Friday 29th May 2015. Day 7 116.13km completed.

Great sleep. Shared a room with Beatrix (Netherlands) Barbara (California) Inga (Germany). We had a bathroom all to ourselves. Barbara kindly took me sock shopping and later Inga and I went out for a drink.

Today I left late having paid 15 E for lost keys. Sorry Marie the tag on your bag broke. The keys may even have been posted to Barcelona. Not likely. I left late then had breakfast near the albergue and then set off made a complete circle back to the albergue. Set off again. Made emergency stop sat cafe for loo and had a second cup of coffee all so I could set off again and meet Dane (said da nay). She and I walked together all the way to Ventosa where I stayed having done 20km. Dane went on to Najerra. She is an academic from Missouri State scouting a trip for students next summer. We talked pets politics plants and blisters and spent a very pleasant day. I was tempted to go on but know it would have been too much for me.

A cool day today. I am in the room wearing my merino long johns under the black pants I am glad you persuaded me to pack Alice.

Countryside is getting gradually higher and more rugged and not so many grain crops.

Blister report. Still a bit of an issue but improving wish I had not brought toe sandals as I would walk a day in socks and sandals just to give them a break. Nice German man rubbed my feet with deer horn something. Must try to get the name of it. Stops the skin softening to much. I have taken to two hourly sock changes to keep them drier. Not stopping me walking. My knees and hips get very tired at about 18 kms.

I have a choice between 16 and 25 kms tomorrow. Probably 16. Keep sending the messages I love getting them.