Day 15 - Spain is like a Box of Chocolates

Sept 26

Destination - Hornillios del Camino

Distance - 20km ( the sign says we have 469km to Santiago!)

Hours of walking - 8:00 - 12:30

Terrain - smooth gravel, hard rocky roads, smooth flat,  a major descent 

Weather - we beat the heat!

Nature - farm land, few dogs 

Misadventure - we need rear view mirrors to watch for cyclists 

Sometimes getting out of major cities can be a challenge on The Way as our precious arrows can be hidden. Today we did fine, with a little help from some new friends. As we were leaving town, we saw a Spanish lady shaking a walking pole at one man we had been following. We caught up with them, and they explained that she was warning them about walking through the park at dawn as it is possible to get robbed. If we get approached, take our poles and fight them off like she had demonstrated. We stuck together and were fine. In talking, our new friend was from Winnipeg and of course I took a beating over the Rider loss of the banjo bowl. Even though he is a Bomber fan, he was a lovely man. He is walking the Camino in memory of his wife. He is full of love and devotion to her memory. 

The landscape of Spain changed quickly as we are now heading to the desert. Before we got there, we had a touch of autumn. 

We pass along the quaintest of villages on our journey. 

Tess - want to go to a museum?

Our path have been very challenging at times and a wrong step on a rock can be disastrous. We have to keep our heads down and our focus sharp. Today we enjoyed some flat smooth paths. At one point, I realized I had lots of flat path and I looked up for the first time in quite some time. I felt my face light up in a smile when I saw the landscape and I started thinking of how far we had come. We planned so long for these moments and now I was walking the Camino. My body may ache but at that moment my heart was very light and full.  What a thrill this is - it's not easy but those things worth working for never are. It was a reminder to me that in my day to day life, I often get wrapped up in the tasks, the step after step on rocks, and forget to look up and enjoy the moments. 

That moment I looked up and smiled. Funny how at supper we all talked about that lone tree. 

The big final descent of the day

We arrived in amazing time with the day to enjoy. 

Tracy's sandwich was bigger than her head

Our Alburgue - love it

This part of the trail seems to be a transition point. We met some people that are just beginning today and others that are veterans. At this point, it appears that everyone is continuing to Santiago. Our Alburge had a back yard with grass - it seems like forever since our feet hit grass. So we spent the afternoon making new friends. 

A group is from Miami and they are amazing. Maria, has been wanting to walk the Camino for many years is on her trail. She is a kind and giving woman who doesn't sit still long. She works with a group that provides services to a village in Niquarqua. It was amazing to listen to her stories. 

The backyard gang

We talked lots about the people we have met in the Camino and how easy it is to open up and share with one another. It is hard to explain to some not on the pilgrimage the deep sense of caring that is shared. We all hope that we can take that back home with us. 

Cheer of the day from Wendy - it was amazing to have a day to sit back, relax and make new friends. We got to meet some wonderful people today.