Paris

We left Santiago and flew to Paris this afternoon.  We had wine tasting and a nice meal before we said good bye yesterday 
Robert and Rosemary continue their travels and will finally return home at the end of November.  Connie and Mark flew with us to Paris and they will fly back to San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept 24.  We fly out tomorrow,Sept. 23rd.  

Santiago

We have arrived !!!  Randy and I left around 6 this morning because we wanted to get to Santiago in time for the 12 noon pilgrim's mass.  We arrived around 10:45 and immediately went to the Pilgrims Office to receive our certificate.  There was a long line, so we waited about 45 minutes until we met with an official to record our pilgrimage and to receive the Compostela.  It was an emotional time when the recorder handed me the Compostela and said my name congratulating me on my completion.  The official stamp of the Cathedral is on the Compostela as well as my pilgrim's passport.  As we were waiting on line we once again saw our "angel."  This was a man named Victor who has been traveling the same days we have.  He started his pilgrimage in Rome.  On a daily basis he would stand outside of church and beg.  I would always give him some money, but that was the way he made his pilgrimage, on the generosity of others.  Every day we would greet each other with a simple hello and smile.  Today, we were happy to see him once again.  When you least expected, he would appear giving us hope and strength. Math at why we called him our little angel ( see picture below).

We attended the pilgrim's mass and at the end of mass they incensed the people with the fumarrio.  It was quite moving.  I took a video of the ceremony but i can't seem to publish it on the blog, so i included a picture.  
give thanks to God for a safe journey and for the opportunity to be surprised with His love and care.  It has truly been a Buen Camino !!!

Rua

We left at 7:30am.  It was still dark outside, so we used our head lamps on the way.  Although the Camino was very crowded, the journey was very peaceful as we encountered moments of quiet and solitude.  We passed through many small villages and walked through groves of eucalyptus tree bordering the Camino.  The smell of the eucalyptus trees reminded me of the Bay Area.  We traveled about 12 miles and finally arrived at our destination around 12:30pm.  The village of Rua has a population of 50 people, our last quiet evening before we enter Santiago tomorrow.  

As I was walking today, I was reflecting on the journey that I've been on for the past 38 days.  The people I've encountered, the quiet times and the bustling times, my God moments, the food, wine, and friendships, the people that I've remembered in prayer, and those moments of new discoveries, have been all quite amazing and transforming.  I can't believe that I've walked almost 500 miles, and I'm still going strong !!  Even my feet are feeling pretty good.  It's all a great blessing and I am most thankful.

Tomorrow it is on to Santiago.  We will try to leave early, around 6:00am, so we can make the Pilgrim's mass at noon.  We will also attend the 7:30pm mass where they will use the giant fumarrio and incense the assembly during the mass.  Tomorrow, as we enter the city, there will be even more pilgrims walking along the Way.  Bus loads of pilgrims will be dropped off before the city to walk the final mile or two to the Cathedral, so I'm trying to keep my focus on why I am here and not let the crowds and the excitement of reaching our destination cloud my prayer.

On Saturday, the plan is to drive Finisterre (the end of the world) and deposit our boots there.  My boots are really worn, inside and out, so leaving them at the end is most fitting.  Only 19km to go.  Until tomorrow, Buen Camino.

Scripture passage - Sept. 19

Psalm 16:11

Prayer companion(s)

Bishop Michael Barber

Priests of the Diocese of Oakland

Arzua

Today was a long day, over 17 miles of walking, it rained part of the day, everything hurt, and yet God always manages to enter into the picture.  Today we first experienced great hospitality from the people who ran the hostel we stayed in last night.  Since we were leaving at 6:30am, an hour before breakfast was to be served, they packed a lunch for us; with a sandwich, fruit, water, juice and cookies.  We were overwhelmed by their generosity.  As soon as we left the village it began to rain.  After traveling about 9 miles, my feet were hurting, my side ached, and my knee was bothering me.  Plus I had a headache!!  We stopped at a small village and went inside the church to have our pilgrim's passport stamped.  I sat in a pew, closed my eyes and was feeling very sorry for myself.  I prayed that God would give me direction in dealing with my situation.  I opened my eyes and looked to my right where there was huge image of the crucifixion.  I close my eyes again and prayed..."Ok God, I got it!"  It's amazing how God enters into our lives at the most vulnerable moments and speaks the truth to us.  

As we were walking, we came across a stand with fruits, nuts, water, and seats under the trees for rest.  Everything was free for the pilgrim to take as they journeyed along the Way.   A donation basket was there if someone wanted to leave an offering.  The hospitality to the pilgrim has been renewing and humbling.  We travel about 11 miles the next two days as we enter Santiago on Friday.  We plan to attend the Pilgrim's mass at 7:30pm.  The next day is free to tour the area and then we are on our way  home.  It continues to be an amazing adventure.  Buen Camino!!!

