Send Wool Please

Habanal del Camino, Spain - Even the sheep were cold today. We shivered our way toward a mountain we will cross over tomorrow. Every layer of clothing is put to use and wishing for more fleece layers for the morning. Expected temperature 5 degrees. It is summer. And I'm certain it is Spain. But it could be Newfoundland in April. Those down jackets I thought people were silly to bring are looking good right now. Glad for my Canadian resilience.

Borislava, Bulgaria

 

Astorga, Spain - Today we toasted our fellow pilgrim whose Camino comes to a finish for now, as her work holidays end. I took this picture after our first few days walking (newly equipped with knee braces and poles!) when she was delighted to find her favourite tree from home - the linden. Her joy at this moment, and in all the steps of our walk, was contagious. And she will be missed by all who came to know her along The Way. Bless you Borislava!

Special Weather Edition

 

San Martin, Spain June 28/17 - It was a soggy start today as we left Leon. Spotted this fellow resting outside the hostel that was used in the film "The Way". Apparently a decent movie with Martin Sheen. The sun is shining now, but the temperature has definitely dropped. Wearing every layer of clothing I have. Quite a change from our desert walking last week. Forecast for wake up time tomorrow... 10 degrees. Weather a constant topic of conversation here... Just like home.

Growing Community

 

San Martin, Spain - I realized today that my purposes on the Camino is basically to walk with others. I have moments alone, walking ahead or behind, praying, wandering the streets of the little and big villages. It's all good. But together it's fun. Together there is more joy. Together we share... Wine. Our stories. Orujo (tonight!) Our weaknesses. Hurts. Regrets. Imperfections. Forgiveness. As long as it ends in forgiveness I think we're good. Life goes on regardless. I apologize. I receive your apology. Shall we move on... Together.

Inner Beauty

 

Leon, Spain - The Cathedral de Santa Maria de Leon is a grand spectacle from the outside. But seeing it is not complete without entering in. Spending time. Appreciating all its shapes and colours. Resting in its glory. Its light and its height. One can only imagine the sound of its pipes. The voices raised through time to the One for whom it was built. It was nice to pause in this city, but the Camino calls us to walk on...

Earth, Sky, and In Between

  

Leon, Spain - On the way to the big city with its magnificent cathedral, I spotted this tilled up mud with brick wall remains under a foreboding sky. And I stopped, as I stop now and wonder at its significance. The beauty of the image. The ready soil. The fired clay. One upon another. Joined. Clouds waiting to burst with life. Why am I captivated? So many questions along the Camino. So few answers. The road calls us on.  But first we rest.

True Pilgrims

Mansilla de las Mulas, Spain - These monuments to long ago pilgrims appear often along the Way. Am I counted among them? I suppose so. Searching for guidance in each step taken along this road. The journey of life. Hoping to share a piece of something so much bigger. The fullness of Life and Truth. The Way. Why me? Why am I here in all my weakness and sensitivities? God knows. That's all I can really count on.

Walking Machine

 

Bercianos del Real Camino - Feeling well oiled, iron willed, programmed for moving forward. Ready to go the distance. Hope I feel the same tomorrow. Staying in a one hostel town. Limited beds but just enough to squeeze us in for the night. Hosted by volunteers from Texas and Spain. In two days we'll be in Leon, a place we've been looking forward to. A chance to shop for some new clothes to go with new runners. Had to replace my poor old soles, worn thin. Walking on....

Patchwork Quilt

 
Terradillos de Los Templarios, Spain - Step by step. Stitch by stitch. We weave our way through this intricate design of patches. Greens. Golds. Browns. Ready for planting, growing, harvesting. Never spent quite so much time in the fields of life that feed us. A new appreciation for those whose hands work this land. Those entrusted with it's soils. God bless them as they toil.

Desert Day 3

Carrion de los Condes, Spain - This is what "2km left to go" looks like as we approach today's destination. Sun beating down. I think that's why it looks hazy. The heat is draining and siesta time has come. Sweetest time of the day. We're over half way now. Aiming for a July 9 or 10 finish in Santiago. I will miss the rhythm of our days here.

Land Of Wheat

Fromista, Spain - "Land of cereal". Certainly lots of fromentum (wheat) fields along the way. This authentic Romanesque monument, the church of San Martin, caught my attention today as we sought refuge for the night. There was something about it... Our lodging turns out to be behind the train station. Watched earlier as the train to Santiago went on without us. We will be "transported" a little more slowly.

Breakfast ln The Village

 
On the way to Itero de la Vega, Spain - Many days we're up and walking before sunrise to catch the cooler air. Today we walked 10.6 km for breakfast in Hontanas (shown above) And then carried on for another 21.1, leaving 4 of the gang 12 km behind. Borislava, Roger and I pressed on, fuelled by a cool breeze, a touch of cloud cover, and a little bit of Camino crazy required on a daily basis. The reward? - beers... And larger beds with sheets... And a private bathroom with towels. Sweet.

Fountain Of Life

Hornillos, Spain - Water is our prime consideration for the next six days. Today wasn't so bad. Never thought I'd say that about a 20km hike through arid countryside. And that's carrying the backpack after a week long break. Feeling liberated from pain. No complaints. Feeling strong for the next little bit. Welcoming every oasis.

