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Saturday, May 21, 2016
Routine of a sojourner
I know this might not be of interest to some of you. I thought that I would give you description of my daily routine in a day's arising and day's rest.
Upon rising, which usually stirred around 5:00 a.m. by those who head out to complete 20 plus miles in a day. Sleeping bags zippers, russle of ziplock bags, clothing coming off and going on. Toilets flushing, teeth brushing and at times very loud inside voices! To the closing or most often slamming of the door as they leave. If that is not enough alarm to wake up by, the lights auto flip on at 6:30.
I more than not wake up with a song on my heart ready for what or who is waiting in our day. I sneak on my underclothes removing my sleep wear, then on with my clothes for the day: which had been placed on my back pack the night before.
Next rolling up my sleep sack and stuffing it in its pouch placing it in the underneath compartment of my back pack. Where I also place a slip sheet as I can tell you, next time I simply say "good night and don't let the bed bugs bite" I will give second thoughts as this is part of what could have shared your bed last night!!!
Folding my sleep wear and placing it in the top compartment along with my towel for tonight, I grab my comb and tooth brush and head to the bathroom where I am greeted by men and women doing the same that had not left at the 5:00 hour. All in joyful moods and gladly offering a "good morning".
Back to my bunk bed, I drink deeply from my water bottle and join it with the supplements and few medications I take. Enjoying a banana, orange, sometimes a yogurt. Waiting to fuel up with caffeine, if the cafe is open as their hours are different than mine. On goes the fourteen pounds, hands coupled with poles, either the rain jacket, down jacket or vest. Maybe all three or two. Buff on my neck, head or wrist, we head out. Stop to take a mental check list of having not left anything behind after we had already checked before we left...➡️
➡️On the path....arriving for our night stay between noon and 3:00. We find an albergue. Once were are checked in, having shown our passports and our pilgrim's credentials, we choose our bunk beds. Hopefully bottom ones, but, not always. A few albergues assign you beds taking away our option for bottom ones.
Catching a moments breath, I begin to set up camp. First glancing at the mattress, which I would not recommend doing to closely! Then laying down my mattress sheet. Spraying it down with essential oil bug spray. Upon which I lay my sleep sack, again spraying it down.
We plug in our electronics needing to be charged; switching with the remaining ones at bedtime.
Gathering up my night clothes and towel head for the shower for if you wait too long, what revives you quickly is a cold water shower. I have had a few!!! It takes me a bit to come out of the shower as I do not have much gracefulness in the act of putting clean clothing on in a wet shower floor!! But, eventually I make it back to my bunk.
As Randy and I seem to be eating only one main meal a day and the pilgrims meal offered everywhere is not severed until seven. We eat our main meal not long after our shower. We either dine out or I make something, if a kitchen is available.
Randy is most always in bed between 5:30-7:00. So he masks up, plugs up and he is off to rest!
I very, depending on how tired I am. Visiting or lying in bed and reading. My light goes out no later than 9:30. Official lights out and quite is 10:00.
I hope that I still have this morning's heart song and will be singing when the evening comes...
For this way, I have learned patience, tolerance and kindness. As these are the implements of a life desired to share and gift others with love....
So far, NO bed bugs! 🤗
Upon rising, which usually stirred around 5:00 a.m. by those who head out to complete 20 plus miles in a day. Sleeping bags zippers, russle of ziplock bags, clothing coming off and going on. Toilets flushing, teeth brushing and at times very loud inside voices! To the closing or most often slamming of the door as they leave. If that is not enough alarm to wake up by, the lights auto flip on at 6:30.
I more than not wake up with a song on my heart ready for what or who is waiting in our day. I sneak on my underclothes removing my sleep wear, then on with my clothes for the day: which had been placed on my back pack the night before.
Next rolling up my sleep sack and stuffing it in its pouch placing it in the underneath compartment of my back pack. Where I also place a slip sheet as I can tell you, next time I simply say "good night and don't let the bed bugs bite" I will give second thoughts as this is part of what could have shared your bed last night!!!
