taken the training to be a Hospetelier and plans to return to Santa Maria in the fall to work here). The big differences from last year though – the weather is sunny (although it was freezing for a long time – as in 0C/32F freezing with winds of 20km/h – they were 30 yesterday) and Rosemary is with me!!!! 

Last night we had a great dinner (again at the same really good restaurant as last year). Patti from Toronto and Joy from Australia also joined us, as did John from Wales. Over dinner we learned that Joy is a member of the Endeavour Chorus – a 90+ female 4-part harmony acapella group. They’re part of the international Sweet Adeline’s organization and placed 10th last year at the international competition.  It sounds amazing between the music, choreography and costumes – like an episode of Glee on steroids.  I have googled them and also looked on YouTube – I encourage you to do as well. They are amazing!!!

John is a real card. He has suggested that since we’re in Carreon tonight perhaps we could make a film “Carry On Up the Camino”. Rosemary, Joy and Patti looked at him like he was nuts and I was laughing so hard I was crying! Probably most of you don’t get this either but for sure anyone who grew up with Bob Reed as a father knows all the “Carry on” movies

We have a very long walk tomorrow – but I’m really looking forward to it as it was one of my favourites last year.