I’ve become a tic on a page. Since 2013, the café proprietor keeps a yearly account of the nationality of pilgrims. He’s anxious I mark my tic and shows no concern that water is flooding off me onto the dry floor.
Hold on to the morning light. Colors are saturated and the sharpest.
Colors becoming warmer.
My energy is fast fading when a car pulled over. The driver enthusiastically said, “Santiago!” He handed me a bag with a bottle of cold water and 2 chilled apples. Just what I needed. Just what a dozen other pilgrims needed today and also received.
When the scenery is dull, bits and pieces become notable. I walk zig-zag to claim patches of shadow. Weaving along provides different perspectives.
The coolest morning yet brought foggy conditions. It added to scenery.
Today is Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. The world grieves. When asked “When did you walk the Camino?” My reply will be, “The year Queen Elizabeth died.”
Train and trucks…only interrupted by one bull is today’s Camino. The bull is not killed in Portugués’ bull fights, rather deftly outmaneuver. Olé!
It was my second visit to Montréal Botanic Garden, the first being in fall 2019. The summer flowers were prolific. Irises, poenies, and roses of every color. Surprisingly the vegetable garden had all the varieties grown at Monticello in Virginia 700 miles to the south.
Dare to be…
Six adventurous semi-strangers came together to walk 145 miles from Ottawa to Montréal. We are composed of two friends, a brother/sister-in-law, plus two others. We are bonded by smiles, laughter, and an eagerness to experience the walk.
Linda Scandore 