Cicera to Potes, Spain

I don’t have much energy left to write this evening. We are out of juice and need to refuel.

We decided that today resembled the Stations of the Cross. Traditionally these are the stages and stops that Jesus made on his way to the crucifixion. If I did have some energy I’d find 14 vignettes from today and share these little stories with all of the details, that took us up to the Lebaniego Cross at the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana.

But, I don’t.

Let’s just say today wasn't easy:
* We had a lost item.
* A fellow pilgrim was treated very cruelly by our host this morning.
* A walking pole was broken during a fall.
* Bonnie bruised her hand, her shin and according to her, her ego.
* We walked up and up and up, only for the Way to then go down, down, down.
* We then walked up, up, up again.
* We wanted to avoid an alternative route that many pilgrims had commented on a website was dangerous due to exposure and vertigo.
* We found ourselves on that path and stayed very leery, almost in fear of what was around the corner.
* They were all stupid. There was no exposure, safety issues, or concerns. We wasted energy on fear.
* Once back on the main path the Way went back down, down, down again.
* An unsmiling man tried to sell us goat cheese.
* Once we arrived in town we still had to walk another three KM up to the monastery.
* After visiting the monastery we had to walk another three KM down to the town.
We have to walk back up to the monastery tomorrow to start our next stage, which is longer and steeper than today’s.

Today was also redemptive.
* The lost item was found.
* Our Norwegian friend forgave the host of her ill behavior and cruelty.
* We found new hiking poles.
* Bruises heal and Bonnie is tough. I am so glad we are doing this together.
* We are walking the Camino. Of course it is hard.
* Sometimes you can’t avoid hardships, and you shouldn’t always believe what you read from others about them.
* We bought cold electrolyte drinks from the goat cheese man.
* The host and staff of our place tonight have gone out of their way to take care of us.
* The experience at the monastery was more emotional than I expected. I am really glad we walked here.
* Bonnie found a Mexican restaurant and though we didn’t have reservations they found a table for us. We stuffed ourselves.
* Did I mention that we are walking in, over and around the Picos de Europa? These mountains and views are breathtaking. My photos simply do not capture the grandeur we are experiencing.

Ultreia et Suseia!Leggi altro