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!

Day 8 - Big Yellow Ball

What is that big yellow ball in the sky? It has been so long since I have seen the sun, I forgot what it looked like. The day began at 6:30 when I had my alarm go off so that I could start to get ready.  Packing up has become a ritual and I can almost do it on auto pilot.  My pack is definitely a comfortable weight now as I've discarded a few items.  It was still a little damp even though I left it smuggled up to the radiator with the heat full blast.  A quick look at the sky and my heart sang for joy.  Blue Sky!  Maybe, just maybe, we will get by without getting rained on.  With everything packed I headed downstairs for the breakfast that was included with the room.  For the first time since we started, I actually beat Jim & Brenda downstairs.  I must be getting the hang of repacking after all!

Breakfast was some freshly squeezed orange juice,  four small pieces of toast with two slices of ham and cheese, Coffee con letche, and a yogurt.  That hit the spot enough to get out there and start walking.  It was exciting looking at the sky and

knowing that at least for a while - we were not going to get wet.  The photo to the right is the view down the street from the place that we stayed for the night.  Beautiful two bedroom suite with a shared bathroom (very large).  These places are great as you don't have to share a room with 30 or 40 other people.

Today there would be a choice of routes to Sarria.  The southern most route takes you about 6.4 Km's further than the northern route, and by a very old and large Monastery called Samos. Although it would have been interesting to see - none of us felt that it was worth the extra 6.4 KM's.  So, we headed out on the Northern route.  Had a bit of a climb rather early; there is nothing like a trek up the hill to get the blood flowing. shortly after getting

going, a couple came up near us, and as is the custom on the Camino, when someone passes you you both tell each other "Buen Camino".  When we heard them talk, we asked where they were from.  As it turns out, Carry and Sylvia were from Campbell River in BC.  I walked with them for about half of the day - a little ahead of Brenda and Jim.  Carry and I had the same backpack (Orange  Osprey Atmos) and the same hiking boots.  That was a little freaky.  They are a fantastic couple and we chatted about all kinds of subjects.  This is what happens all along the Camino.  I stopped at a small place to get a snack before continuing on; Carry and Sylvia continued walking.  As I walked down the steps on the outside I saw Shirley and Lady Sarah.

 Shirley laughed and gave me a big hug.  I also then saw Dave (Shirley's  husband) and Sir Anthony (Lady Sarah's  husband).  We all found a table together out in the sunshine and had a snack.  Lady Sarah found a new puppy roaming around and held him for a while.  He sure was a cute thing.  After eating and chatting, we all got up to grab our packs and start walking.  I walked a ways with Shirley and then also walked with Dave separately (Dave was always ahead of Shirley.  If you recall a few posts ago I met Shirley while she was frantically looking for Dave).  We chatted about a lot of subjects - and he eventually realized that he needed to stop and wait for his three traveling mates to catch up (especially his wife).  Great people and very glad I get the chance to run into them more than once.

The countryside is stunning.  With all the rain everything is green and growing well.  Occasionally we come across some cattle in the field.  I'm surprised at how many

people stop at watch the cows.  I guess being from Alberta - when I walk by the cattle fields I see one thing - steak.  Oh well - if they want to stop and watch cows eat grass - I guess they can do that.  After all, it's their Camino too.  The picture to the left is the spot where we stopped for the snack.  You will find places like this all the way long the Camino.  You also need to collect two stamps per day on the route.  This is what you will use when you get to Santiago to demonstrate that you have actually walked through these places.  Everyone has a stamp and they are very happy to stamp your Camino passport.  I have counted that I should have just enough spaces left (maybe a couple of extras) for

when I get to Santiago.  I have three for a few places early on - but that's just because I was an eager beaver.

Also ran into Brian and Ann again as well as Manuel and "The Tomato" (German girl with red hair who I never got to ask her name).  Life is a lot like the Camino - where you fade in and out of people's lives.

At the End of the day, I walked the last 5 Km's or so with a couple of older gents from Australia.  They were both retired and one of them (Joe) had walked the Camino 3 times.  The other gent, Ian, was on his first go around.  Nice gents.

