July Lawn And Garden Tips
July 10, 2010
Timing is the key to success in your lawn and garden. And in this weekly feature, Teresa Friday, the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County, offers an assortment of July lawn and garden tips.
Flowers
- Plant heat-tolerant annuals such as: celosia, coleus, crossandra, impatiens, kalanchoe, nicotiana, ornamental pepper, portulaca, salvia, and vinca.
- Lightly re-fertilize to enhance color and vigor.
- Deadhead, or pinch off, spent flowers to stimulate more flowering.
- Pinch back leggy growth.
- Check roses for black spot fungus and apply a fungicide if necessary.
- Mulch beds to 3-inches deep to help control weeds.
- Monitor weekly for insect or disease problems.
- Increase air circulation between plants. This helps prevent formation of fungal diseases such as leaf and stem blights.
Trees and Shrubs
- Crape myrtles are blooming, so it’s an excellent time to select them for your landscape. Choose cultivars with the appropriate mature size for your site.
- Deadhead crape myrtles to extend bloom time.
- Check azaleas for the large, black azalea defoliator caterpillars. Control by hand picking or use an approved insecticide.
- Watch for spider mites on shrubs and flowers; lacebugs on azaleas and pyracantha; flower thrips on roses, gardenias and other blooming plants; and oleander caterpillars on oleanders.
- Prune hydrangeas and gardenias when flowering stops.
- Do not heavily prune any of the spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas, camellias or spiraea.
- Give trees a pre-hurricane check. Look for limbs that might snap and trunks that could split. Prune immediately.
- Psocids (tree cattle) create the white webbing covering the branches and trunks of some trees. They feed on surface debris and do not injury the trees.
Fruits and Nuts
- Prune blueberry bushes after harvest is completed.
Vegetable Garden
- Plant eggplant, lima beans, okra, southern peas, peppers and watermelon.
- Remove spring-planted tomato plants from the garden once harvesting is complete.
- Burn or remove diseased plants from your property. Don’t place them in the compost pile.
- Set out new tomato plants by late July. Try the “hot set” varieties.
- Control tomato hornworm and fruitworms.
- Establish a compost pile; high temperatures and frequent showers speed the breakdown process.
- Solarize the soil to reduce nematode population in the vegetable garden. Remove old plant debris, till the area thoroughly, moisten well and cover with clear plastic film. Seal the edges with soil. Leave the cover on for 6 weeks.
Lawns
- Monitor for sod webworms, spittlebugs, chinch bugs, caterpillars and mole crickets.
- Use a soap drench to irritate insect pests into moving, making them easier to see. Mix 1 ½ oz of liquid dishwashing soap and 2 gal of water in a sprinkling can, then equally distribute the solution in over a 2 X 2 foot area.
- To reduce stress on the lawn: mow before it is too high, keep mower blades sharp and raise the mowing height by ½ inch when the weather is hot.
Contact your local Extension Office for detailed instructions on these recommendations.
Century Resident Completes 500 Mile Hike Across Spain (With Photo Gallery)
July 7, 2010
Over the past month, we have followed the journals of Century resident Terri Sanders as she hikes 500 miles across Spain this summer.
As Terri hiked from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she filed dispatches from her journal and sent pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hiked the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
To read the complete series from day one, click here. For a photo gallery from her trip, click here.
Today, we bring you Terri’s final journal entry as she finishes her pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago.
June 30, 2010
Start: Arca
Destination: Santiago De Compostela
It was just before 6:00 a.m. when someone snagged the chair at the head of my bunk with their leg and went sprawling. Needless to say I was awake then. I even beat John out of bed. Throughout the morning all I wanted to do was walk slow and drink in every detail of this last day of the Camino. The path was lined with the ever present stands of eucalyptus trees and the shade they provided was very welcome. Then as we grew closer to the city the woodsy path was replaced by asphalt and more and more people crowded the trail.
It was 10:45 am when we crossed into the city limits of Santiago. We came down an incline and could see the city spread out before us. We had done it! We had hiked 800 kilometers across Spain! It took us another hour to get through the city to the cathedral square where we stood in line for another 45 minutes to turn in our credentials and get our compostela, our certificate of completion.
We had planned to say in Cathedral Square in the oldest hostel in the world that is in constant use. We thought it would be a nice ending for our walk. We had planned on it being higher than our usual alburque but the price of 275 Euros a night changed our mind. We were approached by a lady on the street offering pilgrims places to stay for a reasonable price.
At first we were a bit concerned but when we saw the room we were grateful. It is one room with three twin beds, a common shower and bath. It cost us 15 Euros each and we are virtually in the middle of cathedral square. We found a quaint cafe with great food and had lunch, then walked around the square taking pictures acting like common tourists. There was a group of camera men taking pictures and interviewing some guy who must have been important and we were right in the middle of all of it. He kept walking and talking, the cameras kept rolling and we stayed in back of the group the whole time. Someone later said it was some famous rock singer.
