Destination - Fromista
Distance - 25km
Hours of walking - 7:30 - 1:30
Terrain - pretty even sailing
Weather - very cool morning and then a bright blue sky
Nature - fields upon fields, interesting canal
Misadventure - none for us, but a cold night for pilgrim friends who got locked out of the Alburgue watching the eclipse
Our mornings will be early until we get out of the desert. We are falling into a good morning routine which gives us time to recoup in the afternoon. Lots of pilgrims left very early, to watch the eclipse. We were not among the early pilgrims.
We did walk out looking at the full moon for some time and I thought of all our friends and family watching the eclipse. I kept thinking about the song Fivel sings in 'The American Tale' - somewhere out there, underneath the same big sky, someone is thinking of you.... Nice to know that we are in your thoughts at home.
We have been walking past miles and miles of farm land the past few days. It makes me think of my roots and the hard work that farmers do day in and day out to supply us with great food. I wave at all the farmers in their tractors, hoping they know that their work is appreciated and to pay respects to my farm family at home.
There is a canal that runs along the path we are walking. We saw irrigation pipes being installed.
When we arrived at Fromista we found an awesome Alburgue and settled in with the 'Backyard Gang' from Miami and Otto from Winnipeg. The best meals have been the ones we pull together with friends with supplies from the grocery store. Today's lunch was no different.
Otto and I have spent lots of time ribbing each other about football. He decided that if a Bomber fan and a Rider fan could be friends on the Camino, that world peace is possible. He also admitted that Rider fans are the best in Canada.
After an afternoon of recouping from the trail, I joined a group of about 20 people for restaurant pilgrims meal. Wendy and Dee opted for an option with not so many steps required.
The level of care amongst the pilgrims is astonishing. Today on the trail, I met Jersey John. He is a tiny, five foot nothing, 78 year old man. He is a gentle sweet man. When I met him, I had stopped to remove my jacket. He stopped and said 'are you alright, dear? Is there something I can help you with?' He goes on his way slow and steady and ready to help anyone who is in need. He was one of the group at dinner. It was a treat to spend time with such a kind man.
As we talk as pilgrims, things tend to be very real and emotional. Tears and laughter are always in combination. At one spot someone said 'there are 20 people at this table that are all here for a reason. That means there are 40 shoulders to lean and cry on'. And there are. With only what we are able to carry in our backpacks, people will give anything they can to someone who needs assistance . Bandaids, polysporin, advice, support are all doled out freely. It is a feeling that we will never forget.
Cheer of the day from Wendy - finding a five star Alburgue oasis in the middle of the Mesta and being able to share grass, food and fun with the new friends we have met along the way.
It is so fun to see your pictures of places I recognize AND to hear that you are having such a great time. Keep on walking my pilgrim friends...
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