I arrived before Brenda and Jim and decided to book us into a hotel.  There are a lot of people streaming into Sarria.  This is the closes point that you can start from and still get a Compostela in Santiago.  We watched a buss load of new Pilgrims get off the bus and go into the hotel.  The trail is going to get a lot busier.  We also expect that accommodations will get a little hard to come by as we go forward.  We are about 115 Km's from Santiago and expect to arrive there on Monday next week.  That will put us exactly on the schedule I had written up before hand.  Brenda a Jim are amazing folks and have kept up that pace.  So that means we will likely finish together, unlike what I noted a few days into the trek.  I'm glad that we will stay together.

Alarm set for 6:30 tomorrow so that we can get on the trail by 8:00 AM.  It will be interesting with all these new people.

Buen Camino

Curt

Day 7 - Ron and the Rain

Yesterday was quite the expereince! I am still in shock as to how bad the weather turned and how quickly (not to mention how difficult the ascent was).  I had dinner last night with Ron ,who I met a few stages ago - 63 year old missionary walking to raise money and fellow cancer survivor; and Brian, who I met on ascent up the mud river that day (former COO of a large multinational service company that was bought out.  We had a great time talking about the events of the day.  Most places have what they call a "Pilgrim's Meal" for 10 Euro.  It is mostly a three course thing and you get to select your starter, your main and a dessert.  Every one I have had has been exceptional.  Dinner usually comes with Bread (man they eat a lot of bread here) and wine (they drink a lot of wine here too).

After dinner, I grabbed my tablet and headed back for the bar where the best WiFi reception is.  I sat at the bar and ordered a "Chocolate Caliente" (hot chocolate).  The Hot Chocolate here is about 4 times as thick as what you might get at home.  I would describe it as a liquid brownie.  Tastey.  Comes with a spoon because you almost can't drink it.  So there I sat and worked on the blog.  Two times while I sat there - the power went out and then came back on.  These guys are way up the mountain and it looks to me like they are used to this kind of thing - taking it all in stride.  It was super quaint in there and nearly everything was made out of wood so the room felt warm.  Part way through I had a conversation with a young lady from the UK.  She described her trek there that day as she had taken a route that had a hill in it before she got to the big hill that we all had to climb.  Sounds like it was a scenic journey for her.  I gotta admit - that UK accent is pretty cool!

She left and I continued on the blog.  The power went off and on one more time and this time the Internet did not come back.  So, I wandered back to my room and fired up my mobile hotspot to submit the blog and check the items on the radiator.  Readied what I could for tomorrow and then went to bed.

Was woken up once at 1:15 AM in the morning to my phone making noise.  It was Zachary (my favorite middle son) texting me to tell me that he had just passed his driving test.  Now the sidewalks are not safe.  I'm proud of him as he's worked hard at both learning how to drive and to purchase his first vehicle.  I heard from my wife today that it was just her and Tim (my favorite youngest son) who were driving to school today.  Zach was taking his own vehicle.  They grow up too fast.

Got up in the morning to find that it was in fact raining again.  This time I was going to make sure I had all the gear on before heading out of the Alberge.  I also decided that there were a few more things that I was no longer going to carry to help lighten my pack just a little bit more.  They say that the Camino provides for those who are in need.  I've left a few things now so I hope someone has received them who was in need.

I received a text from Jim saying that they were ready to go and I quickly typed back that I had heard last night that one could follow the road on this leg as well.  Given how much rain we had and how mucky the trail might be, we opted for the road.  Even though you are walking by some traffic (not too busy), I found that having a sure footing day was refreshing.  On the trail you are constantly watching out for rocks and puddles. The air was crisp and at times the breeze felt like it was going right through you.  It rained most of the way only stopping for the times we had chosen to stop for something to eat or drink.  The second we were done and grabbed our gear - it began to rain again.