There are several quotes from our guide book that I would like to quote here. One of the most potent aspects of the pilgrimage is the extended time it requires away from the familiar. This allows an opportunity for the inner alchemy of spirit to start its work of transformation. It is not just the physical body that needs to sweat off the excess baggage, the mind needs purifying also. Our world is a mess and we are not going to fix it with more of the same. We need a fresh approach and a different mindset to the one that created the chaos in the first place. Hopefully this re-ordering of the way we see the world will quicken apace as we open to lessons presented to us along the Camino and begin to understand that life itself is a classroom.
A purpose of pilgrimage is to allow time for old belief systems and outworn truths to fall away so new and higher perspectives can arise. Collectively we live in a spiritual vacuum of our own making where the mystical and sacred have been relegated to the delusional or escapist. Accordingly we live in a three dimensional world and refuse to open the door to higher dimensions of reality. We have impoverished ourselves in the process, severely limiting our potential. We are terrorized by the chaotic world we have manifested around us and we have become ensnared in its dark forms. We have become so preoccupied with these fearful images we fail to notice that we hold the key to the door of our self made prison. We can walk out any time we choose!
It was months before I realized the changes that hiking the AT had made in me. Still today there are times that another change is brought to mind. I suppose it will be the same with my Camino hike. The only noticeable difference I have seen is the fact that about halfway through this hike I began to write poetry. I have always written but never poetry. It is like these poems were inside me all the time just waiting for me to open a door to let them out. The problem was I didn’t know that door even existed much less needed to be opened. Tomorrow we become tourists for a few days before we journey back to the states.
Miles 12.8
The End.
Reader Submitted: One Vacation Oil Spill Photo Really Stands Out
July 6, 2010
The following was submitted by a NorthEscambia.com reader:
I was in Pensacola the week of June 26-July 2. We stayed on the beach and was able to see the work and oil. I made several pictures; however, one stands out….With rain, thunder, lightning, strong winds, and the oil spill, it is nice to know that God is still in control.
Judy Earnhart
Rocky Face, Ga. 30740
Do you have photos or a story you would like to share? Email news@northescambia.com
Almost There: Century Resident Continues Journal From Spain Hike
July 6, 2010
We are continuing to follow the journals of Century resident Terri Sanders as she hikes 500 miles across Spain this summer.
As Terri hiked from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she filed dispatches from her journal and sent pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hiked the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
To read the complete series from day one, click here.
On Wednesday, we will bring you Terri’s final journal entry and look a gallery of photos from across Spain.
(Scroll down to read entries from several days.)
June 27 2010
Start: Portomarin
Destination: Palas De Rei
Today was a day of varied terrains. We started by climbing up and crisscrossing the main road. More and more new faces join us every morning and we are also seeing some of the pilgrims we met miles ago. It is funny how you think someone is far ahead of you and then you see them sitting at a cafe table.
The walk through the woodlands was very enjoyable and as Lou pointed out, with the terrain it we could be in just about any state in the union. This area was the scene of a bloody battle in 840 between the Moors and Christians but there is nothing left now to disturb the peace other than the chatter of pilgrims .
We passed through the hamlet of Rosario, named because long ago pilgrims would begin to recite the Rosary as they came into town. We heard of a brand new alburque so we decided to try it out. Shock of shocks it was air conditioned!! A brand new facility, new beds, cafes, showers with plenty of hot water.
If it lacked anything it was tables and chairs to sit in as you went on line to check email or the internet. As we tried to sleep though we learned the walls were paper thin and the doors all had a tendency to slam. There are plenty of pilgrims who have started hiking and want to party most of the night then sleep late in the mornings.
Miles 16.2
June 28, 2010
Start: Palas De Rei
Destination: Ribadiso
I threatened to pitch a full blown temper tantrum if the guys woke me up before 6:00 am. They must have taken me seriously because Lou woke me up at 6:30. I decided to ship my pack ahead today. We have several climbs and I am having problems with my left heel. It was very enjoyable to hike with just snacks and water.
We crossed six shallow river valleys today and the majority of the path was a natural path. The day today was all about smells. When we finally left the farmlands and the smell of manure, the hedge rows were in full bloom and the sweet smell was almost intoxicating. Then we walked through a forest of eucalyptus trees and their smell was just as intoxicating.
Most of the places today had octopus on the menu. Evidently this area is renowned for its octopus meals. None of us were willing to try one of the dishes but instead opted for a scrambled egg sandwich. It was almost cultural shock to hike through town with its noisy streets and shops, blaring horns and busy sidewalks. We stopped in the western suburb of Santa Maria de Melide with its 12th century Romanesque church. The interior is decorated with delightful inspiring frescos above the altar. We collect yet another stamp in our pilgrim passport and head out of town back into the woodlands. Our resting place for tonight is in Ribadiso.
This hostel is a wonderful reconstruction of one of the oldest pilgrim hospitals still in existence with an award for environmental architecture. This is the only hostel here and it is not quite as bad as a cattle car. The showers and toilets are down a long path separated from the sleeping quarters. I am thinking there is a lot of grass between my bed and the bathroom. Its redeeming grace is that it is located on the bank of a small river with steps going into the water to sit on and soak your feet. Some brave souls are even braving the icy water to try and swim in 3 foot of water.