Folding my sleep wear and placing it in the top compartment along with my towel for tonight, I grab my comb and tooth brush and head to the bathroom where I am greeted by men and women doing the same that had not left at the 5:00 hour. All in joyful moods and gladly offering a "good morning".
Back to my bunk bed, I drink deeply from my water bottle and join it with the supplements and few medications I take. Enjoying a banana, orange, sometimes a yogurt. Waiting to fuel up with caffeine, if the cafe is open as their hours are different than mine. On goes the fourteen pounds, hands coupled with poles, either the rain jacket, down jacket or vest. Maybe all three or two. Buff on my neck, head or wrist, we head out. Stop to take a mental check list of having not left anything behind after we had already checked before we left...➡️
➡️On the path....arriving for our night stay between noon and 3:00. We find an albergue. Once were are checked in, having shown our passports and our pilgrim's credentials, we choose our bunk beds. Hopefully bottom ones, but, not always. A few albergues assign you beds taking away our option for bottom ones.
Catching a moments breath, I begin to set up camp. First glancing at the mattress, which I would not recommend doing to closely! Then laying down my mattress sheet. Spraying it down with essential oil bug spray. Upon which I lay my sleep sack, again spraying it down.
We plug in our electronics needing to be charged; switching with the remaining ones at bedtime.
Gathering up my night clothes and towel head for the shower for if you wait too long, what revives you quickly is a cold water shower. I have had a few!!! It takes me a bit to come out of the shower as I do not have much gracefulness in the act of putting clean clothing on in a wet shower floor!! But, eventually I make it back to my bunk.
As Randy and I seem to be eating only one main meal a day and the pilgrims meal offered everywhere is not severed until seven. We eat our main meal not long after our shower. We either dine out or I make something, if a kitchen is available.
Randy is most always in bed between 5:30-7:00. So he masks up, plugs up and he is off to rest!
I very, depending on how tired I am. Visiting or lying in bed and reading. My light goes out no later than 9:30. Official lights out and quite is 10:00.
I hope that I still have this morning's heart song and will be singing when the evening comes...
For this way, I have learned patience, tolerance and kindness. As these are the implements of a life desired to share and gift others with love....
So far, NO bed bugs! 🤗
This week was a challenging one on a few levels. Sickness being one and the beginning of two big climbs.
Randy and I both acquired colds, with me fighting a fever for two days it made those days of walking breathing intensive as my chest is so compromised. I felt as if I had taken upon me two extra backpacks and became a transport.
So, eventually the stubbornness in me gave in and we are resting in a village I most favor! Molinaseca. It is a charming, peaceful and full of gracious and gentle people: It lies at the base of the mountains which we crossed up, over and down. The mountains remind us of home.
This region is referred to as the Maragateria region. Having remnants of the Maragates culture dating back to the 7th century. Such a change in region and when I thought the kindness I have been greeted with thoughout our Way to be so touching, I am intertwined with even more such kindness. I feel as if we have been coupled for many many years instead of a passing through moment.
Most of the small villages in this region are in rubble and have a sadness of abandonment. But the spirit of the life given to it by the few that call it their home seems to make the ruins rest with potential of being rebuilt some day.
We stayed in Albergue Gabino, in El Ganso. Owned by a young main. His parents own the hotel and tiendo. We shopped for a few dinner items. Making dinner instead of eating the pilgrims meal again. They were playing some great music, which Randy shared with the owner some of his favorite
Music: Secret Garden. She was so delighted with the music, writing down the title for reference.
In the evening I participated with a few pilgrims outside listening to the lovely voice of a Wisconsin woman as she strummed her ukulele, all joining in the variations of "Somewhere over the Rainbow". A most melancholy moment as I gazed upon the faces that had glows as if we were gathered around a fire.