Scripture reading - Sept. 18

Isaiah 40:31

Prayer Companion(s):

The Smiths: Tim, Debbie, Sean, Joyce, Coco

Palas de Rei

Today, once again, the Camino was crowded with pilgrims.  It was a long journey,15 miles, so some of those new pilgrims might have been hurting a little today.  We passed through farm land and many small villages once again.  There were some interesting structures along the way and we discovered they were used to store and dry grain that is produced in this region (picture below).  Along with new  pilgrims, we reconnected with some "old" pilgrims who have been on the journey for awhile.  It's always nice to reconnect and to share how the journey has been.  We arrived at our destination around 3:30pm.  Tomorrow, we have a 17 mile trip, the last long walk before Santiago.  Thursday and Friday are both 11 mile trips.  I never thought I would be saying that an 11 mile walk was something to be looking forward to, but it is !!  See how the Camino changes our perspective on things!  Time to get to bed.  We are leaving at 6:30am.  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture passage - Sept. 17

Psalm 23:4

Prayer companion(s):

Kathy Anders

 

Portomarin

The Camino was very crowed today as we traveled to Portomarin.  You could identify the new pilgrims because they were all excited, taking lots of pictures, chatting a lot, and on their cell phones.  Much different than our experience prior to Sarria.  Although, we could identify with them because when we left St. Jean, we were just as excited about the journey ahead.  We traveled through farm land and passed through many small villages.  We stopped for a break at one of the cafes and came across Rolando, a man from Portland that we met on the train to St. Jean.  We lost contact with each other, but re-connected in O Cebreiro, over 30 days into the journey.  He is walking with his cousin from Cuba.  We both plan to be in Santiago on Friday and attend then Pilgrim's mass that evening.  

The next couple of days are challenging.  Tomorrow we walk 15 miles, and the next day 17 miles.  It's amazing how we've managed to have the strength to accomplish the task.  Sometimes I find myself praying to God for the strength to reach our destination, and He always seems to answer the prayer.  It's all part of the experience on the Camino.  The photo's below are of an old woman who was working in the field today.  The people are so connected to the land.  There is a sacredness that I've seen in all of this.  I have learned a lot!!   The other picture is of Rolando, his cousin, and myself when we met at this cafe this morning.  It's amazing how God brings total strangers together to support each other on the Way.  Buen Camino!!!

Scripture passage: Sept. 16

Psalm 1:1-2

Prayer Companion(s):

Mary and Paul Stickel

Sarria

It was a 12 mile journey to our next destination, Sarria.  There was a good amount of climbing through rolling hills and farm country.  Many times we came across farmers tending their cattle or working on repairing fences on their land.  It was obvious that the people were hard working and dedicated to their trade.  Most of the small villages we passed were simple with humble dwellings.  Usually the cattle and other live stock were lodged near the homes and then brought out to pasture during the day.  

We arrived in Sarria around 12:30 pm, had something to eat and walked through the town.  The town has become a major starting point for pilgrims with limited time to walk, but want to pick up a Compostela in Santiago.  Starting here in Sarria will just cover the required 100km to the cathedral.  So the Camino, from this point on, should be crowded with pilgrims on their was to Santiago.  Tomorrow we travel 14 miles to Portomarin.  

One of the things I "surrendered" when I began the Camino was shaving.  I've grown quite the beard, but will shave it off as soon as I return to the states.  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture passage: Sept. 15

Revelation 9:20

Prayer companion(s):

Jeanne Loughlin

Mark Lewis

Triacastela

Today was one of the most beautiful days as far as scenery goes.  We traveled 13 miles from the mountain village of O Cebreiro, through the fertile valleys of Galicia.  Most of the decent was over sandy and rocky terrain, not one of my favorite paths to travel.  Plus going downhill is not good for my knees.  To compensate for the agony of the walk, the scenery was very beautiful.  Passing through small villages, mountain passes, and experiencing the culture of the region was wonderful.  I especially love the tarta de Santiago, an almond cake that is out of this world.  During the whole journey, I've been eating like crazy !!  That's because we are expending between 5,000 and 7,000 calories a day with all our walking.  Believe it or not, I have not had a diet coke since I left the U.S.!!!  

Well, we finally reached our destination around 3pm.  Mass is at 6pm, then have something to eat, and it's off to bed.  We have an 11 mile trek tomorrow to Sarria.  Many people begin the Camino at Sarria because you must walk 100km to Santiago to receive your certificate of completion.  Sarria is a little over 100 km from Santiago.  So this is probably the last village that is quaint, simple and quiet before we enter the busyness of the Camino.  I cant believe we have walked over 400 already !!  We are all anticipating next Friday as we enter Santiago and complete the journey.  It is all blessing !!!  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture passage - Jeremiah 10:5

Prayer companion(s):