There are lots of screams and squeals going on among the younger hikers. One of the funniest things that has happened to me along the trail happened this afternoon. I was sitting on a low window ledge arranging my back pack to catch the sun to dry it when a man jumped from the window and landed in front of me. He gave his best superman pose, faced me and proudly proclaimed in very broken English that he had hiked 22 kilometers today.
What is strange about that you ask? Only the fact that he was in his mid seventies and he was wearing nothing but a Speedo bathing suit! Lou says he was just hitting on me. I am not sure that is supposed to make me feel better or not. This guy kept repeating himself like he was waiting for me to give some sort of reply. All I could think to say was “Oh!” I am not sure what I was saying “oh” to though!
Miles 16.4
June 29, 2010
Start: Ribadiso
Destination: Arca Do Pino
I was determined not to have to crawl out of the top bunk and go outside in the middle of the night and my determination worked. However the weather turned chilly during the early hours of the morning and I woke up shivering. My pack was down on the floor and I tried reaching over the rail to get it and get my sleeping bag out but it was just out of my reach. If I leaned any farther I would have fallen on my head and really woke everyone up. I pulled the disposable sheet off the bunk and put it over the top of my silk liner. I don’t think it did any good though. I was awake before the guys even crawled out of bed.
In fact I was packed and ready to roll by 6:30. We had plenty of shade today and most of the walk was on earthen paths. A television crew was doing a segment on pilgrims and they took video of me getting my pilgrim passport stamped. At one point there were a dozen or more cars lined along the road. Today was a celebration of San Pedro which I found out was St. Peter. There was a small marching band that marched along the road and several large statues being carried by four men each. I don’t know why today was the celebration and no one could understand us when we asked.
Arzua is the last major city before we enter Santiago. The town is an untidy development put together haphazardly along the older town center. There is no rhyme or reason to how the town is laid out. This is the farthest we have had to walk off of the trail to get to a hostel. It was probably close to a half mile into town. We also encountered our first major wait to check in. We were in line for 45 minutes.
It is hard to believe that tomorrow we reach Santiago, the destination we have been hiking towards for 29 days now. We ask each other where the days went. It seems just yesterday we were huffing and puffing up that first mountain. I came over here with two expectations and they were to hike and have a good time. I have hiked and I have had a great time. I have met some very interesting people, some of which I could not understand a word of what they said. Some who I could converse with because they spoke a little English. I have found the same apathy in cafes by the waitresses and waiters that you find in the states. It is just a job to them and they are not really present. Then there have been the larger portion of them who have went beyond just waiting on you to asking about where you are from and how long you have been walking.
For most of the small villages it is the pilgrims who keep the place going even if it is just a small amount it is all they have. Most of the pilgrims themselves will try to talk with you, bridging the language gap as much as possible. Then there are those from other countries who speak English and very fast become your friends and you exchange email addresses with. All in all it has been a lot of fun; I have been exposed to totally different cultures while in the same country.
If there is one negative thing that stands out it is the fact that at least half of those who walk are either uneducated or uncivilized in the “Leave no trace” motto that is prevalent among most of the United States trails and parks. I am appalled at the number of women who will pee along the trail and leave their toilet paper on the ground as opposed to putting it in a zip lock bag and disposing of it every night in the trash or just burying it.
Then there were plenty of places along the trail just off the path where people choose to have a bowel movement, leave the used toilet paper on top of it with no thought of digging a cat hole to bury their poop in. I didn’t see things like this along the Appalachian Trail although at some of the trail heads it was obvious that women chose to just leave their toilet paper on the ground.
Miles 13.8
Local Resident Continues Journal As She Hikes Across Spain
July 5, 2010
We are continuing to follow the journals of Century resident Terri Sanders as she hikes 500 miles across Spain this summer.
As Terri hikes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she is filing dispatches from her journal and send pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hikes the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
To read the complete series from day one, click here.
Make sure you join NorthEscambia.com the new few days as we catch up on Terri’s journey and complete the series.
(Scroll down to read entries from several days.)
June 23, 2010
Start: Villafranca Del Bierz
Destination: O’Cebreito
We sent our packs forward today. We have a long steep climb over several mountains. Yes, I crawled out of bed at 6:00 am to hike with Lou and Mike. There were three different options to hike today. The three of us wandered around looking for the path we wanted. We each had a different guide book, and none of us could figure out which way we were supposed to go. Finally we found it .It should have been easy to find, it was the one that went up the steepest!
Today’s hike is one of the steepest of the whole pilgrimage, but the views from the top along the Valcarce Valley kept our spirits high when our feet wanted to quit. We had a stretch of walking along the noise highway that is being resurfaced and we had to be careful of the traffic. We hiked for a couple hours before we came to someplace that we could get breakfast at.
Well, it was kind of breakfast. A couple croissants, a slice of sweet bread and a glass of orange juice. The guys added a Kit Kat as an extra energy source. The strenuous hike took us up and into Galacia. The woods were filled with chestnut trees that are harvested each season. Several times we had to check and recheck our guide books because of the lack of adequate markings. I thing we somehow managed to hike an extra hour but am not sure just where it was we lost then found the trail. We passed the first of the concrete markers that will now be all along the trail that give the distances to Santiago. Today we are at 153 kilometers. We have just one week of hiking left.
