No Electricity ~ Day 57 ~ June 2, 2014

Day 57, June 2
16 miles, 698 total miles
Altitude: 2,559 feet (2,952 feet daily high)
Weather: sun with clouds 48-78F
Fromista

Ermita de San Nicolas Albergue has no electricity, phone, or other modern conveniences…shower and toilet are in an extension to the rear. A shared dinner and breakfast is provided and all for donations. This original 12th-century pilgrim hospice has been restored by an Italian Confraternity. Too bad it was too early in the day for me to quite walking and enjoy the simple pleasures of pilgriming.

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Talking Heads ~ Day 55 ~ May 31, 2014

Day 55, May 31
12 miles, 669 total miles
Altitude: 2,706 feet (3,117 feet daily high)
Weather: sun with brief light rain 45-60F
Hornillos is del Camino

So, what’s so special about talking? We’ve been doing it since age two.

Often “talking” simply gives someone a platform to elaborate their thoughts. It requires just a nod of the head from the listener.

Real “talking” results more listening than talking and more opportunity to respond to the speaker ‘s thoughts than your elaborate your thoughts. Conversation spirals rather than moves in a horizontal fashion.

Anyone who knows me would not be surprised to learn I spent the day’s walk with the cellist who is walking the Camino and playing in a church each night. We found ourselves separated from the “celebrate” pack and moved from acquaintance talk to great conversation. The most amazing part of the day was when we came upon a situation requiring help. Without words the two of us moved like trained dancers doing what needed to be done.

Once again I listened to the cellist’s concert in the village church at the close if the day. Such music baths the spirit. Dane gave me a kind gesture of recognition during the performance. We also had the opportunity to bring closure to a sensitive situation at the one and only local bar/cafe

As we are on the same schedule, I will often see him. I will make a point to give him the opportunity to walk with other people or to walk alone. For me, I have been grace being able to walk the Camino with a beautiful person.

Take a moment and check out his web http://www.walktofisterra.com
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Concert ~ Day 54 ~ May 30, 2014

Day 54, May 30
10 miles, 657 total miles
Altitude: 2,821 feet (3,116 feet daily high)
Weather: light rain and sun with clouds 45-60F
Burgos

Finally I caught up with the American celloist who plays concerts in churches as he walks the Camino. Several days ago his film crew interviewed me along the Camino. Upon arriving in Burgos, I learned not only was he playing here but he is also staying at the same municipal Albergue. His concert at San Nicolas Church was amazing.

http://www.walktofisterra.com

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Follow the Yellow Brick Road ~ Day 50 ~ May 26, 2014

Day 50, May 26
16 miles, 604 total miles
Altitude: 2,296 feet (2,296 daily high)
Weather: blue sky with clouds. 45-65F
Ciruena

Though the road isn’t yellow, much of the day was spent walking along a wide rock-packed rode.

At last I had the pleasure of a family meal served at the albergue (pilgrim’s hostel).

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Virginia??? ~ Day 42 ~ May 18, 2014

Day 42, May 18
14 miles, 500 miles
Altitude:
Weather: blue sky with clouds 55-85F
Zubiri

The country side looks so much like the pine forests of Virginia. The smells are a mixture of pine and boxwood. Dust from gravel and stone stir under foot. Walking is done on an amazingly large percent of stone paths.

Though well signed, I am learning a new way of seeing the signs. In France my eyes zeroed onto the trail markers. Now I search.

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Over the Pyrenees ~ Stage 2 ~ Day 41 ~ May 17, 2014

Day 41, May 17
16 miles, 486 miles
Altitude: 3,116 feet
Weather: blue sky with clouds 55-75F
Roncesvalles
FRIST DAY IN SPAIN

Huntto, 1,640 feet
Refuge Auberge d’Orisson, 2,526 feet
Climbed 886 feet in 1.9 miles

Steady pace.
Endless people.

I went 35 days before meeting another American albeit Hartman from Hawaii and now I am assaulted by English spoken many ways…Irish English, Scottish English, English English, Polish English, German English, Japanese English, Korean English, and even Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia English.

With French spoken, I listened to beautiful sounds. With English spoken, I understand more than I care to know.

 

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