Our it's stop was a small place and we had the traditional toast and 'cafe-con-letche'.  It's amazing how that can hit the spot when you are on foot.  As I rounded the corner to see if there was something I could grab to take along with me, I saw Ron sitting at a table by himself.  I described to him about the road option and then showed him it in my book.  I think he went down the path the whole way.  Walking along in the rain it seemed to get colder; and then I saw them.  There was freezing rain/snow hitting my

jacket.  What's up with that?  We then stopped in at another place for a Tea so that we could warm up and ran into Manuel and another German girl that we had met a number of days earlier.  This is what is so cool about the Camino - how you can keep running into people you have met along the way in different places.  After we left the Tea place, I was ahead of Brenda and Jim and eventually caught up to Ron again.  I asked him about his story - how he became a drug addict and alcoholic.  Tough situation - but he's a changed man as a result of hitting bottom.  He said the Camino reminded him of when he was homeless.

We found ourselves arriving in Tricastela together - so I decided to just wait under a tree, where it was a little drier, for Brenda and Jim.  They arrived shortly and we started the trek to find ourselves a place to stay for the night.  We stopped at two Alberges and non of them had any private rooms left.  So, we shot off to the end of the town and found a guest house that had what I would call a two room suite available.

We took it.  There is nothing that beats a private bathroom with a nice warm shower after walking for about 24 Km's in the rain.  Once cleaned up, we wandered outside and found Brian there as well as a Finnish gent we had also met before.  After a short chat - we ended up at a restaurant down the street for dinner.  Russian Salad, steak and fries was the choice today.  All of the food has been fantastic. Short walk to the supermarket to grab a couple pieces of fruit for the pack, just in case you need something to tide you over, then back know the room to get ready for bed.  Will be up at 6:30 tomorrow to get ready for breakfast at 7:30 for an 8:00 departure for the Camino.  Bit of a climb tomorrow, but the weather looks like it's supposed to be good (no rain).  Although the day after looks like it might be back to the liquid sunshine.

Blister on the baby toe was picture worthy according to Brenda and Jim.  I'll spare you the details. As of today it looks like we are 7 days out from the final destination.  The trail will become more and more crowded as some other trails seem to join in along the way.  Tomorrow our destination is Saria , which is about 100 miles out from Santiago.  This is the shortest distance you can walk and get a Compostela (certificate of completion).

Buen Camino

Curt

Day 6.5 - Wow. Just Wow.

Had a decent night sleep even though it rained all night.  It's a little scary laying there wondering if the next day is going to be a monsoon!  I was cold.  The radiator heat was not working and I failed to acquire a blanket because I was writing my blog while my traveling mates had gone upstairs and went to sleep.  When I got to the room, it was dark.  I had to turn on the bathroom light, with the door closed slightly to be able to see anything.  I then found my headlamp and was able to get that on and find the items that I needed to get ready for bed.  I crawled in and listen to some music for a while before going to sleep.  I seem to be stuck on a new song that I had downloaded before I came.  It's called "Overwhelmed" and it's by a group called Big Daddy Weave (ya - I know - crazy band name).  I only have a few hours of power left as I forgot the charger for the iPod.  it's not like I need more stuff to carry.  Everyone I run into has way less stuff than me.  I am slowly getting rid of some things - but I will clearly have a heavier pack than just about anyone I come across.  Then I woke up at about 2:30 in the morning, realizing that I was cold.  I tried to find an extra blanket - but I could not.  Time to just curl up and try and stay warm.  Little did I know what was ahead of me for the day.

We got up at the usual time (7:00 AM) and got ready to leave.  I needed a bit of extra time so Jm and Brenda headed out and left me a note.  I found it right away, dragged out my poles and started using them right away.  I knew that today was going to be a tough day, so I wanted to use as little leg energy as possible at the start.  As has been the case almost every day thus far, it was rain, then no rain; then rain, then no rain.  I felt a little like the Karate Kid - Jacket on.  Jacket off.

We stopped at a truck stop and had a hearty breakfast.  Bacon, eggs and fries.  I also had a coffee.  A little strange for me I know, but everyone else is having it - so when in Spain...

Walked some more with more rain on and off.  It frustrating to make that switch all the time.  We stopped at a small village to grab some lunch and ran across a couple of German girls who we have seen a few times along the way.  Turns out they are from a place between Stuttgart and Manheim.  Lunch was a very tasty vegetable soup.  My guess it that it was some sort to acorn squash and a few other vegetables and seasoning.  That and the Tea was nice to warm up.

