Day 4 - Santeramo in Colle - Altamura ~ 24 km

I woke up at 5.30am and packed in my bags. While the day before I could hardly stand on my feet, by the morning my feet were almost back to normal, which was interesting to see; how easily my body recovers. After saying goodbye to Armando's fluffy dogs and his farm, he drove me to the centre at 6am. We gave each other a hug and I was on my way to Altamura. 

                          

                                Flufferson 1 & 2

Walking so early was quite refreshing. It was nice to see nature wake up and have that peaceful morning feeling. I wanted to feel prepared for any eventualities, just in case, so I did some research into what to do when stuck outside hiking during a thunderstorm. I didn't learn too much new but it was nice to remind myself what to do and what not during a storm. I did learn one new thing however, 'the lightning safety position', which is this --> 

When the lightning is near you, you should stay in this position to avoid being struck.... How?! I don't question the position's effectiveness and I'm sure it's saved people's lives. But how can anyone stay in this position for longer than 5 seconds? I understand the squatting but the kneel tap? You needed to have been regularly attending your yoga classes to be able to do this. 

I was so eager to get to Altamura by 12pm because the weather forecast said there's going to be thunderstorms then. I wanted to avoid the same terrifying feeling of yesterday's at all cost. So I fast-walked 6 hours without stopping (except for some sips of water), or even eating anything all day. I have no idea where I had that kind of energy but I even surprised myself. It made me realise that motivation really overpowers any other human urges, even pain or hunger. This Camino is testing and seriously developing my problem solving skills, adaptability, organisational and communicational skills like no job or experience did before. 

           Saw a mama horse with her pony

I also noticed that time passes very differently depending on your motivation during a Camino. On my second day when the weather was great and I was in no rush, I checked the time every 10 minutes to see how long is left. And the day went very slowly, but now knowing I have to finish as quickly as possible, suddenly 4 hours went by in a split second.

I arrived in Altamura at 12.30pm just exactly when the rain started, and I was extremely relieved to have made it before the thunderstorm. 

Seeing Altamura for the first time in the distance and knowing that I won't be left in the middle of nowhere in a thunderstorm.

   

                                 

                                     Altamura

I love the maze of narrow alleys in Altamura, it is very special architecturally and you can feel the old history of the place. 

I bought some bread in Altamura which apparently is the best in Italy (according to Giuseppe). 

 

                             It was good. 

We went out for dinner, had some pasta and I went to bed at 11pm being ready to get up for another early 6am start. 

The weather seems to be beautiful and sunny in the morning but then suddenly change and get thunderstorms in the afternoon. Thinking that I walk 20+ kilomeetres with only 6 hours of sleep might seem wild, but actually since I started the Camino I have the deepest sleeps I've ever had and I always wake up super fresh and like I slept for 10 hours. 

Tomorrow a relatively easy day with 20 kilometres.