Yesterday we walked past the halfway point.
Time to reflect on the journey completed thus far. Being more knowledgeable would I still say yes to this walk? Absolutely!
Why? For so many reasons. I’m seeing a region of Spain up close and personal. I’m experiencing its food, its culture, its people, and its land. I’m experiencing peoples’ kindness on a grand scale. Every morning when the sun comes up and I’m placing one foot in front of another my only job is to keep on the trail, reflect, be curious, and converse with Chuck or other peregrinos we’re near. Pretty amazing! (To be fair, though, after the 15th mile of walking I’m neither blissful nor contemplative, but quite the opposite!)
Two nights ago was the most spectacular storm I’ve ever seen. Lightning for an hour. Wind and torrents of rain. As I was lying in bed all I could think about is what we would have done if that had happened somewhere out on the meseta. Yikes! I’m very thankful it happened after we were settled in our hostel.
Speaking of our hostel, we have been so impressed with the people who run the hostels, pensions, and private alburgues. Often, it’s a family. Some of them are up by 7:00 to provide breakfast to the pilgrims. They clean the beds and rooms for the next wave of walkers. By 1:00 or 2:00, they’re busy checking new walkers in and waiting on the pilgrims’ needs (food, ice for feet, laundry, serving beverages). They continue providing service until they close up the residence around 10:00. There are exceptions, but for the most part they do it with a smile 7 days a week. I realize the Camino has brought jobs and money to many of these villages, yet I don’t know how patient I’d be on such a continual basis. It’s quite admirable.
Just one more day of walking and we’ll be in León. It feels like a big milestone. We think of all of you often and hope you’re having a good September. Buen Camino
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