The Italians (Antonio and Fabio) got up at 5am this morning and turned on the lights so they could see what they were doing! The microwave was going and the hot water system revved up every time they used the tap. They woke us all! (All 10 of us that is, as our albergue was tiny.) Anyway, we stayed in bed until everyone else stirred, repeated the same process and left. We were last to leave again. It’s becoming a pattern.
It was very dark with no street lights, and ages before we found a yellow arrow. Walking on the side of the road in the dark is not ideal when there are trucks around, but eventually we found our way to the track and were rewarded by yet another beautiful sunrise.
The walk was absolutely wonderful today. We sauntered through farms, actual paddocks, and were shaded by oak trees. Every now and again we were treated with a gentle breeze and the stench of the artfully dodged cow poo and sheeps poo . 
With the warmth of the day, and all this poo around us, I found myself employing the Aussie salute for the first time. The lack of bugs has been very noticeable until now. I actually swallowed a fly yesterday, coughed and spluttered, almost vomiting, remembering that James once said to me that wherever there are flies around, they have probably just come from a fresh cow pat or some such delight. I had my jaw clenched shut today!
My bladder was nearly bursting at one stage, and as there was no one in sight,(Only came across two other pilgrims today) I decided to enjoy the view and be at one with nature. This is what I saw when I stopped … 
​​Loose granite rocks kept us from admiring the view too much as we had to watch every step, But it was so enjoyable having cooler air at last. The scenery today was amazing, with a bit of greenery around, and a few hills, we were much happier. We sang the Lonely Goatherd song as we climbed the hills, driving each other mad, as we couldn’t get it out if our heads for the rest of the day! So annoying!
And then we found ourselves among green paddocks, brambles with blackberries, corn fields, vegetable patches and a very big weir
But as usual, the last 5-8kms are always the worst…..always uphill! 
These pictures don’t show just how steep it was but you can tell from my little movie that it wasn’t a walk in the park ​
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We are now in another small albergue and sharing a room with 6 men of various nationalities. The Italians and Salvador Dali and his friend chose to walk the 38km walk today so we probably won’t see them again. Not sad that the Italians have moved on as they seem to have no regard for others’ comfort or space, but we will miss the French guys. They were a lot of fun.
We finished off tonight with dinner at a tiny bar in the walled part of the city. As we were too early for the restaurant (7.30), the barman rang his wife and she rushed down to cook especially for us (carrying a very sleepy little boy that she must have woken up) So kind! We walked around the walls of the city and came back to bed…. Good night 
Margaret Caffyn 
What an adventure you are having. That hill did look pretty steep, actually! The scenery is wonderful. You did well not to hit the Italian guys, getting up at 5am and not exactly slinking off silently! Hope you get better sleeping companions in the future.
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Mags,
Am enjoying your Blog (but then I’m sitting on my arse at home reading not actually doing it!)
Particularly enjoyed your “ear-worm” song ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ which has been on endless repeat in my tiny brain ever since reading it. To return the favour here are the (seemingly interminable) full words to assist you while you walk and you may share then with your companions as I’m sure they will be very grateful!!!!
‘The Lonely Goatherd’
High on a hill was a lonely goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
Loud was the voice of the lonely goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Folks in a town that was quite remote heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
Lusty and clear from the goatherd´s throat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
O ho lay dee odl lee o, o ho lay dee odl ay
O ho lay dee odl lee o, lay dee odl lee o lay
A prince on the bridge of a castle moat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
[Kurt:]
Men on a road with a load to tote heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Men in the midst of a table d´hote heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
[Maria:]
Men drinking beer with the foam afloat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
One little girl in a pale pink coat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
[Brigitta:]
She yodeled back to the lonely goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Soon her Mama with a gleaming gloat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo
What a duet for a girl and goatherd
Maria and the Children:
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Ummm (ummm) . . .
Odl lay ee (odl lay ee)
Odl lay hee hee (odl lay hee hee)
Odl lay ee . . .
. . . yodeling . . .
One little girl in a pale pink coat heard
[Maria:]
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hoo hoo
[Child:]
She yodeled back to the lonely goatherd
[Maria:]
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Soon her Mama with a gleaming gloat heard
Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hmm hmm
What a duet for a girl and goatherd
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Happy are they lay dee olay dee lee o . . .
. . . yodeling . . .
Soon the duet will become a trio
[Maria:]
Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo
Odl lay ee, old lay ee
Odl lay hee hee, odl lay ee
Odl lay odl lay, odl lay odl lee, odl lay odl lee
Odl lay odl lay odl lay
Your loving brother, David
Its ok you don’t have to thank me…..
+
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OMG… Now it’s stuck in my head again for today!
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So many adventures and so many absolutely spectacular photos. Your tiny video said a great deal Marg….the way is definitely a hard one. Keep smiling…:)
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Massive day! Looks amazing, great pics:)
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