It seems hard to believe I have come this far already. We are staying at the Xunta alberque tonight. There are 80 beds laundry facilities and has been recently renovated. We were lucky to get here after all the bunk beds had been filled. We are in a large room with 12 twin beds, a big open window that provides a fabulous breeze. The room is light and airy. We are given a disposable sheet and pillow case for the beds. Dinner is not provided here so we will walk up town to find something for dinner.
Miles 18.7
June 24 2010
Start: O’Cebreito
Destination: Triacastela
Today was mostly a slightly downhill path with just some minor road walking. As we enter into the province of Galicia it seems we have left behind the adobe villages with their small populations and poverty and began seeing newer buildings and more farm land.
One thing that has been with us for the last several days is the ever present scent of cow manure. The cows walk freely up and down the road/trail. No matter what we eat or where we stop the prevailing smell is that of manure. I am extremely grateful it is not raining. I have almost begun to enjoy the smell of tobacco in the small bars when we eat our meals. Galicia shares many historical and physical similarities with other Celtic particularly those west of Ireland. Too tired to provide much employment for the large family structures, emigration has cast its blight across the region.
Today there was an old woman in the trail just outside her house selling pancakes sprinkled with a bit of sugar selling them to the pilgrims. The best I can describe them is that they were paper thin and tasteless. We each took one and John gave her some change which she flatly refused and then took less as he held out his change. She motioned it was for the four of us. The poverty here is rampant but the people do not know they live in poverty. Every turn it seems someone is selling cherries or fruit or trinkets of some kind. There is never any pressure put on us to stop and make purchases though.
Later we come into a village where on the outskirts of town there is a chestnut tree reported to be 1500 years old. A couple who look at least half that old are sitting beneath the tree, telling the history of the tree to pilgrims as we walk by .There is a sign there (even an English version) that tells about the tree. It seems like this couple have taken it upon themselves to be the keeper of the tree and to make sure no one passes by without noticing the enormous size. I am certain that some of the pilgrims have breezed by the tree as they speed their way to Santiago. I am grateful we stopped to listen to this couple even if we could not understand a word they said. It was obvious that they took great pride in this tree.
Tricastela (town of three castles) was an important stop for pilgrims coming down the mountain in ancient times. Today’s pilgrims are treated with the same respect that those of long ago were treated with. In fact at a recent alburque, we were given preference of cyclists who were seeking rooms. There are quarries here that provided the limestone used in the building of Santiago Cathedral. Medieval pilgrims would carry as much limestone as they were able to the limekilns in Casteneda.
There is a pilgrim monument in the town square recognizing this ancient tradition while acknowledging the rebirth of the Camino. Another thing that continues to amaze me is the elaborate irrigation systems that are set up in these villages. Each house seems to have its own garden and a concrete trough runs by and there is a lever that is switched to divert water down the rows of the gardens. Sometimes the water runs under the road only to cross back over to the other side later. We cannot figure out where the source of the water is but it seems that somehow everyone has access to the water.
Most of the villages have a public water fountain where drinking water is gotten from. We usually fill our bottles and dunk our heads (or in some cases have our heads pushed under the icy water). The water is usually free flowing but some fountains have a spigot, and in one case there was a big wheel that you turned to prime the water. However we were seeing more and more fountains with the sign; not potable posted. We stay in a private alburque tonight. Three bunk beds in a room. Again I am lucky enough to get a bottom bunk. This time there is both hot and cold water in the shower and I take two showers. One with my clothes on to wash them and another one after I take my hiking clothes off. There are plastic laundry hangers everywhere and you can usually find the hostels just by watching for colorful laundry in the yard. We are fortunate enough to find a wi-fi zone and are given the key once we buy a drink.
Miles 12.9
June 25 2010
Start: Triacastela
Destination: Sarria
Our foursome went to a threesome today as Mike chose to hike the shorter route and possibly go on in an effort to get an extra day in Santiago. We have hiked the last several days with two ladies from Canada.
Our breaks and sometimes meals are always lively when they are with us. We have chosen to hike the Samos route which is 6.5 kilometers longer but it follows the Oribio River most of the day. We had a thunderstorm move through last night but woke up to blue skies this morning. This path also goes by one of the oldest monasteries in Spain, the Benedictine monastery of Samos. Several times today we had to consult and re consult our guide book as there are several local walks that could get us of the Camino.
We were taking a break today just before lunch at a small cafe when all of a sudden a big Jersey cow sticks her head in the door. The farmer leading the cows up the road called to her in a harsh voice and she ambled away. We reached the city of Sarria around 2:00. The population of this city is 12,000 people and has at least 7 hostels .It has become a major starting point for pilgrims with a limited amount of time but who are anxious to receive a compostela (certificate of completion) in Santiago. They can just barely get in the required 100 kilometers needed for the certificate by starting here. From here the trail will become crowded with new comers. There was cause for celebration today as I went into a cafe bathroom that had toilet paper, soap, toilet seat, towels and running water, all in the same location, and a locking door to boot!
Miles 15.9
June 26 2010
Start: Sarria
Destination: Portomarin
Sometime in the wee hours of the morning I woke up to what sounded like gunshots. A rapid succession of quick pops. I lay there for a few moments waiting for everyone to jump up and start running around, but nothing happened. I thought maybe I had dreamed the noise. As long as I was awake I might as well get up and go to the bathroom. I headed down the hallway towards the bathroom when another round of “pops” started.