We continued to climb to Foncebadon. Just barely. It was a grueling washed out path. Rugged and areas of mud, difficult to cross without being sucked in! Obstacles of every sort. I will say that that there were a few younger ones who crossed and walked on rocks and BIG rocks like walking on water. But for most, an obstacle course waiting for twisted ankles, stressed out knees or falling. As one of our French ladies did. Having cut herself pretty badly she is resting for two days here in Molinaseca. I had much concern of Randy's foot as it is always present with a struggle.
We reached the summit- la Cruz de Ferro!!! It was a very foggy drizzly day with a wind factor constant at us. So with the all this combined we were so very glad to embrace the town of Acebo. Only one Main Street and not many options for albergues.
We were once again sustained and carried by heavenly hooks! Will need to rely upon those hooks for the next huge climb. We are apprehensive of the path conditions.
We shared our path with a Scottsman wearing his kilt. He appeared to be so comfy. A unicycle, who I felt had the biggest challenge of all with balance, his pack, rugged stretch of washed out road and uphill!!! He had my admiration and prayers for a Good Way.
Randy and I found rest for our feet, backs and mind at a few road side cafe'. Set up at certain junctures along the Camino, when you are feeling the weariness seeping in and you have many miles left to go. One in particular- Smile Cafe'. The young couple running this oasis could not have been sweeter nor gracious. Offering a lawn with chairs to let out the efforts of the Camino and take back in the blessing to be walking it.
With our coffee and tea accompanied a small scroll. Mine said "adventure". Randy's "be sweet". 🙃.
Upon leaving this refreshment of rest, we were sent off with "have a good way, have a good day and have a good life".
Our plan as of today will be to walk a short distance to Ponferrada. Hoping to happen upon a knight at the Castillo de lid Templarios! A 12th century Templar castle. But I will refuse any offer to carry me off to Santiago, as we are only a niggle over 100 miles left!
My confession to each of you, is that I have picked up some habits not very becoming of a lady. It is the way of the Camino. What happens on the Camino, stays on the Camino!!! Unless Randy is too tempted to spill the beans!
It was written to me- Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extra ordinary simply by doing them! This is more than extra ordinary. When I was asked today by a young man, "what have I taken from the Way thus far". No need to ponder a wee think. This I know and have said before. This path has clearly shown me a picture of life. Each mile, each town, village and city a mile post, representative of joy, peace, struggle, illness, loss, or strife. How we cross each section is what we begin the next with. But, never, ever are we alone on our journey. Even when we choose a section of solitude.
Randy and I both acquired colds, with me fighting a fever for two days it made those days of walking breathing intensive as my chest is so compromised. I felt as if I had taken upon me two extra backpacks and became a transport.
So, eventually the stubbornness in me gave in and we are resting in a village I most favor! Molinaseca. It is a charming, peaceful and full of gracious and gentle people: It lies at the base of the mountains which we crossed up, over and down. The mountains remind us of home.
This region is referred to as the Maragateria region. Having remnants of the Maragates culture dating back to the 7th century. Such a change in region and when I thought the kindness I have been greeted with thoughout our Way to be so touching, I am intertwined with even more such kindness. I feel as if we have been coupled for many many years instead of a passing through moment.
Most of the small villages in this region are in rubble and have a sadness of abandonment. But the spirit of the life given to it by the few that call it their home seems to make the ruins rest with potential of being rebuilt some day.
We stayed in Albergue Gabino, in El Ganso. Owned by a young main. His parents own the hotel and tiendo. We shopped for a few dinner items. Making dinner instead of eating the pilgrims meal again. They were playing some great music, which Randy shared with the owner some of his favorite
Music: Secret Garden. She was so delighted with the music, writing down the title for reference.
In the evening I participated with a few pilgrims outside listening to the lovely voice of a Wisconsin woman as she strummed her ukulele, all joining in the variations of "Somewhere over the Rainbow". A most melancholy moment as I gazed upon the faces that had glows as if we were gathered around a fire.
