Day 9 - Amazing Day

The Camino was full of new Pilgrims who were just starting from Sarria.  As I believe I noted previously, Sarria is the closest you can start to Santiago to arrive and get a Compostela (certificate of completion for the Camino).  I noted at least one tour bus dropping off close to 20 new pilgrims.  It's easy to get a little jaded regarding them starting so close - but then I have to think back to where I started - only 300 Km away from Santiago.  I asked one person I was walking with today if that bothered them (he started from St. Jean de Port in France which is considered the full Way - 800 KM) and he said no.  His comment was that each person's Camino is their own.  On their Compostela it will say where they started.  I thought that was wise.  Each of us starts life from different places.  The Camino is no different.

The view overlooking the city on the way out was stunning.  The sky looked as though it was getting ready for the day - readying for the sun to shine once again.  The towns in Spain that we have come across almost seem to be snuggled in with the landscape so well - it's like they were meant to be there.  Today was another gain in elevation and it happened pretty early.  Right away we were climbing up towards Portomarin - a little more than 23 Km's from our last stop.  In short order we came across two Britons (brother and sister) who were doing the Camino together.  It sounded like he had done the Camino before and even once on a bike.  I liked that he had said that the bikers belong on the roads - not on the trails with the walkers.  I have the same sentiment.

 We quickly came upon an old cemetery and it was a reminder to me - to get out and do things while you can.  None of us are guaranteed tomorrow.  The light was such that it afford me a picture that showed a number of crosses back-lit by the morning sun.  The start of a new day and another stage of the Camino.  I am finding that each day becomes more special than the next - never knowing who you will walk with and what adventures the day will bring.

I spent a lot of time walking with the man on the right.  I've mentioned him before - but he has become a Camino friend.  This man of God is walking the Camino to raise money for the mission work that he does helping the homeless.  Recently moved to New Jersey to continue the work - this 67 year old man is like the Energizer Bunny.  We both are cancer survivors (something you seem to find a lot out here on the camino).  We've had some very power talks about life, God and who we are as servants.  It has been an honour for me to just be a small part of his journey to Santiago.  Maybe one day I'll get to Jersey and look him and his wife Dolly up.  I can tell you that being able to finish this journey with him (Ron Reinheart) will be powerful (if I make it - I know he will).

Ron took this picture of me at the 100 Km marker to Santiago.  Two thirds of the journey is behind us - only one third left to go.  I've already heard people talking about how completing the Camino is a joyous experience, it quickly becomes a sad one as well.  At that point you are done and you will go on to your regular life.  I'm not sure how I will feel after getting there.  I am excited that it is only 4 days away (if the current schedule holds) and that's all I am thinking about (well - OK - the blister on my little toe has some brain cycles as well).

Arrived in Portomarin to find a nice long set of stairs.  Jokanan (a finish gent who I walked a good Chuck of the way with) had warned me that this was coming, as he had walked the Camino before.  It reminded me of the Mayan structures in Mexico that we had visited.  The climb was not too bad - and now the search for a place to stay begins.  It has almost become my role, as I walk with Brenda and Jim, to find a place if I arrive ahead of them.  They did not ask me to do this - it's just something I've been able to do because I tend to walk a little faster.  Dave from Ontario took the picture - and I took a few of him in return as he climbed to the top.

You may recall me mentioning Dave in a previous post.  It's his wife (Shirley) that came wandering towards me lol flustered and unsure of where she was.  Dave had wandered ahead and she didn't know where they were staying.  I calmed her down a little and eventually her cousins (well Dave's cousins actually) came by and they all found Dave together.  Today was a bit of a sad story - I accidentally ran across Shirley as she was gingerly walking towards a bus.  I called to her from behind but she did not hear me.  As I rounded the bus I saw her and she looked like she was in some significant pain.  Her knee had swollen up rather badly and she was having trouble just hobbling to the bus.  The bus was from a group of pilgrim's who had taken a tour and the bus follows them and provides some refreshment and help I guess if needed.  They had graciously offered to help Shirley get to the next village and drop her off there.  As I said before, the people in Spain are so friendly and helpful.  I gave Shirley a hug - but I'm guessing it was little consolation to the thought that her Camino may be over.  I think they were going to have it looked at and decide what they were going to do.  If I could ask any of you who are reading this - who would be willing to pray for Shirley's knee and some form of miraculous healing to do so - that would be fantastic.  If you'd drop it in the comments that you had done so - I will do my best to pass it on if I see them.

Loved the walk today.  Weather was perfect.  People were amazing.

Tomorrow they are talking rain.  I am going to live for the day.

Buen Camino.

Curt

PS - I found my Finnish friend tonight as I was wondering around looking for a place

to eat.  I'd spell his name here - but I know he's going to look at it and I clearly won't get it right.  I appreciate the time we spent together on the trail my friend!