Peaks and Valleys...by ER

I wake up every morning, jump out of bed and thank God for every moment of this trip. For the good times and the more challenging times: they are all necessary. Just as in the walk, I have now seen the highest peak: the legendary Cross of Ferro ( 4,940 ft), the lowest point : bed bugs (altitude unknown). Yes, I Emily White Reid am covered with itchy red bites that I contracted in a hostel bed. It is a common occurence with you are sleeping in a room full of bunk beds with 50 other sweaty, snoring, coughing pilgrims from all over the world. There is no telling what else we have. I went to the hospital today in Sarria where Dr. Angel Calado treated me for free. He was in fact, an angel. When I showed him my bite-ridden back he quickly called in a nurse to give me a shot for the swelling. The funny thing was, she didn´t know which of us was the patient, so she turned to Nik to administer the injection. As you can imagine, she quickly refused the 3-inch needle haha! I was so tired, humiliated and exhausted and needed someone to take care of me and my prayers were answered. It is really amazing that both Nikki and I have been to 3 different doctors since our arrival in Spain and have never had to pay one cent. This is partially because of a long tradition of free services to pilgrims on the camino and because we´re so damn lucky. Thank you all for your prayers and support. We feel it with every step we take.