Wow, I knew that the climb was going to be tough - but I had no idea what I was about to walk into.  Just as I reached the start of the climb the weather turned for the worse.  The light rain we were used to became a torrential downpour.  I had failed to put on my rain pants because I have to remove my hiking boots to get them on (in the queue is a new pair of rain pants that I can get on and off easy), and the rain usually stops after about 15 or 20 minutes anyway. But even if I had, the end result would have been the same. By the end of the climb I was soaked!  Even my boots were wet inside - which would be the first time this trip.  I'm sure it was just running down my leg into the boot.  The climb was - well - dificult.  Most of the trek was about a 30 to 45 degree incline and it went on for somewhere between 10 and 15 KM's.  Most of the trail is dirt - so the climb was like walking up a 4 foot path (stream really - given the pouring rain), of mud and horse poop.  Ya - horse poop.  Apparently you can hire a guy with horses and ride up the rather long hill.  There were times that the mud nearly went over the top of my hiking boot.  Add to that tones of slippery rocks and a wind that can nearly push you over and you have what I experienced today.  There was a point when I wasn't sure I was going to make it.  My fit bit registered that I walked 355 flights of stairs.  Am I glad that part of the trip is over.  I got the last room at the first hotel in the place - it's a double but I was cold, wet and I nearly passed out getting my reservation.  I ordered a Coca-Cola and downed the whole thing to get a bit of sugar in the system.  You just can't East stuff on the way up with the wind blowing the rain sideways!

I got into my room and immediately assessed my gear situation.  I was soaked but my dry-sac's in my pack kept my other clothing dry.  Ok - I have day clothes.  I stood in one spot in the room and removed all of my wet clothing.  The floor was drenched.  I immediately put my boots on the radiator (upside-down and without the insoles) as dry feet are very important for minimizing blisters.  I need them to be released for tomorrow.  I then jumped into the shower and had an exceedingly long hot shower to warm up.  Ahhhhhh.  Then jumped into some dry clothes and started to wash all of my wet stuff in the sink.  I rinsed them in the shower and wrung them out to dry.  I could open the window a little and get some breeze in so using my two walking poles, I was able to create a hanging spot in front of the window.  My rain jacket, pants and the wool and quick dry shirts all were hung there.  Socks were placed in the slats within the radiator (chic now was nice and warm).  I think everything will be OK now that I have it all drying.

Brenda and Jim were somewhere behind me.  I wasn't sure they would make it here - but they did.  They got their own place at another establishment - just a few doors down from where I was.  We have each others number - so texting was possible.  I actually didn't see them at all tonight as they ate in their hotel.  I met up with a guy on the trail named Brian.  He as from Colorado.  We lamented together a little on the way up the mud creek.  We both arrived at the same hotel and he was shaking his head at me in disbelief.  "That was un-beleivable", he said.  He mentioned that he was meeting another American at 6:00 here for dinner and asked if I wanted to join them.  I said that I would.  The other American turned out to be Ron - a guy I had met a few nights earlier - a felt cancer survivor.  We both laughed when we saw eachother. Dinner was a plate of pasta, a pork chop and some french fries (you get fries with every meal in Spain), and a yogurt for dessert.  When you burn 5000 calories a day - you can afford to eat a few extra carbs.

One more thing - for some reason today I decided not to put my phone in the special sealed bag that I bought from MEC.  With the phone in this specially made device, you could submerge your phone at it wouldn't get wet.  Well, because mine was not actually IN It today - it got a little wet.  I'm not sure if my external mic is working and both front and back cameras are foggy.  I pulled the whole hang apart and am letting it dry out.  It still works for texting and the like - for that I am thankful.  I hope the lenses clear up or my picture taking will be a lot less.  Glad I have a new one on order for when I get back.  This Ol' Samsung Galaxy  S III has served me well.  I just hope it serves me for a few more weeks.  Tomorrow, I think I'll put it in that little bag...wow.
Should be a shorter day tomorrow  (I think the destination is only 18 Km's and it's not up hill. The weather report looks just like clouds.  The day after that (and for the rest of the week) it looks like we might get some sun.  I'm going to need it to dry out my pack!

