Well that was exciting. Went 20.3mi today and didn’t feel it. Was too focused on dodging the hail and lightening bolts. Seriously, it was a pretty spectacular storm here in the mountains before O’Cebriero.
Got totally soaked and laughed at the insanity of hiking in this weather like it was something quite normal.
Had a great day overall.
-Mark
The hospitalero, Boni, is quite a card. I arrived with a man from Austria, David, and a gal from Quebec, Dominicut. We were led to believe that there was a smaller room and a larger room with ten bunks. I listened as he made the same pitch to everyone. Truth is, there are six rooms, the largest with two bunk beds and the smallest with one bunk bed. Interesting character, Boni. The showers are in a separate building from the main albergue. My roommates and I pooled our laundry to use the washer and dryer since it’s raining and nothing will dry. David walked parts of Camino Norte and Primitive. Look forward to seeing his pics over dinner. -Cindy
Salceda
Hoping the sun would break through; beer bottles line the stone wall at this cafe/bar; flowers.
Rain started earlier than yesterday’s weather predicted. Thankful was near to my stopping place today. Another very short walk. With the leg feeling better I am walking as slowly as possible and still feel I’m maintaining a reasonable pace. -Cindy
Hi guys…
The days and weeks are passing by and your journey is passing underfoot as well. Things here are a mixed bag. SG life is thriving with routine and not so routine affairs. We have waded through the minor prophets and have begun a new sermon series led off today by Raudel who was tasked to deliver a sermon about repentance (Psalm 51). He said that JD would be back for the “fun stuff”…then he muttered something in Spanish.
You may have seen on FB (or not) that Bill and Joyce had to put their dog down last week and they (particularly Bill) are pretty sad. The Afghan couple ( Abdullah and Hassibah) were with our SG last Wednesday. Hassibah texted Donna to ask if she could help her with a surprise BD party for Abdullah. Donna said that she (Hassibah) could do this and that to come up with a surprise but Hassibah reply was…please help me…lol. Donna pulled it together as did others in the group and he was indeed surprised. It was fun they were embraced and embraced the group.
Donna left for Mass on Thursday morning and reports a desperate and sad situation. Too much to write about here but pray for our Mass. family….wisdom and Gods intervention.
We love you guys and long for your return.
Pedro and the Mrs.
Loved the video of Ken running with the cows!! So brave! When I saw the flower pics I knew were from Nadine. Beautiful! The scenery has been so awesome! As your pilgrimage is starting to wine down I pray it has been all you sought for and more. Prayers and Love !
Water bottle bag bottom fell out a couple days ago. Was making due with plastic shopping bags, a la MacGyver, but ultimately needed to repair. Found a hardware store to purchase tape akin to duct tape. The tape only sticks to itself. 😕 -Cindy
Albergue Ultreia just before Arzúa
Pictures along the way. Tonight’s albergue is on a main road, yet the rooms are quiet and a small garden sitting area is sequestered from the sound. Loved the clothing centrifuge to wring out water from hand washing. Am making reservations each afternoon for the next night stay. -Cindy
The journey down from Mt Irago -Mark
Cruz de Ferro -Mark
An iron cross at the top of Mt Irago has stood since before the year 1100. Traditionally modern pilgrims carry a stone along their journey that represents a burden they bear. At the foot of the cross they leave their burden and continue on their journey.
Allison and I were privileged once again to participate in this tradition.
-Mark
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