Day 6 - Lorca to Los Arcos (29.5 km)

Another great day - cloudless sky, still unseasonably hot with temperature in high 20s as has been every day so far. Usually low 20s this time of year.

I walked by myself the whole day, though saw a few others along the way. I've discovered most of the guide books suggest similar overnight stops, mostly in the larger villages or towns. I'm out of sync having done a couple of long days and opting for the small and charming village of Lorca last night, (population 140) and bigger but still small charming Los Arcos tonight (population 1400). Though there are quite a few pilgrims here so I expect I'll have company on the path tomorrow.

But briefly back to last night, though a word of warning. If you're an Apple fan, in particular an iPad fan, you'll appreciate this. On the other hand if you're in the 'love not to love' all things Apple camp, this may irritate you so skip to the next para. After dinner at the Alberguelast night, my host Jose was back to find out more about my iPad. It was love at first sight for him. In his charming Spanglish, he kept sighing 'Ooh, es perfect'. After a quick play with some of the features, he was curious about the orange cover. I explained as best I could, by demonstrating, that it was a protective cover and a stand in one. He understood and was enraptured by its elegant simplicity (ok, I'm projecting). With a big smile and a deep sigh, he said 'Ooh, es blanket and pillow, es perfect'. Steve Jobs would love Jose.

Back to tonight in Los Arcos and I've opted for a private room (shared bathroom) in the lovely family owned Casa de la Abuela (meaning home of the grandmother and run by the grand-daughter and her husband). After 3 nights in dorm rooms, though the last 2 were fine, it's nice to have my own large and comfortable room and a double bed instead of a bunk. Even the 3 double flights of stairs didn't deter me. What's a few stairs after 30 km. The grand-daughter also put me on to a local masseuse, too good an opportunity to miss. So I'm feeling relaxed after a feet, legs and back massage. Well worth the 20 euro.

So back to the walking, two long days and I'm still feeling good and, so far, so are my feet. Though I notice a few bumps here and there which I didn't have before, so will take precautionary measures tomorrow morning from my extensive pharmacy of foot products.

So far I'm very happy with what I've bought with me and everything I've used has served me well. But there are a couple of standouts. Of course, my walking poles which I'm sure take a good 20% of the strain away from my knees. And the other is my hiking skirt, which I wear most days. It's great in this hot weather - something to think about for the Coastrek, Pam and Jill. I'll be wearing mine for sure. Easy to wear long or short skins underneath if it gets cool.

Have gone off the track tonight and told you nothing of the wonderful scenery today but will add a few photos to give you the picture!

Before I sign off thanks to Gemma and Rosanne for lovely text messages today. I miss our coffee catch ups too. As wonderful as this experience is, it's strange to see not one familiar face, and I have many weeks to go. So it means a lot to be missed. Thanks gals. xxx

It's now way past my bed time and another big walk ahead tomorrow if all goes well. Hope all is well with you yours. Thanks for reading.

Buenos noches. J x