Buen Camino

Curt

Day 6 - The River

For the last two days it's been raining when we leave.  This is a bit of a pain for me as my rain pants don't fit over my boots and I have to take off my boots to don/remove them.  So, today started out wearing all the rain gear.  Why has typically happened is that it will slow down and stop raining shortly after you start walking. then you are hot so you have to stop and remove things.  That means removing the pack, then the coat, then the boots and then the pants. This can happen a few times during the day depending on the weather.  Don't take that the wrong way - as it's nice and cool for the longer walks.  Today we made it as car as Trabedelo (as you can see on the map).  There were three possible routes and the one we chose was the flatest one.  It still goes up and down but just less than the others.  As for tomorrow, we will have a significant climb up to O'cebreiro.

The walk today was stunningly beautiful (even in the rain).  We walked through acres and acres of grape fields.  The one on the left was postcard worthy.  I am taking the pictures with my phone in a special case I bought from MEC.  It is like a zip lock bag to protect it from the rain.  The hills roll gentle and the sky seems larger than at home.  At one point on our way out of our last stay, we got a little lost and we're standing in a traffic circle trying to find the way markers.  We really must have looked confused because two separate vehicles stopped, rolled down their windows, and in spanning tried to tell us that we were not on the right road.  This is a little like life.  Sometimes you loose your way if you are not watching for the signs.  The people here are so friendly!  Once we got back on the right road - we had to watch carefully for the intersection that would take us on the flat way.  There are three ways to go this stage - the other two are large climbs.  Honestly, it's not the climb that is the problem, it's the descent that is really hard on the legs.  I'm probably going to loose the nail on my big toe on my left foot due to the pressure of going down the hills.

We walked further and passed through a village with another Templar Castle.  These things are huge.  I wish we could have gone and seen the one on Ponferada - but yesterday we were absolutely exhausted from the long walk.  We tried to stop at a hotel, but it was full.  The next place was 5 Km ahead - but it was not open - so another 5 Km.  My feet were killing me.  You don't want to get lost as it's steps you wouldn't have to take in the day.

Today I mastered my walking poles.  I was not using them correctly, and only found out watching a young guy we met the night before walk with his.  He'll put on 30 Km plus a day.  Once I got this figured out - I could see how much of a help it is!  Mr. Truman (a close friend of mine who is a recovering American) lent me a set of poles that I left at home.  Yes - I know - I had no idea what I was doing when I did that.  Fortunately , early in our trip, I saw a set in the window of a store.  We had stopped for breakfast a block further and something was telling me to go back and look at them.  As I waited for my food - I zipped back and had a good look.  They were 6.95 Europe each.  Poles I looked at from ME were $190 plus.  These cheap poles had been a life saver!  You can use some strength in your upper body to help propell you forward.  You can also use them to slow you down a little on the down side of the hills (rather than let you legs and toes take all the punishment). I was told how much they would help - but I didn't listen.  Mr. Truman - you were most definitely right (but don't let that admission go to your head).

As we continued along the way, a couple of Bulgarian girls were coming back towards us.  They were unsure if they were on the right path and look rather worried.  We asked what was the matter and they indicated that they had not seen an arrow (the Camino is marked with yellow arrows all along the way) for a while and we're worried they were on the wrong path.  We had just looked at our map and we're pretty sure that we were going the right way.  I walked ahead for 150 meters or so and found another arrow.  They seemed very releived.

For most of the day we were following a river.  I had now mastered my poles and was

walking quite a bit further a head of Brenda and Jim when I came upon a spot where the river was acessible.  I stopped.  This reminded me of the times I went out to my paternal grandparents acreage in BC and would stop around Revelstoke and go down to the stream to cool off our feet.  Here I am on the trip of a lifetime and I'm staring longingly  at the water.  I'm going down.  So, I scramble down the bank, remove my excessively heavy pack and find the perfect rock to sit on to peel off my boots and my socks.  Ahhhhhhhh. the water is frigid - and perfect!  Nothing is nicer on a pair of tired Camino feet than to dip them in an ice cold stream!  Jim and Brenda arrived and are down the bank to join me.  I'm certain (and Brenda will support this), that this little break on our journey made the rest of the day much easier.  Another life lesson - when was the last time you stopped to put your feet in the cold water?  Maybe now is the time.

