The pilgrim alters today were pillars and as I stood in front of that first piller of rock, with a goal of 31K in front of me, I knew that this day belonged to Ted. Ted, you are such a pillar of strength, stability, and love for me and our family. You plan, you dream, and you set goals. I am blessed to be at your side. I admire your amazing ability to manage me and our relationship. You keep me grounded, but you allow me to fly without ever trying to clip my wings. Thank you for letting me soar and thank you for keeping my feet firmly planted on the trail.
Left at 7:06 this morning and trekked 10K for our cafe con leche. It was soooo good. Judy and I even treated ourselves to chocolate-filled croissants.....we figured we could handle the calories on a 31K hike!
Stopped in the next town to pick up some lunch items and hiked another hour before stopping for our picnic in a farmer´s freshly-harvested field. What a great picnic we had of pate, bread, cheese, chocolate and apples. We only had 13K to go, but the sun was hot and we were getting tired. Today I welcomed the ascents as my shin splints didn´t hurt when I was going uphill. Onward we trudged and when Monica and I crested the hill to see Santo Domingo, we joined hands and jumped for joy. However the descent was long. Terese and Elizabeth experienced the same joy an hour later as they brought up the rear. By the time they arrived at the edge of the city, the two of them were in hysterics. Their walking sticks had become canes and they were limping like ¨two crippled gereatrics trying to make it to the nursing home singsong¨(their words). The first refugio was filled to capacity, but luckily the second one had room. I slept in a room with 36 pilgrims, on a top bunk which as usual had no railing on either side, and I slept like a baby. I have never felt so physically exhausted in all my life and that combined with the laughter and comraderie of the pilgrim meal was a wonderful feeling. We have left many of our pilgrim community behind and are gathering others into our fold. Silvie from Quebec has joined us as well as another French group from France. I so love speaking French to so many people. Martin from Germany has been a delight.
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5 comments:
Hello my dear neighbour, I think about you every day as I drive into my driveway and look up at your hanging pink flowers blooming on your porch. I pray you are safe and where you want to be. It sounds like you are having a wonderful time but I don't for a moment wish I could be there with you. You see the reason your backpack is so heavy is you are carrying the weight of so many of us on your pilgrimage. You are a rock to us. So perhaps when you drop the little blue pebble in front of one of the altars your burden will be lifted and you will be able to walk easier. Godspeed my friend and don't loose much more weight because there are a lot of people waiting to hug you when you return. Love Annabel
Kathy: I am reading your blog regularily with great envy...I will do this pilgiramage someday. I am very proud of you my friend. I find great beauty and strength in your words. Like Annabel says, you are carrying the weight of so many on your back. Simplicity is beautiful even without the mascara! Stay safe and warm. You are surrounded by lots of loving arms here at home and away. Keep on truckin. Love Donna-Marie
By the way, I can't sleep, so this is a fun way to pass the time...cheers. DM
Dear Annabel
I miss you. I think about you and I still have your little blue pebble. I haven´t decided whether to take it to Santiago or to leave it at an alter. I can´t wait for your hug my dear. Love Kathy
How great to hear from you Donna Marie. I miss our little get togethers, but we will catch up when I get back. Love you mucho and I will keep on truckin.... Say hi to everyone else. Kathy
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