Day 17: A Day of Rest

Today, after 17 days of going nonstop in rainy, windy, and cold weather, up and down windy, twisty roads, and across the plains and deserts, we decided to take the day off. Yep – you heard right - the day off. The tail begins with a rather dire beginning. After returning from Obidos yesterday, Shirley was making her usual trek up the staircase to her room two flights up when she heard "POP" and felt excruciating pain in her left knee. Apparently as she made the last corner of the staircase, her upper body continued upward while her lower body did not. Although the pain was fearsome, she was more 'inconvenienced' than anything else. Her loyal travel companions retrieved ice and snacks and insured she was comfortable before abandoning her for the sights of Nazare. The day was absolutely gorgeous – the best we have had yet in terms of weather.

Today, Saturday, was not as sunny as yesterday, but at least it isn't raining. This morning Clarita made a trip to the local Farmacia to get Shirley a walking stick. Unfortunately, it really didn't seem to help so Clarita took it back and bought two sticks – the ones that wrap around your arms for support. Sadly, those didn't really help either so back they went. Then Clarita, Peggy, and Fannette remembered a store they had seen yesterday that sold hospital equipment so they trudged up the hill to see what equipment they could find. As luck would have it, the store had a walker and not just any walker. This gizmo was the latest – the Cadillac of walkers with shock absorbers and springs in the upper arm that allow you to inch along as opposed to just thrusting the walker forward. Best of all, the pharmacist or nurse practioner or whatever she was spoke excellent English and was able to give us some practical advice. Thus armed with our new walker we took it back for Shirley to examine. This one, she agreed, was the crown prince of walkers and would be perfect for her. Natch, we are all hoping that a little bed rest, Advil, ice, and sleep with help the healing process, but we want to be armed in case.

Although Clarita had some side trips planned, Fannette really didn't want to drive today. That last tiny, cobblestone road by the castle must have done her in. So the three (Clarita, Peggy, and Fannette) decided to have a day at home to catch up on laundry, reading, and just relaxing. Around 1, the girls decided a hamburger sounded good and set off to find one. Yesterday we had seen tons of signs for them, but today none could be found. We traveled down the major thoroughfare checking out restaurants. Our criterion is relatively simple – a) a place that appears clean and b) has patrons. The first part is easy; the second not so easy. We finally happen across a place that fits both criteria and better yet, the restaurant hawker assures us they have hamburgers, maybe not on the menu but they do have them. He first tries to seat us in the main dining room which is full of a busload of noisy tourists. We insist on the outside patio and he obliges. Finally a waiter comes and we order our hamburgers. Better still – they actually have coke light, something we have found only once the entire trip. Eventually our meal comes – two brown patties, French fries, and rice. The brown patties could resemble hamburgers is you squint and close your good eye. Clarita asks about a bun and the waiter shakes his head before running off. The patties are okay but could use a little catsup so the first chance we have, Clarita asks the waiter if he has catsup. Si, he answers and runs off. We wait and wait and wait. Finally we realize he won't be coming back. She asked him if he had it not if he would bring it to us. We manage to eat the patties and the fries and the first chance we have, Clarita asks for the bill. The waiter says ok and runs off. We wait and wait and wait. Clarita wraps up our left overs and leaves to take them to Shirley while Peggy and I wait and wait and wait. Eventually we get our bill. I feel like running off - 10€ apiece for a hamburger.

The rest of the day we all spent resting. The next few days will be hectic as our trip is coming to an end and we want to get in as much as possible. We leave for Spain tomorrow and will end our day in Salamanca. We are all hoping the run of good weather we have had the past two days will continue with us.