We continued to climb to Foncebadon. Just barely. It was a grueling washed out path. Rugged and areas of mud, difficult to cross without being sucked in! Obstacles of every sort. I will say that that there were a few younger ones who crossed and walked on rocks and BIG rocks like walking on water. But for most, an obstacle course waiting for twisted ankles, stressed out knees or falling. As one of our French ladies did. Having cut herself pretty badly she is resting for two days here in Molinaseca. I had much concern of Randy's foot as it is always present with a struggle.
We reached the summit- la Cruz de Ferro!!! It was a very foggy drizzly day with a wind factor constant at us. So with the all this combined we were so very glad to embrace the town of Acebo. Only one Main Street and not many options for albergues.
We were once again sustained and carried by heavenly hooks! Will need to rely upon those hooks for the next huge climb. We are apprehensive of the path conditions.
We shared our path with a Scottsman wearing his kilt. He appeared to be so comfy. A unicycle, who I felt had the biggest challenge of all with balance, his pack, rugged stretch of washed out road and uphill!!! He had my admiration and prayers for a Good Way.
Randy and I found rest for our feet, backs and mind at a few road side cafe'. Set up at certain junctures along the Camino, when you are feeling the weariness seeping in and you have many miles left to go. One in particular- Smile Cafe'. The young couple running this oasis could not have been sweeter nor gracious. Offering a lawn with chairs to let out the efforts of the Camino and take back in the blessing to be walking it.
With our coffee and tea accompanied a small scroll. Mine said "adventure". Randy's "be sweet". 🙃.
Upon leaving this refreshment of rest, we were sent off with "have a good way, have a good day and have a good life".
Our plan as of today will be to walk a short distance to Ponferrada. Hoping to happen upon a knight at the Castillo de lid Templarios! A 12th century Templar castle. But I will refuse any offer to carry me off to Santiago, as we are only a niggle over 100 miles left!
My confession to each of you, is that I have picked up some habits not very becoming of a lady. It is the way of the Camino. What happens on the Camino, stays on the Camino!!! Unless Randy is too tempted to spill the beans!
It was written to me- Sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extra ordinary simply by doing them! This is more than extra ordinary. When I was asked today by a young man, "what have I taken from the Way thus far". No need to ponder a wee think. This I know and have said before. This path has clearly shown me a picture of life. Each mile, each town, village and city a mile post, representative of joy, peace, struggle, illness, loss, or strife. How we cross each section is what we begin the next with. But, never, ever are we alone on our journey. Even when we choose a section of solitude.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Quote for the day...
Ylia has been faithful in sending daily quotes to me for encouragement. Here is one I would like to
Share:
She realized it was progress and not Perfection that¿ would get her to where she wanted to go. And she wanted to go very¿ far.
Our journey continues....two thirds done!
What a week. Covered 74 miles on the Meseta. Constant wind blowing. Yet, what a beautiful part of our journey! High desert with blooming flowers of reds, purples, whites and yellow. We tried to take it all in.
Randy and I were just saying if anyone told us thirty years ago that we would be taking a 500 mile walk in Spain, we would have responded with a huge laugh. Today, we stand in the center of this sweet little town...giving thanks for our health and stepping out to such an adventure!!!
My husband can crack me up at times. It appears he has the same effect on others. As he takes to the paved highway instead of the path hoping it would be the path of least resistance to his foot, ear buds connected to the iPod...he begins his marching to the beat, soon his walking stick leaves the pavement and becomes part of Randy's one man band, waving in the air!
There were several pilgrims watching from the lower path that were pointing, smiling and laughing as the man on the highway was offering entertainment. I am not sure what the lone cars thought as they passed by. Randy was happy and clearly expressing it!
When we arrived in Sahagun, we quickly dropped our packs to head out to visit the citt. Randy got a haircut at the barber. He was so glad for it. Was struggling with his long short hair look.
We scathed the huge down pour that rushed us into our albergue. Sat the evening in the communal area, visiting, sharing a glass of vino, everyone eating each other's food. So much activity and happiness! Our big fat peregrino family!!!
