Destination - Terradillios de Templarios
Distance - 25 km
Hours of walking - 7:30 - 12:30
Terrain - gravel roads, flat and predictable
Weather - perfect for walking
Nature - freshly cut hay fields, roosters in every town
Misadventure - Brenda walks faster than Wendy and Dee travel on a bus and lose them in a two Alburgue town.
The most memorable part of today has nothing to do with walking. The magic of the Camino struck in a big way last night, however we just learned of its beauty today.
I spoke in a previous blog about meeting the kind man that I met, Jersey John (the little 78 year old man making his way). I have posted pictures of our 'Backyard Gang' from Miami but I have not mentioned the beautiful young couple in that group. Kelly and Jorge are engaged to be married, and at the last moment Jorge decided to join Kelly, Kelly's mom Kathy and friend Maria on the Camino. I talked to Kathy about how watching Jorge and Kelly together brings such joy to my heart. They are so in love and so comfortable together. They both have a sense of peace and playfulness together that is so refreshing and heart warming. You know that they are meant to be together.
We learned that John lost his wife Bunny this year. They had been married for 54 years and have four children together. Before leaving for the Camino, John said 'Bunny tapped me on the shoulder and told me to bring our wedding rings'. His intention was to donate them at the cathedral for someone to use. However, during dinner last night and visiting with Jorge and Kelly, he said that Bunny tapped him again and said to give the wedding rings to this young couple. John told Kelly to try on Bunny's ring. It fit perfectly. John told Jorge to try on his wedding ring. It fit perfectly. John then gifted the rings to Kelly and Jorge. They said that the tears were flowing and the emotions high. Wendal from Texas bought everyone champagne for the celebration.
Tonight, at the Alburgue as we were sitting in the backyard I got up to talk to John. He said he wanted to read the Eulogy from Bunny's funeral to Kelly and Jorge so that they learned more about Bunny. He said he was not sure if he could read it without crying. I offered if he could not, I would. He then asked if I would. So... I took a deep breath and read the most elequently written eulogy out loud. It was truly a remarkable moment.
In other news of the day, Wendy and Dee chose to bus, due to injuries. I walked the 25km of prairie roads on my own. I thought it was almost like walking from the farm to town... Which I threatened to do as a teen but never would have!
We spent a very enjoyable afternoon with Lynn, Wendy and their husbands that joined them.
And then bunked into a room with our friend Maria.
Cheer of the day from Wendy - spending time at the bus stop meeting all the wounded pilgrims and drinking coffee. Then finding another five star Albirge with bunks high enough not to bump your head.
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