The hallway goes past the bathrooms unto a roof top patio where you hang your clothes to dry and has tables and chairs to sit at. I saw some bright flashes of light from the sky and stepped out onto the patio. For the next 45 minutes I was treated to the most spectacular fireworks display I have even seen. I could not have had a better view. After a few more minutes two other ladies joined me and we stood there and watched the display .One thing is the same in any language and that is “oooohhhh and ahhhhh”.
There was a guy that evidently was asleep on one of the loungers and he raised up and watched the show. Here we are standing in our sleep clothes watching the fireworks on a roof top in Spain, having no idea what holiday is being celebrated.
We were on the trail by seven and I got to see my first (and probably last) sunrise in Spain. It looked just like all the other sunrises I have seen and I see no reason to repeat the scenario again getting up that early. Today’s hike was split between quiet country roads and natural pathways. The prevailing smell of cow manure is still everywhere. We had a good amount of shade most of the day. It seemed like the small hamlets blended seamlessly together as we walked. The book said there were not too many places to get food, but we found that in every little hamlet there was an entrepreneur spirit and someone was selling cold drinks or snacks.
We had already walked a ways out of town when we realized that to get to any alburque we would have to walk off the route and into town. We turned around and went back into town. The first place we stopped was full so we walked all the way to the end of town to another alburque. This one is what John lovingly refers to as a “cattle car”. There are 35 bunk beds in one room. Six showers for the women and six for the men and four toilets for each. But the rate is right, 5 Euros.
We actually found a cafe that was advertising hamburgers and decided to try that for supper. The bun was fresh, the patty tasted vaguely like beef and there was the usual slice of tasteless tomato and a leaf of lettuce. Truly an American experience! Thunderclouds have gathered again and we hope the rain passes again through the night!
Miles 14.2
Church News: Bratt Assembly Of God Honors Veterans On The 4th
July 5, 2010
Bratt Assembly of God honored veterans and active duty military personnel associated with the church and church families Sunday, July 4th during their morning worship service.
(Reader submitted church news from Bratt Assembly of God)
Photos of the veterans and active duty military personnel were displayed on the Communion table and each veteran was called forward in recognition of their service.
Family members of deceased veterans and active duty personnel stood in honor of their family member.
The congregation sang “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “America” and asked God to once again bless America as Shirley Riggs lead the congregation in singing “God Bless America”. Melinda Hollingshead sang “God Bless the USA”. Jim Riggs was the master of ceremonies for the Honorarium, calling the veterans and families to stand and leading the congregation in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Bratt Assembly of God has the distinction of having a large number of veterans and active duty military personnel from different age groups and services.
Honored Sunday at Bratt Assembly of God were:
- Leslie Barnes
- Grover Barnes
- Sherman Barnes*
- Larry Godwin*
- Tommy Solomon
- Edward Beasley*
- Dudley Coleman
- Franklin Daw
- I. V. Elliot*
- Seaborn Chavers
- Jack Colbert
- Jim Flowers*
- Talton Godwin
- Gordon Hollingshead*
- James M. Kelly**
- Charles Lowery
- Alton Robbins
- Clarence Phillips*
- James Riggs
- Roger Riggs
- Blake Barnes***
- Nathaniel Cartwright***
- Johnny Lacey***
(*deceased, **killed in action, ***currently serving)
Do you have news from your church you would like to share? Email a href=”mailto:news@northescambia.com”>news@northescambia.com
The Way Of St. James: Century Resident Continues Hike
July 4, 2010
We are continuing to follow the journals of Century resident Terri Sanders as she hikes 500 miles across Spain this summer.
As Terri hikes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she is filing dispatches from her journal and send pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hikes the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
To read the complete series from day one, click here.
Make sure you join NorthEscambia.com the new few days as we catch up on Terri’s journey and complete the series.
(Scroll down to read entries from three different days.)
June 19 2010
Start;Villar de Mazarife
Destination:Astorga
Breakfast was the usual, bread, jam, tea and coffee. John was feeling some better but decided not to hike today but rather catch a bus to our destination for the night. We went ahead and sent our packs ahead since we were doing 18 miles. There were a couple of nice climbs, nothing to stress about and not very much interesting to see until late in the day. We crossed one of the oldest and longest bridges in Spain, the Puente de Orbigo that dates from the 13th century.
Its arches carry you over across the Rio Orbigo via the path the passage of honor Paso honroso.It is here that a famous jousting tournament took place in the holy Year of 1434. A noble knight from Leon with the handsome name of Don Suero de Quinones was scorned by a beautiful lady. He threw down the gauntlet to any knight who dared to pass as he undertook to defend the bridge (and presumably his honor) against all counts. Knights from all over Europe took up the challenge. don Suero successfully defended the bridge for a month until the required 300 lances were broken. Together with his trusted comrades he then preceded to Santiago to offer thanks for his freedom from the bonds of love and for his honor now restored. There is nothing mentioned about the woman!
