Cushy day for the visitors

My spirits were different going into today’s walk from San Domingo de la Calzada to Belorado. I noticed I was humming to myself early morning as I prepared to walk - very different than other days. Lutz, my good high school friend and his son, Luke, made a special stop over from the end of their family vacation in Italy to get a taste of the Camino with me.

And they had a luxurious taste indeed! Staying at the parador with me last night and a modest 15 mile walking through rolling pastures, albeit a good chunk along the highway, I promised them this is really not how this experience is typically. It’s supposed to be hard! They laughed it off and jested that I had it easy.

We walked through the most villages I think I’ve had in a day so far. We talked about our favorite shows and movies mostly, with some time given to family updates. Luke led the way on the Camino (but might pay for it slightly tonight or tomorrow 🤷🏻).

Lutz has always been someone who goes out of his way for friends and family. I’ve noticed him do what could seem like unreasonable efforts to attend a friend’s special occasion or be there in a time of need. He’s made far too many long drives to be at a friend’s event only to turn around right after and drive the long distance home again. You only get to know this about him if you’ve been lucky enough to know him for a long time. He never boasts or brags about the ways he helps others. He just does it because he can and it’s the right thing to do. I’m lucky to have someone as special as him in my life. Everyone is who has come to know him. And I consider myself lucky to have had the time to see many of the unsung ways he quietly communicates to others their importance to him by his presence - in what to many seem like unreasonable efforts for a relationship. Buen Camino Lutz! And Buen Camino Luke on your new journey in college next year. I can’t wait to hear about all the exciting things you do!Les mer