We arrived by surprise in El Burgo Ranero. Not intended for our days walk. Oscar and Olive were sent ahead to Calzadilla de los Hermanilles.
Stopping to have a coffee, I happen to note the name of the village, which was not on our route!!!
We had taken the alternate route by mistake. If we wanted to meet up with our back packs we had to go 24 km to get to the town were we sent them. After almost nine miles, another 13 miles was just not going to happen.
Choices: take a taxi or see if we could intercept our bags and have them sent to El Burgo. It was good news...we were able to reroute our bags and continue on our path. This was certainly a divine direction as on our current path the total miles for the day were less; therefore, making our next day 12.75 instead of 16 miles. To everything there is a reason.
This week we have had a few cold showers! The moans and groans of all of us hitting the shower were hysterical! Positive side of a cold shower- quick and invigorating!
Do you know why the pilgrim crossed over to the other side of the path?...to see if there were less rocks! No joke.
Lost my crocs! It appears someone needed them more than I as they were removed from the outer pocket of my backpack while waiting for transport. Will you understand that the crocs taken were not the issue as they certainly can be replaced. It was more that trust lies among the Camino and this cast a shadow on my expectation. Randy and I both feel it was someone who came in from the outside and took them. Probably not a sojourner.
Continuing on to Leon. This stretch of the road is a Roman road. It was the link to the gold mines of Gallaecia to Rome. Used by Ceasar Augustus. Now refers to as The Piligrim Road, Calzada de los Peregrinos.
I was taken in by my ability to continue to see extensions of the Pyrenes, referred to as Picos de Europa. Snow capped. Highest peak is 8,687 ft.
Our day into Leon was a drenching one. With the continued wind blowing. Some of our walk was on a heavily conjested highway. What rain did not befall on me was redistributed back on me by the big trucks! A mess!!!
Strange comparison of movement on the highway to the path which follows along side. Fast moving vehicles with purpose, intent, destination. Those walking the path; slow, meditative, continued journey.
There was a kaleidoscope of colors on the Way. Panchos and rain gear in reds, oranges, greens, purple, yellow. One Rosa! It was if flowers were blooming and populating before me and behind me.
I got so entranced by all the colors. At one point I believe I saw the brilliance of azul and citrine ahead of me...my Jonathan and Linda walking side by side turning to me and gesturing for me to keep coming! ❤️
Learned a new word today from an Irishman: niggle, a little more than a little. I am getting to have quite a vocabulary of words from all over the world. Perhaps my English will soon be hard to detect.
Leon- was a Roman military garrison. It has a gothic cathedral, Pulchra Leonina, 13th century. Has 125 stain glass windows. It's light coming in is in stark contrast to other churches, where very little light comes in.
Did you know that the chief function of the medieval church was to instruct the illiterate and to give them pictures they could understand to show the Gospels and the legends of the Saints.
This city also has the running of the bulls in June.
It not only took us two hours to get into city center of Leon but equal amount of time to get out! Finally reaching the quiet plains of the Meseta.
We struggled once again with an optional path. Not clearly marked at all. We joined another perplexed couple and together we migrated our way out of mud that tried to suck our shoes in. Aiming to put our steps on the high grasses, which was a challenge. Yet, we made it to dry road. A long and stretching path. Coming to a mucho surprise! A road side cocina. Drinks, snacks, trinkets and more, all for donation.
It is without words to tell you how endearing the Spanish have become to me. When walking through a village a man will come out his door to wish Buen Camino. A woman throwing open her shutters, waving and saying Camino. Greetings by everyone who happen on the streets.
Yesterday, our last nine miles for the week, I woke up at 5:30 to use the bathroom, I saw the woman who was in the bunk to my right, had one of the sinks lined up with make-up and lotions getting ready for her day. When coming to the sink and looking in the mirror, a big mistake, I just grinned at my reflection and headed by to the lovely warmth of my sleep sack for another half hour. Knowing she was taking the Vogue Way and I, well you know. Again, it is a personal journey.