We checked into the hostel and soon found out we were in the wrong place, so back on my boots went and uphill to the correct hostel we went. We checked in to St. Javier hostel (after we rang some ladies doorbell and tried to stay with her).There are 110 beds in four rooms plus an attic. This is a lovely conversion of one of the oldest historic buildings in Astorga. I sign up for a 45 minute massage for 10 Euros. I figure I will drink water for the next week, but the massage was so worth it. I just wished I could have rolled into bed from the table. We had coupons for dinner at a 5 star restaurant for a discounted price. The food was great and very well presented. We sat around and talked until we almost missed the curfew!
Miles 18.7
June 20, 2010
Start: Astorga
Destination: Rabanal del Camino
(no journal entry for this date)
Miles 13.3
June 21, 2010
Start: Rabanal del Camino
Destination: Molinaseca
Lou and John were going to get an early start so they left at 6 this morning. I couldn’t figure the logic behind getting up early to get to the albueque early enough to take a siesta. But you have to hike your own hike. Mike and I opt for a later start. We are both night people . I fixed a nice fruit salad for my breakfast and had a couple slices of toast before heading out. We have a long day today.
Today the hike takes us through the pass of Irago to the highest point of our whole trail. The trail takes us through the mountains and along the ridge. This section is considered by many to be the prettiest part of the trail. I have to agree. It was my favorite hiking day thus far. I guess it is because the trail was so much like the Appalachian Trail except there was no shade at all today. You could walk between the rolling hills and for as far as you can see more rolling hills. The climbs were so gradual that you didn’t even know you were climbing. I took my time today and just slogged along. The smell of the woods burning under the noon sun was better than any perfume I have ever smelled. You could look around and believe that you were in a total wilderness. Just about the time you thought you were in a total wilderness, you would come around a corner and there would be a small village nestled among the hills.
Today’s selection of bars or cafes was pretty slim though and I was glad I had some snacks in my backpack. It is amazing to me how these little villages even continue to exist. There are no visible schools or industries. No stores or factories. Each village has a couple cars and plenty of rundown buildings and a couple of dogs and cats running loose through the streets. I came to a road crossing and there in a big shade tree was a swing. Just out in the middle of nowhere .There was also a pair of boots hanging on the road sign. Someone is going to be pretty upset when they realize they have lost their boots. Or maybe they just wanted to lighten their load! I got ahead of Mike at one point and took a long break.
I was not sure how he was for snacks since neither of us knew the first part of the trail was so long before coming to a village. I left him a note in the trail with half a banana and a tea cake just in case he was running low on energy. He got to the hostel just ahead of me and I found out he had taken the road instead of the trail. So somewhere out there some critter will eat well tonight! The hostel where we are tonight is a privately run one. That means it is cleaner, we are not packed in like sardines and it is very nice. There are two rooms with 4 bunks beds and one other room. Mike and I got the last two twin beds in the upper room. Yeah!!! No knocking my head on the bunk above me when I crawl in and out. There are only six beds in here anyway, so there will not be a stampede of hikers leaving at dawn in the morning. We all have decided to eat here tonight. For 8 Euros we get three courses and we don’t even have to walk but down the stairs.
Miles 16.4
June 22, 2010
Start: Molinaseca
Destination: Villafranca Del Bierzo
I wish I could say today’s hike was great. But it would not be true. Today’s hike was long, hot and for the most part boring. The trail was primarily walking along on hot asphalt through more small villages and fewer cafes. The only real pleasurable thing was going to the post office and shipping 6 pounds of stuff home that I have been carrying and have not used. Of course seeing all the wonderful vegetable gardens along the road only made me want to plant one when I get home.
Then there were the storks’ nests, this time a double condo and I could see the babies’ heads just peeking over the sides of the nest. Several times we passed under cherry trees, their fruit just beginning to ripen. We helped ourselves to a couple from trees along the roadway I hiked with Mike again today .I do not know how he hikes like he does. All he had was toast and jam for breakfast, then an apple for lunch, yet I had to struggle to keep up with him.
We are in another private hostel tonight. I miss hiking with Lou as he always points out the interesting things in each town that he gets from reading his guide book. This one is in an old building. Two floors stacked with bunk beds. The hot water for the showers is heated by solar panels. Trouble is there was no cold water to mix with the hot water. I managed to get a shower but ended up washing my hair in the sink in frigid cold water. We ate dinner here tonight. It was served family style and I sat across from the couple I met two weeks ago from Houston Texas.
I found out he had taken the road instead of the trail. So somewhere out there some critter will eat well tonight! The hostel where we are tonight is a privately run one. That means it is cleaner, we are not packed in like sardines and it is very nice. There are two rooms with 4 bunks beds and one other room. Mike and I got the last two twin beds in the upper room. Yeah!!! No knocking my head on the bunk above me when I crawl in and out. There are only six beds in here anyway, so there will not be a stampede of hikers leaving at dawn in the morning. We all have decided to eat here tonight. For 8 Euros we get three courses and we don’t even have to walk but down the stairs.
Miles 16.4
Hometown Recipe: Lemon Zest All-American Apple Pie
July 4, 2010
We get a lot of requests for recipes at NorthEscambia.com, so over the coming weeks, we are giving a chance to sample a few different recipe columns.
