For those of you readers thinking that our trip on the Camino is full of charming centuries-old villages, hotels, and churches, you would be right… and wrong.

Today, we arrived at our destination lodging and were taken aback, and brought down to earth, to see that it’s a truck stop! With several very decent hotel rooms, but still, a 24-hr, American-style truck stop (not as huge as the Buc-ees we discovered in our travels down the Mississippi this winter!)

The day started misty and threatening rain, which made Jane (who is writing today’s blog) nervous (not a fan of walking 11 miles in the rain…).

The Camino tests your physical & mental strength. You feel your vulnerabilities more because you are so exposed (outdoors all day) and so reliant on your body, heart, and mind as an engine to propel you forward.

We’ve been walking 12 days now, an average of 12 miles/day. There are many moments of joy, and also struggle. There are moments of solitude and, as we noted in yesterday’s blog, moments of community with other walkers.

It’s a lot like life across the board. Ups and downs. Rainy days and brilliant sun. And surprises like the truck stop that prompt a wry smile. (We decided it was a moment to call upon our senses of humor!)

What could be a disappointment turned into welcoming hosts at the door (yes, at the truck stop!), a clean room, bed, hair dryer!, and 24-hr access to just about any food or snack you might desire. Jane does find joy here at trucker land; Lori still may be sporting the wry smile.