In our little town of Hospital, trout soup is most popular. Knowing that trout has millions of bones I was most reluctant to order it. And I was right! A couple at one of the tables ordered it and was struggling to get through it.
We crossed over a bridge to come into the village. It is the best preserved bridge in Spain. Built over an earlier Roman bridge in 13th century. A famous jousting tournament took place here in 1434. A scorned knight threw down the gauntlet to any knight daring to cross the bridge. Knights from all over Europe took up the challenge. The knight held the bridge for a month. All this to save face of being scorned.
We took a Sunday stroll through the town. Watching a van honk its horn stopping at residences delivering bread! Hanging it on their iron fences if they did not come out. Most people came out to get their loaf. Coming back to our albergue, under the bridge we came across two men who had a picnic of meats, cheeses, fruits and vino. Partaking from the red hood of their vehicle. They gave me a piece of salmi.
You would think that two weeks short of two months, walking and resting in villages, cities, towns, I would be yearning for the comforts of home and faces I so love. There is a peace here. A simple life resonating in the townships and people. I am filled with the presence of it and grasping each moment, taking it into the fibers of my life. Weaving a most beautiful mantel that I will visualize and feel warmth for the rest of my days.
I do miss each of you and love holds fully for you! This time was to be and I am not ready for it to be
completed, until I know I am complete.
Schmooch!
Randy and Ilene
Randy and I were just saying if anyone told us thirty years ago that we would be taking a 500 mile walk in Spain, we would have responded with a huge laugh. Today, we stand in the center of this sweet little town...giving thanks for our health and stepping out to such an adventure!!!
My husband can crack me up at times. It appears he has the same effect on others. As he takes to the paved highway instead of the path hoping it would be the path of least resistance to his foot, ear buds connected to the iPod...he begins his marching to the beat, soon his walking stick leaves the pavement and becomes part of Randy's one man band, waving in the air!
There were several pilgrims watching from the lower path that were pointing, smiling and laughing as the man on the highway was offering entertainment. I am not sure what the lone cars thought as they passed by. Randy was happy and clearly expressing it!
When we arrived in Sahagun, we quickly dropped our packs to head out to visit the citt. Randy got a haircut at the barber. He was so glad for it. Was struggling with his long short hair look.
We scathed the huge down pour that rushed us into our albergue. Sat the evening in the communal area, visiting, sharing a glass of vino, everyone eating each other's food. So much activity and happiness! Our big fat peregrino family!!!
We arrived by surprise in El Burgo Ranero. Not intended for our days walk. Oscar and Olive were sent ahead to Calzadilla de los Hermanilles.
Stopping to have a coffee, I happen to note the name of the village, which was not on our route!!!
We had taken the alternate route by mistake. If we wanted to meet up with our back packs we had to go 24 km to get to the town were we sent them. After almost nine miles, another 13 miles was just not going to happen.
Choices: take a taxi or see if we could intercept our bags and have them sent to El Burgo. It was good news...we were able to reroute our bags and continue on our path. This was certainly a divine direction as on our current path the total miles for the day were less; therefore, making our next day 12.75 instead of 16 miles. To everything there is a reason.
This week we have had a few cold showers! The moans and groans of all of us hitting the shower were hysterical! Positive side of a cold shower- quick and invigorating!
Do you know why the pilgrim crossed over to the other side of the path?...to see if there were less rocks! No joke.
Lost my crocs! It appears someone needed them more than I as they were removed from the outer pocket of my backpack while waiting for transport. Will you understand that the crocs taken were not the issue as they certainly can be replaced. It was more that trust lies among the Camino and this cast a shadow on my expectation. Randy and I both feel it was someone who came in from the outside and took them. Probably not a sojourner.
Continuing on to Leon. This stretch of the road is a Roman road. It was the link to the gold mines of Gallaecia to Rome. Used by Ceasar Augustus. Now refers to as The Piligrim Road, Calzada de los Peregrinos.