Today, we have the “Just a Pinch” column from Janet Tharpe. Janet features the best in hometown recipes from across the country. Today, its an All-American Apple Pie with Lemon Zest. You can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
If you like the idea of weekly recipes here on NorthEscambia.com please let us know. Email news@northescambia.com or enter a comment at the bottom of the page. Several people have expressed an interest in submitted local recipes for us to publish; if you would like to submit your own recipes, let us know that too
Birth Announcement: Jackson Keith Rolin
July 4, 2010
Randy Jonathan and Samantha (Martin) Rolin are pleased to announce the birth of their son, Jackson Keith Rolin. Jack was born May 10, 2010, at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley, Ala. He weighed 6 lbs. 8.75 oz., and was 20 inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Keith and Rochel Martin. Paternal grandparents are Kathy Rolin and the late Randy Rolin.
Great grandparents are the late Frank Stewart Jr., Billy and Joyce Etheridge, Ken and Janette Beck, the late Henderson Robinson, Linda Harrelson, the late Pete Harrelson, Wilbert “Bud” and Joyce Rolin, and the late Voncile Rolin.
Jack was welcomed home by his big sister Lily Grace, 2.
Journal: Century Resident Continues Hike Across Spain
July 3, 2010
We are continuing to follow the journals of Century resident Terri Sanders as she hikes 500 miles across Spain this summer.
As Terri hikes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she is filing dispatches from her journal and send pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hikes the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
To read the complete series from day one, click here.
Make sure you join NorthEscambia.com the new few days as we catch up on Terri’s journey and complete the series.
(Scroll down to read entries from three different days.)
June 15 2010
Start: Terradillos de Templarios
Destination: El Burgoe del Ranero
We had the usual nonexistent breakfast. Lou left just ahead of me. I was having trouble with my stomach. I put my pack on and started out the door when the proprietor stopped me and said, “You need to pay for the breakfast”. We had thought it was included in the room. I paid for our breakfasts and caught up with Lou.
It was brisk and cold this morning and I finally had to stop and put my jacket on. Even though the sky was blue with a few clouds, the wind was biting cold.
When we stopped for our noon break, up walked John, who we had met back in St.Jean Pied A Port. Our trail today was on earthen tracks through remote bush country. The cold wind kept us from stopping for any snacks. John and Lou hiked most of the afternoon together while I tried to zone out and just keep moving.
Today was another long day and I was tired by the time we got to the alburque. I am not sure what is going on with my body but for the past three days, as soon as we stop for the day, I have to immediately change clothes, get under a stack of blankets and Lou’s sleeping bag to get warm. It usually takes 2-3 hours for me to finally get warm enough to stop shivering. The last two nights there has been no heat in the hostels so I have bypassed taking a shower. The water is plenty hot but getting dried off, dressed and back to the bed before getting cold again is no easy feat and I just can’t bring myself to do it.
On the Appalachian Trail the longest I went without a shower was 11 days. If it does not warm up pretty soon I may break that record.
There was no one at the hostel when we got here, but a nearby restaurant owner said we just check ourselves in. We laid claim to a bunk. There are only 8 bunks beds here, a small kitchen, a couple showers and toilets. It is by donation to sleep here. There was a wood burning stove in the main room. It did not take me long to find matches, kindling and fire wood to get a fire going. Everyone else was hesitant to start a fire. I said, “What is the worse anyone could do if they ever showed up; put the fire out?”.
Miles 16.7
June 16 2010
Start: El Burgo Ranero
Destination: Mansilla de las Mulas
It was gray and overcast this morning when I stepped outside. Just enough wet to warrant climbing inside my pack cover, put my hat on and walk face down into the rain. By late morning the rain let up and it just stayed overcast. Today’s hike is 15 miles of no asphalt roads, no towns. No villages, no farmland, no houses, no water fountains and no shade trees. On the positive note, it is the most perfect stretch of Roman Road left in Spain. Only the weeds and wild flowers have changed in the last two millennium since this path was laid. We follow the footsteps of Emperor Augustus himself but he would have traveled with an entourage of servants, not available to us humble pilgrims.
We stopped twice for a quick break, after a few minutes we would get cold and start moving again to get warm. All in all it was a rather dull boring day. Things got better when we got to the hostel though. I paid close attention to how I was feeling this afternoon. I stayed in back of the guys and did not push myself. When we got to the hostile I changed clothes and was actually able to eat a snack and finally get a shower. Every hostile has a hiker box just like the one that would become my treasure. There was a brand new poncho, which I left, and a brand new ultra lite sleeping bag which I took.
Later I went digging in the bottom of the basket again and found a roll up bag that had 4 zipper compartments in it. The first compartment held scissors, needle thread, toe nail clippers and fingernail file. The next compartment had toothpaste, comb and suncreen. I took the comb and combed my hair for the first time since I left America. The last compartment had 250 Euros in it. I just stared at the money not knowing what to do at first. The bag was on the very bottom of the basket so I knew it had been there awhile. I put the money in my pocket and thanked God for this unexpected gift. It would almost make up for losing my iPod.