Pray for us tomorrow as the climb will be strenous.  We looked at our schedule today and it appears as though we are on track to make it to Santiago on Monday Next week.  That will be perfect.  As long as we stay healthy and injury free - I think we will make it.

I am sore every day.  each morning I don't know how I'm going to make to the desired destination. By taking one step at a time - we eventually get there.  If you struggle today - don't worry about days ahead - just work at the next minute.  Another will follow and you can repeat your success again.

It's late - I got to get to bed.  I hope it's not raining tomorrow.

Buen Camino

Curt

Day 5 - Long Walk

Today seemed like a very long day.  We left the accommodations at about 8:30.  The weather was such that you did not know if you needed rain gear or not.  I started out with it on - but if it's not raining you can find yourself getting very warm - very quickly as rain gear doesn't typically breath that well.

The terrain was another rather hilly day.  The up's were steep and the downs were slippery on the rocks as it had rained over night and was off/on spitting.  I

almost slipped and fell twice (but did not - thankfully).  I have to admit the scenery is stunningly beautiful.  Along the path I was able to pick a pice of lavender and occasionally smell it.  It grows wild all over the place.  We finally crested the range and we're able to see the city of Pronfanada (I probably got this spelling wrong as I book is up stairs and I'm too sore to go get it).

There are cities tucked in the mountain valleys that are so picturesque , you can see yourself living there (a very simple life mind you).  You almost can't find the road to get in there.

My pedometer on my fit bit indicates that I went 33.26 Kilometers today.  My feet say it was more.  The book says it was less.  We stopped at a hotel to try and get a room but it was full.  That meant another 5 Km of walking to the next place in hopes of finding a bed.  If that one was full we'd have another 7 Km to find the next town.  I don't think I could have went that far.  The very high altitude and the rocky paths were hard on the feet and legs. I can't exactly recall where this was, but I know I was standing on a bridge when I took it (an old Roman one).

This was an amazing find.  Right on our way through the large city, this Templar castle stands.  I don't know what it is about castles that is so appealing to me.  The place is enormous and you can almost see them defending it against attacks.







We finally made it to an Alberge and are in a room with  3 others.  I hope it's a quiet night and that my legs don't seize up too much.  Another Tylenol to try and loosen things up and I'm going to turn in early.  We had a Very long day and are all hobbling around.

Thank-you so much for the comments - I love to hear from you.  Keep them coming and don't feel like you need to only comment once.  If you have an instant am account - you can find me at "cllb66" for a few more times posted.

Sorry it was a short post tonight - I'm pooped!

Buen Camino

Curt

Day 4 - The Stone

 

I woke up before 7:00 AM to the sound of what I thought was rain - but it was actually birds.  Brenda had indicated that they had been making noise all night.  I don't hear much as I use ear plugs (and have been since my first night in the hostel with the 30 some snorers).  My bed was curved a little so I did wake up a number of times and my legs were sore (not that they were not already sore).  The room we had was a guest house type of experience with four beds and a private bathroom.  This seems to work best for us as far as actually getting some sleep.  

The night before we had the pigtails dinner that almost every place we have stayed offer.  At our table was a German girl and her boyfriend/husband (I'm not sure if they are married or not).  They were riding the Camino on bikes and she had just given up.  I think they were heading to the next major town and she was going to put the bike on a bus and ride it all the way to Santiago to wait for him to finish (he was going to continue riding the rest of the way).  She was a little high maintenance for me - but it was interesting to talk to them.  She was studying to be a physician and he was a Business Analyst with an HR speialization.  He worked in Frankfurt - but lives about an hour away from there, one way.  They were an...well...interesting couple.