Camino In The City

Burgos, Spain - Once we hit the edge of the city it was a 10km hike to the hostel on the other side of town. Big place with a big gothic cathedral which I can see from where we sit having refreshments, just outside our front door. It's a hot day, so we haven't explored too much. Popped into the cathedral for a quick peek and to cool down. Entering the "desert" part of Camino tomorrow. Long, hot stretches of shadeless sun. Ugh.

1000 Acre Wood

 

Ages, Spain - Enjoyed a little reminder of home today, walking through long stretches of forest. A nice break from fields and fields and fields, which are exquisite indeed, but lacking that fresh pine scent and glorious shade. No one seems to know what the temperature was today, but to quote the Aussie among us, "It was somewhere between hot and f---ing hot." I wonder what Pooh's take on it would be...

Today's Gang

Belorado, Spain - Introducing my wee Camino family: Christian, Rob, Borislava and Roger. Enjoying shade at every opportunity. You'll notice they didn't leave a spot for me... I love 'em anyhow. We've just been having an afternoon by the pool which was an unexpected slice of heaven. Perfect swimming for this Canadian. The rest... Shall we say, sat on the bench... Again. "Too cold!"

200km And Counting

Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain - Back to the business of walking and passing a milestone - over 1/4 of the Camino covered. Only 565km to go. The one consistent feeling, that rises above the current pain in every step, is happiness. I'm hoping this is just the start of a new season of joy. It's time. Amen?

Day Of Rest

Najera, Spain - This may be the main vista for today. Feet up. Ice. Suspected shin splints. Hoping for quick healing or at least some relief for walking tomorrow. Lesson learned. Don't shock muscles into long walks with a heavy backpack. The Camino continues though and so shall I, with all the supports available to me. And there are many.

Endless Vineyards

Nijera, Spain June 13/17 - La Rioja. Wine province. Km after km. Row after row. Nothing but vines and sun and 36 degree temperatures. Our longest day walking. Rioja wine will taste that much better for having survived this day. And the "United Nations of the Camino" (as our group is now called) have voted to take a rest day - A full day with the feet up. Sweet.

Protected

Logrono, Spain - Blessings come in various forms. As we passed this little painting on a lovely old building, I was curious what it said. It translates to something like... "Blessings from the village of Bargot for the protection of pilgrims." I have to say I have never for a moment felt unsafe along any part of the Camino. So thank you Bargota and all others covering us in prayer as we take this little walk across northern Spain.

Climb Every Mountain

Los Argos, Spain - I had my eye on this mountain for several km today. Everyone has one to climb from time to time. Mine today represented "sociability" - a climb from years of shyness and anti-social inclinations into this new time of walking with global friends, sharing our agonies of the day and helping each other when we can. Community. Nice. I have entered the "conversation of life".

Light At The End

Estella, Spain - Coming out into the sun today was not a joy. Shade and shadows were welcome comforts. The bodies are adjusting to so many things right now. The sun and heat of June in Spain, the complaining body parts subjected to km after km, day after day. Up and down. Enough. The vistas remain outstanding, the villages quaint, and the fresh croissant from the shop's oven this morning - sweet and lovely. Thank you Camino.

Home For The Night

Puente la Reina - This is where we sleep tonight. Albergue de Peregrinos. Feeling quite at home with communal living. Friends becoming more like family. Missing some already. Just shared burgers and beers with Nicki, Sarah and of course Borislava - together the "Fab Four".

Snail's Pace

 
Pamplona, Spain - In a thousand words I could not describe our day better than this picture. Challenged with aching muscles in feet and knees I felt like crawling into a city that thankfully is a little familiar to me. It is the comfort I need for this night. Have found a horizontal position that I'm happy to remain in until morning... But will try to venture out... In a while.

New Friends

Larrasoana, Spain - Time to take a row call of those I've shared the Camino with: Borislava, Bulgaria - Sarah, Iowa - Nicki, Aspen, CO - Enrique, Costa Rica - Christi, South Carolina - Mark and Roger, UK - Christian, Denmark - Peter and Monica, Germany - Ava, Switzerland - Rachel, Detroit, MI - Rick, Los Angeles, CA - Anna, Sweden - Taylor, Brazil - Lidon, Taiwan - Jason, Los Angeles, CA. We've had much fun so far! 

(My new best friend - anti-inflammatory cream.)

Fellow Travelers

Roncesvalles, Spain June 6/17 - The beauty of the Camino is you never know who you're going to meet. Today's walk was wet, windy, cold and mostly on an incline, but sighting fellow walkers makes it worth the physical discomfort. Taking rest this evening in an old monastery albergue (hostel) - equipped for welcoming hundreds of peregrinos (pilgrims).

A Pretty First Landing

Honto, France - Just 5 or so km from Jean-Pied-de-Port where the French Way began. An easy first day, mostly uphill, just to prepare for the continued climb tomorrow - 20km up to the top! Walking with Borislava, a young woman from Bulgaria who conveniently speaks French. Dinner tonight with fellow pilgrims.

E.

Starting Point

Every journey has a starting point. Mine starts here in Pamplona, standing by the yellow scallop shell symbol that marks the route of the El Camino de Santiago which starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where I will travel by bus tomorrow. Today I stand under a tree, protected from the rain, watching pilgrims arrive into the city from their morning of walking. Covered in their ponchos and I suspect relieved to have reached this destination. I too will return to Pamplona along a foot path worn by the many who have gone before me.

E.