Saturday, April 6, 2024
This morning we woke up and tried to get a better start on things. We were mildly successful, but it still took about two hours to get out. We were maybe 15 minutes faster than usual. It just takes time.
Betty and I decided today that we need the kids to be more involved with the daily work on this trip. Up to now it’s been mostly just the two of us shopping and cooking and cleaning, and we are exhausted.
The hike today went really well. We stayed together, and we had a great time. The kids and I passed the time drafting teams of superheroes and Disney characters, and then we played a game called Fives, which I probably heard about somewhere, but I can’t remember where. Or maybe I made it up ... Basically, a person calls out a category and each person in the group has to name their top five in that category. For example, today we did villains, breakfast foods, and cereals. It’s a great way to pass the time.
The terrain was rocky for much of the way, and there were plenty of hills along the way as well.
While we were hiking today, River fell asleep my shoulders. This is murder on my neck and shoulders. So we just decided to lay her on the blanket and take a break. She slept, and Betty and I laid down against our packs and slept as well. I don’t know what the kids did, but it was as sweet and peaceful a moment as I’ve ever had.
The rest of the walk went pretty well, but Betty is definitely struggling with her feet. They are super achy in the ankles. We have walked over so much rocky terrain with very little recovery time. And her pack is heavy. And she’s still struggling with the UTI. We definitely need a break.
Thankfully that break is here. We are going to stay the night tonight in Viana, and then tomorrow, Sunday, we will spend the whole day resting in an apartment here in Viana.
All this was arranged by our good friend Nuria, who lives in Zarauz, in the Basque Country. She and I did the MA together at BYU. Tonight she met up with us at the albergue, and she brought medicine for Betty, and some food. She also took the kids to the candy store. We had a really nice visit as well. I love seeing old friends!
She knows some members of the church in Viana who are going to let us stay in an apartment they rent out. It’s just what we need. And will be a great way to spend general conference weekend.