Tomorrow John and I will take the bus into Leon. Neither of us wants to walk through a big noisy city. The night ended on a sour note as my new found sleeping bag was gone and then someone said some hurtful remarks to me and I ended up crying myself to sleep. Too bad the remarks weren’t in Spanish!
Miles:15.2
June 17, 2010
Start: Mansilla de las Mulas
Destination: Leon
There were too many people around the stove this morning for me to cook the potatoes and eggs we had, I wished Lou well and crawled back in bed. I tried hard to go back to sleep but it just wouldn’t work. The guy in the bunk above me had come down and was digging around in the hiker basket muttering under his breath. I asked him what he was looking for and in a combination of Hungarian and English; he told me some of his stuff had been stolen, including 250 Euros. Suddenly a light came on in my head and I realized what had happened.
I got up dug around in my pack and found the comb I had taken. He looked at me questioningly and asked if it was on the floor. I shook my head no….then I took out 250 Euros and handed it to him. He still had a dumb founded look on his face. “You steal from me?” he asked.
I then tried to explain to him how it was that hikers had taken things from his basket. It looked just like a laundry basket with belts along the side. It took me awhile to get the point across to him how we thought it was hiker discards and what that meant. We did not mean to steal from him.
When he finally understood he burst into tears and cried on my shoulders hugging me very tightly. I made him a sign to put on his basket at night that said “This is my back pack please do not touch…privado”. He hugged me some more cried some more and told me all he had was 250 Euros for this trip. He would play his mandolin in the hostels at night and teach Hungarian songs for donations. He picked up his comb and asked if he could give it to me as a gift. I said yes sure. He didn’t have much hair and I don’t know why he was even carrying a comb. I probably could have help lighten his pack considerer ably but figured I had done enough damage. He still was missing some things, but he had his money and that was the big thing.
I packed my stuff and went in search of John. We got to the bus stop just minutes before the bus came. It was a nice ride, looking at all the scenery from the bus window. Neither of us wanted to walk through the long industrial section of Leon, much less all the way through the busy streets. We got to the bus stop, asked directions to the monastery and set off.
We came across an outdoor store where John got a jacket and sleeping bag and I got a sleeping bag. Now watch the weather will turn hot as Hades and here I am with a sleeping bag. We headed out and asked directions again. Thirty minutes later, we asked directions again, and then we asked directions again and again and yet again. This is the first man I have ever met that will ask directions, much less over and over again!
We finally found the monastery and checked in. Turns out Lou had beaten us there. This is the first time the bunk houses have been segregated. We are staying at the Santa Maria de Carbajalas run by the Benedictine nuns. There are 180 beds (all bunk beds) with basic facilities. It is known as a haven of peace and serenity in this busy city. There is a sung vespers each evening which we attended and even though we could not understand a word, it was very moving. Later there was a blessing of the Pilgrims serving as a reminder of the true of nature our journeying. The lights went out promptly at 10:30. All was peaceful.
Zero miles
June 18, 2010
Start: Leon
Destination: Villar de Mazarife
I was packed and downstairs waiting on breakfast by 7:00. Lou was amazed. True to the nature of Spain, breakfast was bread, jam, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. We headed out of town and walked along more farmlands glad to be out of the hustle and bustle of the big city. There was one small town where we stopped for lunch and a break before we arrived at Villar de Mazarife.
We had discussed which hostel we were going to stay in tonight. We have a choice of three. The first one San Antonio de Padua sounded just okay. The book said what it lacked in character, it made up in modern facilities. It has 40 beds in one room but lacks character. The second place El Refugio de Jesus has 30 beds in 9 small rooms (think sardines), what it lacks in modern facilities it makes up for in character. The third place, Tio Pepe is a private hostel with 20 beds all facilities, meals and a bar.
I voted to go with character as did the other hikers. We are now four as Mike (John’s lost hiking partner) has been found. We got to the first hostel which had plastic lounge chairs in the yard under a canopy of shade. It sucked Lou right in .so much for character. It was nice to lie outside and nap in the shade for awhile.
When they called us for dinner you would have thought we were in a five star hotel. The first course, salad was beautifully put together and very colorful. Our second course was a rice dish with fresh green beans, onion, garbanzo beans cooked in a tomato base. Dessert was a caramel cheesecake with caramel sauce. It was all delicious.
The only down side to the meal was half way through it John started feeling bad. He had come in and laid down when we first got here which is unlike him .He said he was cold and couldn’t get warm and no matter how much he drank he was still thirsty. He gets up from the table, stumbles over to an oversize chair and collapses in it. Our manager/chef was also a retired doctor.
He told the waitress to get his blood pressure cuff and hurry. At least that is what we interpreted it to be. He took John’s blood pressure and with a very concerned look told her to call an ambulance .About that time John stiffened out in the chair, broke out in a profuse sweat and was out like a light. My first thought was that he was dead. He wasn’t breathing and was still, then all of a sudden his head slumped over and he was gone. He probably wasn’t out more than a few seconds (it seemed like minutes to me). Five EMTs showed up, took his vitals, blood work and an EKG. Everything checked out fine so they all left. The manager said John had experienced some sort of an experience of the Camino. That something inside him had escaped. We got John up to the bunk room got him in bed and went to sleep hoping tomorrow would be better.
Miles 14.4