This morning we all shared a small  albergue supplied breakfast at 6:45 a.m. together and voiced our intentions  for this journey we are all so excited to embark upon.  The time was particularly a challenge as we went to a Semana Santa (Holy Week) procession last night, barely making our 10:00 curfew.  Not only were there hundreds of spectators lining the streets, there were another hundred or so marching with batons  – playing trumpets or drums, carrying the floats and candles or bringing up the rear in the marching band..

We tucked ourselves into bed but as there was another procession at midnight, the voices of the gathering crowd became more difficult to tune out.  In comparing notes later, most of us had managed to finally fall asleep when  suddenly we were awoken by the banging of drums and lights flashing on the ceiling!!  It was now 1:00 a.m. and they were passing right outside our open window!!  We all jumped out of bed just in time to see the huge float at the back of the procession go by!!!  So amazing!!  Also a little startling at that hour and dreamlike stage given the participants were wearing white robes and hoods.

We were all ready to go and hit the road by 7:00, walking 13 miles and arriving not much worse for wear at our albergue for the evening in Montamarta!  Now to enjoy each other’s as well as other pilgrim’s company.  No internet for me but I was loaned the use of  another “peregrino’s” service to post in!