You Live one...

The weekend has arrived! Rest and slower pace. I am sitting by a fire in the communal area of our very nice hostel here in Hornillios de Camino, a pilgrim village, while Irish folk music plays in the back ground. A place to do nada!!! Did some journaling and now beginning my blog entry.

Yesterday, we did two loads of some very much needed garments, towels and our bedding. We hung them outside on the clothes line, which in an hour's time they were dry!!! The wind in this region constant! Nothing smells as good a clean clothes hung outside in the day's air.

Just when I think this week to be undistingishable, I find, nothing is ordinary and without notice along our journey. There lies some significance to the purpose of the Way. Which, may I add. The owner, Samuel, of this hostel De Sol A Sol, has a sister who is married to Emilio Estevez's son. Martin Sheen's grandson. Samuel showed us several family photos with Sheen and Estevez, Samuel's sister and himself. Small small world!!! There is a poster, The Way, which Sheen autographed. The movie was made after his sister married into the family.

We stayed in an old 17th century medieval hospital, Hospital de San Antonia Abad. Over 18,000 peregrinos passed through in one year.

Here we met a British man, Matt, who is an artist. This is his second pilgrimage. He was commissioned to do wall murals in Navarette. When he finishes his Camino, he will walk back to Navarette and begin his work.

We looked at his drawing book which contained drawings of pilgrims in old attire. St. James being among the drawings.

Presented to us was a stretch of road that was grueling! Up hill on rocky ground so
challenging. Shape rocks, not one step was able to be taken on sure ground. This was about a five mile stretch. We were stretched! Reaching the very top, and thankfully we reached it, there was a rather big and significant cross. Laying at its base was an immense pile of rocks. It caught my breath and had I not been fatigued, I would have fallen to my knees!! Here one can place all the heaviness that they carry and take in the freedom from that which was carried up hill. Baruch HaShem!!

At the foot of this cross, there were stones with names on them, photos, bracelets/necklaces, shoes, any piece that is of significance left saying....

This very place is shown in the movie The Way. The woman who was traveling with Martin Sheen tossed a stone on to the pile of stones and started to read from a piece of paper. Yet, she could not finish. Martin Sheen read from a paper and laid a stone upon the pile.

Arriving a half hour early to our next night's stay, a Parrish, in St. Juan de Ortega. While waiting an elderly couple came up to the Parrish and Randy sensing something was wrong, saw that the elder man had a scrap on his chin and a bleeding gash on his bald head. Of course language being a barrier, we never learned what happened. Another gentleman banged on the Parrish door for assistance. All that could be done for this elder man was general first aide.

Within a few minutes of this situation, a young French woman came in and was crying! She was assisted by a German man. This young lady had blisters on her feet that were beyond imaginable!
She needed some serious medical treatment. The bus to Burgos, being the next big town was 40 km away. She clearly was unable to take another step.

Pondering the solution to get her to Burgos, it was discovered a transport car was delivering luggage to the Parrish. She would be able to catch a lift on its return. The man who was assisting her, his wife gave this young woman 50€ for the transport as she was short funds till she could get to an ATM.
Again, I am so blessed to see the gift of kindness and graciousness of others to help one along the way. We are always made aware of the immense gifts bestowed on foundations, causes, charities, etc.
But I am here to testify that what is given in the form of a mite to another is beyond what I could measure. This will stay with me forever. There is never a small act when offered to a sojourner of
Life. Always an angel of love hovering.

Later when we arrived at Burgos, we came across this young woman who said she spent two days in the hospital and two days at the albergue.

This Parrish was so so cold, the air passed underneath my bunk and my hips hurt all night!! I was very glad for the dawn, to be out once again, sun blanketing my face with warmth.

Randy and I had our second communal dinner at Cardenuela. It was a feast, rich in fellowship with fellow pilgrims. Each with their reason for doing this path. Much laughing and chatter. A banquet of cheer and jubilantly fitting in this communal room.

Our meal consisted of WARM pea soup. Delish! A designer salad in that, it's presentation was so picturesque. How the layers of tomatoes, lettuce, onions, olives, corn and eggs were placed on rectangle dishes placed strategically down the banquet table. Baskets of bread, always! Next...chicken and potatoes. I am reminded of meals with family and friends we have had over the years. I hold the memories close now!

On to Burgos, an immense town. It was six miles of travel, from the outer edge of it, all industrial and commercial, passing through to the beginnings of high rise buildings and a mall. Arriving in the old section of Burgos, where resides one of Spain's largest cathedrals. Santa Maria de Burgos Cathedral. Dedicated in 1260!!! Oh, my!!! It was so splendid. Spectacular in architecture of gothic design and intricacy. Inside unimaginable!! Each niche had a separate design and dedication. Hard to take in when you try to place it in its date of origination. Such great works! Again, for the gazers of today to partake in its high pillars, resplendent design and antiquity of its place back then! Beyond words.

Our town, Hornillos means kiln. There is a tiny market across the street, who the owner graciously gave us salt and pepper to help me prepare our dinner last night. We have a full kitchen here, so a great opportunity to make a meal. I made pasta with fresh grated hard queso. Tomatoes tossed with olive oil and small amount of vinegar. Sliced peaches and corn/peas for Randy. And least to mention...pan! Natural yogurt for dessert. Enjoyed!

We have entered into the Meseta. A region that is referred to as the cereal region. Grains are grown here. Their distinct smell filling the air as you take in the scene.

The constant wind blows gently across the high grasses causing an image likened to a people mover, in that of its uniform movement, each blade reprenting a fluid participant. One senses a deep harmonious bond with the tranquility of the Meseta.

I will end here with this quote from The Way:
  YOU DO NOT CHOOSE A LIFE, YOU LIVE ONE!

Always with much love,
Ilene and Randy