Day 10 - Or Burgo de Negral to Boente

Today is a holiday in Spain - the Nativity of John the Baptist. This means that many of the businesses that you would expect to be open on a Monday are instead "cerrado."

Looking ahead at our route Bonnie and I would have 25 kilometers of small, agricultural towns to travel through. We weren't convinced that anything would be open. We decided to leave a little later so that we could eat breakfast at the albergue's cafe when they opened at 7:30. It was to our benefit as they served us fried eggs, bacon and toast along with our cafe con leches.

Two hours later we found a cafe that was open and we were able to have a nice rest along with more caffeine. As we were leaving she was closing up shop for the holiday. We had just squeaked in. A couple hours later we did stop at a closed cafe to take advantage of their outside chairs for a needed break.

Just outside of Melide, where the Primitivo route merges with the Frances Camino we caught up with our Danish friend Steen, who was finishing his walk for the day. He said he would join us for lunch and then Bonnie and I had another 5K to travel to get to our albergue.

Having passed through Melide last year I remembered a restaurant where I had eaten lunch. While this city is known for its pulpo (octopus) I wasn't ready for a heavy meal while we still had walking to go. The guy at this bar had made me a sandwich last year that was memorable and when I found the same spot the three of us ordered the same bocadillo. It was a perfect meal made even more special having it with Steen who we didn't expect to see until we arrive to Santiago as we are now walking different stages. We also had fun watching the pilgrims from the Frances root passed by.

Most of the pilgrims we are staying with tonight are also ones that walked the Primitivo. There was lots of processing this afternoon about what we all have accomplished together since leaving Oviedo. Everyone is in agreement that it was much harder than expected, more beautiful than other routes, and that the biggest difficulty had been our stages with the rain. To a person everyone we interacted with wants to come back to the Camino. Most want to bring friends or family members.

Bonnie and I also had some good discussions today about how this journey was different from the one we did two years ago with Jamie and Kona. We are in different places physically, emotionally and spiritually, so we can't really compare them equally. What I will say is that the first one sparked something in me that is still on fire.

My first Camino showed me some important realities of how I interact with others. Last summer's solo trip showed me how I interact with myself. This year I've taken what I learned in both of those journeys and been more compassionate with myself and others. I'm very privileged to have had this time and this opportunity. It has been an investment that I am reaping benefits from. I don't think I am done walking Caminos and I know I am not done growing.

Two stages are left for Bonnie and me. Tomorrow is another long day but we are expecting to get an early start as we are sleeping in a crowded house and there is sure to be loud and early risers tomorrow. We are okay with starting early. We've decided not to wait for breakfast here, which again isn't served until 7:30, but there will be an open cafe 9K's down the road that will certainly be getting our business.

Ultreia et Suseia!Leggi altro