Increasing my distance

​More walking today in Berlin.  

I was walking through one of the parks today and I heard marching band music at a distance.  With the sounds of the drums, I knew that it was live music.  Of course, I spent 4 years at West Point becoming very familiar with marching to marching band music.  I couldn’t see where the music was coming from.  Napoleon instructed his Generals to ‘march to the sound of the guns’, so I made a right turn and followed the sounds.  I never found out what the occasion was, but I was at the street as the band started playing and marching towards the street.  Drum lines, brass and fifes in military uniform, leading 3 platoon sized sections of soldiers, airmen and seamen.  A fine detour.

The parks also have interesting statuary.  I came across this statue in one of the parks.  It looks for all of the world like an early first millennial German tribesman hunting an American buffalo/bison.  I guess a bit of artistic license is ok.  

The foot continues to heal.  I went 10 miles today without any problem.  Again, no hills or rucksack so I need to continue to build up.  But I am getting there. I spoke with Dave who was hiking the Camino with me before the blisters.  He has built himself up to 20+ miles a day and wants to continue to increase his distance.  I won’t push my foot any farther than it can take, so we will walk separately and meet up in Santiago.  In a way, this will be cool.  Part of the trip will be with a partner on the trail and part will be by myself.  I think that this will be good.  I will fly into Madrid on the 20th and take the train to Leon.  Then I will hike at my own pace until we meet up in Santiago.  Of course, we can change our plans, but this will give me more time for reflection (without conversation).  Thanks for following along.  

Buen Camino!