Dinner was fantastic as they prepared a seafood paella in a huge pan and a very large salad platter.  We always have bread - every meal - and wine as well.  It seems as though it's just part of their culture.  They also brought us some fruit an cookies after.  The Spanish people are extremely hospitable.  Along the Camino, they St up these guest houses and act as hosts to the Pilgrims that come by.  They are kind and generous people.  

We pre-arranged breakfast (with most of the places do), and it was excellent - as always.  Toast, butter, jams, meat, cheese, fruit and coffee with milk.  I had my second cup of coffee in two days.  What's strange about that is that I don't like coffee, but it's so prevalent here that they look at me strange when I say that I don't want any.   So, I give it a try occasionally.  

We finished breakfast and headed out on the road in full rain gear. Today was going to be a wet day.  We walked out of the town directly into the countryside in the rain.  One has to have good rain gear on a trip like this.  The scenery was amazing!  There was purple Heather everywhere along the way.  Fog rolled in for almost all of the journey to the point where you could only see about 50 feet in front of you. The trail was muddy and wet in a lot of places.  It also went up and down alot!  Today we will actually be at the highest elevation of the trip.  

We made a stop at a small village along the way and ordered a bit of food.  I also had an Earl Grey tea.  I'm not sure if it was the cold and the wet that made that tea so enjoyable - but it was amazing.  At our table was a couple of older ladies who were on the camino.  One of them was from Edmonton (is it a small world or what)?  She lived in River Bend and her name is Boygenna.  She was travelling with her sister who spoke spanish but no English.  Boy gonna spoke English and Polish (polish to her sister).  She asked me why I was on the Camino I told her about my story of being a cancer survivor.  With tears in her eyes she relayed my story to her sister in Polish.  I reached out my hand and touched her on the elbow and thanked her for her compassion.  She squeezed my hand and smiled. 

Just then the people we met the day before came in.  Dave entered the room and saw me there - of ring his thanks for me calming down his wife yesterday and telling me that he owes me a beer.  We all laughed about it as his wife, Shirley, walked in.  She gave me a hug.  This is what the Camino is all about - the people and their stories.  We continued on our way and the paths got steep and dificult.  It seemed like we ever going up forever. Finally it broke and we were able to see the way down.  I have to admit, going down is harder than going up.  Your feet take a beating.  I'm a little sore right now (time for another tylenol).

As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, I have been carrying my stone to eventually leave behind.  Today was that day.  We came upon a place that they call the Iron Cross.  It's a large Hill made of rocks that many people have left behind as they journey along the Camino.  When we came up I knew that this was the plan for me to also leave my stone.  A weight I had been carrying around with me for the last two years.  

My pack hangs in the foreground and you can see me in the middle of the screen placing my rock on the pile.  It's time to put my cancer behind me.  I will live with it forever, of course, but this small gesture is a way for me to not have it in my present any longer.  I believe that I will continue to tell my story to those who need to hear it.  But for this moment - it was a time for me to say goodbye to a challenging part of my life.  I cried a little.  It was a freeing expereince.  Another one I will never forget.  

We walked on and finally arrived at the first village.  We had all had enough so we found a place to stay - which happens to be brand new.  Same arrangment: room for three, Pilgrims dinner and breakfast and hit the shower.  Unfortunately for me, the hot water was barely working.  I talked to the organizer as I took some of our clothes to the laundry area for washing.  She contacted someone and had it fixed - so at least Jim and Brenda had high pressured hot showers.  I guess it was another sacrifice today.  

At dinner we sat with two gents (traveling separately).  A man from Sweden who had read about this for 10 years and was finally doing it; and another man from the US who was a missionary helping those addicted to drugs an alcohol.  As it turns out, he's a cancer survivor as well - yet again we shared our stories.  We shook hands and thanked God for allowing us to continue what He has called us to do.  

The waitress said she had a surprise for us - and she put on the movie, "The Way" which is about a man's journey on the Camino.  I'm watching as I type this.  

Today was a powerful day.  We walked.  We struggled.  We overcame.  And, we left behind things that we no longer want to affect our present - even though they will always be a part of us.  I'm sore and tired - but I'm glad I'm here.  Today was a great day!

Buen Camino.

Curt