Camino Leapfrog

Logrono, Spain
Leaving the village of Viana, bound for Logrono, a city of 152k+, we continue to engage in a form of leap frog with other pilgrims. You recognize the faces and packs even if you have yet to make their acquaintance. The forerunner pulls ahead, only to be passed while slowing for sustenance or rest. The greeting of "hola" announces your presence, followed by "Buen Camino" as the pass is in progress. Sometimes a conversation ensues and pilgrims walk together or conversations break out during rest stops at shared tables or benches. Finding a common language is the first order of business, followed by an exchange of information and support. For the most part, pilgrims come to the assistance of those in need. Moral support goes a long way. We've met interesting people on the Camino from a variety of countries, stages in life, all doing the pilgrimage for their own reasons and in their own way. Spoke with a young lady from Ireland who did the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela last year with her father to pull him through his grief after her mother died. They had such a wonderful experience, getting to know each other and forging a bond in a new way. They are now coming back and doing segments each year, this time starting in Pamplona and walking for 4 days. A "Camino family" of 4 was quite accommodating of multiple styles. What started as a brother and sister duo from Seattle with very disparate levels of fitness, expanded to incorporate another lady from California and a Canadian gentleman. The brother, Dan, would get up early and hit the trail. The sister and rest of the group would follow behind. They would meet up at designated locations and spend the night in lodging arranged by the sister. Dan led a colorful life, having spent 10 years on an Alaskan fishing boat. He subsequently became a tugboat captain, working 28 days on followed by 28 days off. At the ripe old age of 57 he's retired and serving as a full-time caregiver for his mother in law. The Camino is his respite break. Helen, a British lady, is walking the Camino solo and sets a wicked pace. She recently left a career of working with handicapped children, a field both physically and mentally challenging. We entered the Logrono old town square at just the right moment, when she needed moral support to deal with a horrible night at the albergue. She was also dealing with blisters, a Camino reality but new experience for her. Over café con leche her spirits picked up and she left with a feasible blister plan in place rather than relying on wives tales remedies that do more harm than good. We were sorry to say goodbye to Terry and Kaye, an Australian couple we've played leapfrog with since our first stop in Orisson. We've shared many coffees and dinners, exchanging stories along the way. They are taking a train from Logrono to expedite the journey as their timetable is rather packed. Hopefully our paths will cross again someday. Buen Camino!Read more