Yvonne´´s Knee

Monday Yvonne strained her knee and we had to hobble into town. There did not seem to be any reason for the strain other then just being tired. This was one of the easiest walks we have had in the whole trip. When we got to the refugio we found that this seems to be the time when many people have problems (ankles, knees, blisters). (Yvonne learned new swear words. I did not know she even knew them. She is reading over my shoulder and says that she did not know them either.) It was extremely painful and we went to see the Dr. on Tuesday. The folks at the refugio have been great and contacted the Dr. And the people at the Pharmacia.



Monday one of the people with us who was a physical theirpist worked on her knee, a massuse who was working at the refiguio worked on her knee. All agreed that we might have to take 3-5 days off the walk so that we can continue.



There were about 17-20 international students who took us under their wings and included us into their dinner making plans. They allowed me to go get the wine, bread, and cookies. Great conversation with everyone in several languages (UK, Ireland, Italy, USA, Spain) it was fun and kept Yvonne occupied. Went to bed and in the morning had a taxi take us to the hospital in Logrono. The hospital was huge and modern. Our insurance worked well and they were able to determine that there was no permanant damage to the knee. It was just tired and stretched. This was all done in two languages with some very patient people. They have given her ibuprofem as an anti-inflamatory and rest for 4-5 days. We took a taxi to the center of town and found a pension for the next few days. I spent some time finding crutches and we encounsed ourselves in the plaza and watched the storks (who have nests on the steeple of the cathedral) cruz around. The organ was play in the cathedral and we tried to get in. Finally they opened the doors and for the next hour we sat in the cathedral and listened to a wonderful concert on a 1742 organ which had 2000 pipes and 38 ranks (huge!!!!). This did more than anything else to lift our spirts and realize that even when forced to stop there are wonders to behold.

Then wonder of wonder the kids from last night arrived after their 30K walk. Concerned about Yvonne. We pulled together the tables outside of the tavern and had another 15-20 person international conversation that ranged from Bush to the church, universities in London and US, new careers in the US, etc.

We wished them Buen Cammino as they headed off to bed and we did the same.

Today (Wed) had a good night got up and came down to the square where we found a book store and bought 2 books. Bought breakfast and sat in the plaza and read until noon.

I still do not have USB connections so cannot sent pictures but a couple more days and then back to the walk. I am running out of time so

Thank your for your prayers.

We love you all. Do not worry about us. This is our camino as they tell us and we will do what we can.