As of today I've gone well beyond the halfway point. Only 224.1 miles left according to my guidebook. I did the math and found that I've been averaging 20 miles per day. Sometimes I wonder if I'm too old to beat my body up this way, but when the hearty younger people in their 20's stumble into the hostels with the same physical complaints I can tell that I'm doing fine.
I had an enjoyable afternoon alone today after walking in the rain all morning. I traipsed across this afternoon's section of Spain completely alone for 8.7 kilometers on a road built by the Romans. For the first time this trip I decided to listen to music instead of an audio book. I've seldom plugged into my iPod while walking but today I had a hankering for music. Off I went singing away and bopping to the music. I listened to the playlist of many of Larry's favorites that I made for the celebration of his life. Mostly it made me happy, but admittedly there were a few tears. The music helped the miles disappear.
I'm in a private room again tonight. My tolerance for sharing 2 toilet stalls with 40 people, and brushing my teeth while guys are using the urinals is wearing thin.