First I want to thank everybody for their concern over my knees.  As most of you know I’ve broken more than my fair share of bones; 2 big toes, an ankle, tailbone, countless ribs, vertebrae (twice) and a wrist so I have a lot of experience with pain and discomfort.  I have no idea what is happening with my knees.  I’ve cycled across America, I walk constantly, used to play Racquetball, so why are they choosing now to give me so much hell?  I don’t know but as long as I don’t think I am causing any permanent harm I am going to continue.  The primary reason I am not concerned is that after 5 minutes of icing them down the pain completely disappears and doesn’t come back.  5 minutes! or less.  I’m wearing pants that zip together at the knee today so if they start to hurt, I’m going to unzip my stripper pants and ice them down mid-walk.  If it gets to the point where I can’t make even a short walk then I will call it a day and come home; that’s not going to happen anytime soon.  So, sit back and enjoy the parts of this trip that make it worthwhile.

Church Bell (or is it?)

Into the Country

Spanish Teacher

Sanctuary

Siesta

Siesta 2

Wine anyone?

So you see, it’s not all bad.  I was seriously laughing every  time that Church Bell rang, I had a lively conversation, all in Spanish, with a complete stranger, the rock shelters were fascinating and obviously very old, the custom of “Siesta” caught me off guard, yet again, and the wine bottles in the display windows, well, that was just sack.  

My fellow trekkers have all asked me how I am doing and their concern is touching, my Partner has been supportive and I know he wouldn’t give me any crap if I did decide to come home early but, for now, he’s giving me his full support, and it’s going to rain today; who could ask for more?  (LOL).  

For those of you who know my whole story then you can understand that this “knee thing” is nothing compared to what I’ve been through.  It wouldn’t be a Pilgrimage if it was easy.  My Halo won’t be all shiny and new if I give up now.

Joe Jeter  October 09, 2014