I was taken in by my ability to continue to see extensions of the Pyrenes, referred to as Picos de Europa. Snow capped. Highest peak is 8,687 ft.
Our day into Leon was a drenching one. With the continued wind blowing. Some of our walk was on a heavily conjested highway. What rain did not befall on me was redistributed back on me by the big trucks! A mess!!!
Strange comparison of movement on the highway to the path which follows along side. Fast moving vehicles with purpose, intent, destination. Those walking the path; slow, meditative, continued journey.
There was a kaleidoscope of colors on the Way. Panchos and rain gear in reds, oranges, greens, purple, yellow. One Rosa! It was if flowers were blooming and populating before me and behind me.
I got so entranced by all the colors. At one point I believe I saw the brilliance of azul and citrine ahead of me...my Jonathan and Linda walking side by side turning to me and gesturing for me to keep coming! ❤️
Learned a new word today from an Irishman: niggle, a little more than a little. I am getting to have quite a vocabulary of words from all over the world. Perhaps my English will soon be hard to detect.
Leon- was a Roman military garrison. It has a gothic cathedral, Pulchra Leonina, 13th century. Has 125 stain glass windows. It's light coming in is in stark contrast to other churches, where very little light comes in.
Did you know that the chief function of the medieval church was to instruct the illiterate and to give them pictures they could understand to show the Gospels and the legends of the Saints.
This city also has the running of the bulls in June.
It not only took us two hours to get into city center of Leon but equal amount of time to get out! Finally reaching the quiet plains of the Meseta.
We struggled once again with an optional path. Not clearly marked at all. We joined another perplexed couple and together we migrated our way out of mud that tried to suck our shoes in. Aiming to put our steps on the high grasses, which was a challenge. Yet, we made it to dry road. A long and stretching path. Coming to a mucho surprise! A road side cocina. Drinks, snacks, trinkets and more, all for donation.
It is without words to tell you how endearing the Spanish have become to me. When walking through a village a man will come out his door to wish Buen Camino. A woman throwing open her shutters, waving and saying Camino. Greetings by everyone who happen on the streets.
Yesterday, our last nine miles for the week, I woke up at 5:30 to use the bathroom, I saw the woman who was in the bunk to my right, had one of the sinks lined up with make-up and lotions getting ready for her day. When coming to the sink and looking in the mirror, a big mistake, I just grinned at my reflection and headed by to the lovely warmth of my sleep sack for another half hour. Knowing she was taking the Vogue Way and I, well you know. Again, it is a personal journey.
In our little town of Hospital, trout soup is most popular. Knowing that trout has millions of bones I was most reluctant to order it. And I was right! A couple at one of the tables ordered it and was struggling to get through it.
We crossed over a bridge to come into the village. It is the best preserved bridge in Spain. Built over an earlier Roman bridge in 13th century. A famous jousting tournament took place here in 1434. A scorned knight threw down the gauntlet to any knight daring to cross the bridge. Knights from all over Europe took up the challenge. The knight held the bridge for a month. All this to save face of being scorned.
We took a Sunday stroll through the town. Watching a van honk its horn stopping at residences delivering bread! Hanging it on their iron fences if they did not come out. Most people came out to get their loaf. Coming back to our albergue, under the bridge we came across two men who had a picnic of meats, cheeses, fruits and vino. Partaking from the red hood of their vehicle. They gave me a piece of salmi.
You would think that two weeks short of two months, walking and resting in villages, cities, towns, I would be yearning for the comforts of home and faces I so love. There is a peace here. A simple life resonating in the townships and people. I am filled with the presence of it and grasping each moment, taking it into the fibers of my life. Weaving a most beautiful mantel that I will visualize and feel warmth for the rest of my days.
I do miss each of you and love holds fully for you! This time was to be and I am not ready for it to be
completed, until I know I am complete.
Schmooch!
Randy and Ilene
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