How good and pleasant it is as pilgrims walk together in unity

It does not matter where you live, it is how you live...

It was good and pleasant to have had the company of a young female doctor, family medicine in Austria, two female dentists from Denmark, a financial investor from India, and so many other countries as the past by my shoulder this week!

Randy and I had a few days of companionship with a couple from S. Korea. Buddy and Grace. Buddy is a doctor of internal medicine and Grace is a high school nurse. We got to knew a lot about their country and well as their lives. Visa versa!

Grace was battling severe blisters and loosing the battle. They were getting worse and she is not sure if she will be able to continue.  I think of her and hope she will be able to continue her journey as she has waited to do this walk for five years.

The Meseta has provided a gambit of weather. Warm, almost to warm when there is no shade along our path, cloudy with a mild breeze to RAIN! Torrent rain one day!!! We scathed by into our albergue by minutes before it let its fury go!!!

So far the only ones that are taxing ahead is Oscar and Olive (our ruck sacks). We have sent them on a head three times thus far, feeling so light, I know there is definetly a divine hook in the loop of my pants, which has been moved over eight buttons holes on both sides of my waist band from the weight I have lost.
     Long, yet easy days....

We took in an ancient church ruins of Convento de San Anton, a monastery and hospice founded in the 11th century. What remains is so beautiful.

Randy and I took a respite here beside the ruin walls. Suddenly five women began to sing-
    My Bonny lies over the ocean, by bonny lies over the seas...
Knowing the song, I heralded in and they loved it. Quite frankly, we sounded great!

Later, I wondered, why that song before these walls of ancient days.

There is an order of nuns in this area, Castrojeriz, Covento de Santa Clara Clarisas. They make wooden TAU. "T" shaped symbols that are sacred, the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet symbolizing protection against sickness. It is referred to and worn as the "Pilgrims cross".

Stopping at a old convent, where they serve refreshments to the peregrinos who pass by. Coffee, tea, peanuts and cookies, donation accepted. As I was a starving, it was a meal fit for a very weary gal.
One can stay the night and receive dinner and breakfast, for a donation.

This convent is so beautiful!!! So I think...as it was extremely dark inside as there is NO electricity. Light illumination is only from candles! Very cold as well. Meals are prepared on wood stove.

Thinking we should have a chat regarding bunk beds:
   Top bunk or bottom bunk?
   Pros and cons of top or bottom bunk
   Age appropriate top and bottom bunk
   What should one bring to the top bunk
Randy and Inhave been fortunate in that we have only had to have the top bunk three times. One was voluntary on Randy's part. As he gave up his bottom bed to an older woman who clearly was distressed about the top bunk bed.

It happens that Randy and I were separated in different rooms. Randy two flights up and I on the main floor. Both of us on top bunk beds. I find myself in a bit of a pickle, as I am a frequent pee'er, getting up a few times during the night. Going up and down and up and down one finds is very disrupting to any conducive sleep.

Randy got up during the night and thought he would come down to see if I needed to use the servicos.  He could offer assistance in my getting down. He tapped me on the shoulder and it scared me so badly, I almost wet the bed!!! My honey was so sweet in thinking of me.

Going up the wrungs of the ladder is so very uncomfortable on tired feet, sore feet, blistered feet. At one albergue, they considerately wrapped the wrungs with styrofoam. Bless them!

Doing a belly flop on top lacks grace! Knees are tired from the day and wobble about when you are trying to spread out your bedding and take a moment to ponder, OMG did I forget.....? Down below??

Finally all settled in- now to the getting up, going down, use the servicios, back up again. Repeat! It is 6:00 am and time to get up!

We had a thirteen mile day to Formista. An 11th century Inglesia de San Martin, consecrated in 1066. It is said to be the finest example of pure Romanesque in Spain. It is a national monument. Our dinner this night was bread, cream cheese, olives, apples, oranges, peas and corn!

In a small tiendo I found of all things one can of vegetarian refried beans!!! Needless to say, our nights dinner. Cooked them up with queso, had corn chips to scoop them up with. Olives, cucumbers and oranges.

One of our night stays this week was at Monestary Santa Clara. The hospitario was so friendly and accommodating. A peaceful place. The grounds providing serenity from the days travel.

As I write, I am looking out the French doors at the dark promise of angry rain! Now reflecting on the two days this week of walking in the rain-
   Why when it rains at home, I more often than not decline myself a walk because it is raining?

As I was walking, in spite of the rain, the moments, seconds, minutes, hours, allowed me to see the effects of the accumulated droplets on the flora. The tall grasses bending from the weight of the rain. The fields appear that once a giant plopped down to ponder his vista and leaves behind his impression upon the grasses.

Rain brings refreshment, restoration, and nourishment.  A new perspective to the hydrating source that is vital to all that lives.

Our weekend was spent in Terradillos de Templarios. Referred to as humble village. This was certainly reflected in the people of this town! They were so amazing. Their servitude beyond measure! They actually did our rather stinky and very muddy clothes! I noticed that when people would be coming into the albergue soaked to the skin. Upon shedding their ponchos, jackets and rain pants, the hospiterio was out there helping them, wringing out their clothes and placing them on a line. More importantly, she had such joy on her face and hands that offered a huge welcome! Peace to all who enter!

This  is also the half way point between Saint Jean pied de Port and Santiago Compostella.
It was formerly a stronghold of the Knights Templar.

Do you know: Knights Templar were soldiers of Christ and of the Temple Solomon. Order was found in the early 12th century. They were an elite fighting force.

A knight could not hold property, could not be given to marriage nor betrothed. Can have no debt or infirmities. And could belong to no other order.

We have seen ancient remains of the Knights Templar throughout our Way.

Happy Mother's Day to each and every one of you moms! You are a blessing to your children. Your face is reflected back in the faces of your children. Love each of you!

Randy and I are asking for prayers this week, we have some very long days that are chasing us with sourness of an angry storm! 14 and 16 mile days. Mercy from all obstacles that will be a hindrance for Randy's foot. That we will not be so soaked that we could get sick as most of our albergues have no heat. More importantly that we will have warmth in our hearts to receive each new day as a gift and offer ourselves where we can and when we can.

Arising this morning, we were greated with the expected rain! But, presentations of portals of such tourquise skies were a surprise. More of a surprise...a promise, as there was a rainbow! Needless to say, I was elated as this is the half way mark and a rainbow right here!

Love to all!