Steve and Donna Swenson

O Cebreiro

Today we made our trek to O Cebreiro, only an 8 mile walk but up steep terrain.  The scenery was beautiful, and we encountered a heard of cattle along the trail being moved along by a farmer, his children and their dog.  Nothing but wilderness here and the smells of nature, if you know what I mean !!  We crossed the boarder into the Province of Galicia, finally arriving in O Cebreiro around noon, population 50.  The countryside is reminiscent of other Celtic lands with lush pastures, round shaped houses with straw roofs, great red wine, cheese, and the sound of bagpipes filling the air.  We visited the Church of Santa Maria Real and will attend mass there this evening.  A beautiful place sitting on top of the mountain.  Truly God's gift to us this day.  Tomorrow we have a 13 mile walk to Triacasyela.  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture passage: Sept. 13

Psalm 115:7

Prayer Companion(s):

People of St. Cassian Church, Upper Montclair, N.J.

Herretrials de Valcarce

After a long day yesterday, we began our 12 mile journey today over the third and last mountain range until Santiago.  We traveled mostly along the main road, passing through small villages and experiencing the local culture.  We left around 8:15 this morning and it was very cool, around 42 F.  So I put my fleece jacket and rain jacket on to protect me from the strong winds that were blowing, along with my wool Cal hat ( Go Bears) and headed up the mountain.  As we passed this small village, these three village elders were talking in front of this home, and on the balcony of this home was this elderly woman, wrapped in her bathrobe and blanket, sitting on the balcony in the sun and joining in the conversation with the three people below.  As we passed, we greeted them and they all wished us a Buen Camino.  The elderly woman on the balcony gave us a big smile and waved her hand in greeting.  It was if God was smiling down on us from the heavens approving of our journey...my God moment for the day.  As we passed through these small villages, we could see the mix of the old and the new.  Modern freeway bridges and traditional village life (see picture).  It's all part of our experience on the Camino.  Until tomorrow, Buen Camino !!!

Scripture passage - Sept. 12

Genesis 48:15

Prayer Companion(s):

Norma Gray

Villafranca del Bierzo

This was one of the longest and hardest days of the Camino.  We walked a little over 19 miles  to Villafranca.  We passed through the major city of Ponferrada, 62,000 in population.  Here we passed the Castle of the Templars.  This 12 th century castle has been declared a national monument.  The Templar Order were considered guardians of the Camino.  However the Templar Order was outlawed by King Fernando in 1312 and was disbanded by the Church.

We continued our journey through vineyards and rolling hills that looked very much like Napa, CA., even stopping for a glass of wine for lunch at one of the local wineries.  We finally arriving at our destination around 6pm, almost 10 hours of walking with a few breaks in between.  We now begin to cross our third and final mountain range before reaching Santiago on Sept. 20th.  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture passage - Sept. 11

Genesis 24:40

Prayer Companion(s):

Martha and Pater Posnerowich

Molinaseca

On Tuesday, Sept. 10th we left Rabanal del Camino and started our climb to the highest point on the Camino, la Cruz de Ferro ( the Cross of Iron).  The climb was steep and long, but when we reached the cross at the top, it was a thrilling moment.  This is the place where the pilgrims place rocks at the foot of the cross.  I carried 4 rocks with me.  The largest one had the names of all those people I've been praying for during my journey.  The second rock was given to me by parishioners at St. Joan of Arc, knowing that I would be journeying to the cross.  The third rock was given to me by one of my walking companions, and the fourth rock was the pebble that was lodged in my shoe on the second day of the Camino.  It was an emotional time for me as I placed these rocks at the foot of the cross, praying for the intentions of those named people.  It was also a time for me to reflect on all those people who traveled this was before me.  It was a humble moment; here 5,000 feet above sea level, and a small iron cross stands as a simple symbol of the Pilgrims faith on the Way for centuries.  There was a deep connection for me with all those who have journeyed before me and those who will journey after me.  After spending about 45 minutes in this Holy place, we began our decent to Molinaseca. It was a difficult journey down, and at the end, we entered the beautiful village of Molinaseca.  Our hostel  was right next to the River Meruelo where we sat, had a beer and put our feet in the canal next to the river.  It was early to bed to get ready for our 20 mile journey to Villafranca.  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture passage: Sept. 10

Genesis 5:22

Prayer Companion(s):

Sr. Ruth Anne Sanders

Rabanal del Camino

Today we left beautiful Astorga, the last large city until we reach Santiago, and traveled to the small village of Rabanal del Camino.  It was only a 13 mile walk, but it seemed much longer than that. We are heading toward the mountains, and tomorrow we will climb to the highest point on the entire Camino, La Cruz de Ferro, where we will place our rocks that we have been carrying for many months, at the foot of the Cross of Christ at the top of the mountain.  The rock I've been carrying, since planning this pilgrimage, has the printed names of all the people I've been praying for during the journey.  Tomorrow I will place this rock at the foot of the Cross of Christ at La Cruz de Ferro, and ask The Lord to unite His suffering with those named on this rock, so that just as Christ was raised to new life through His suffering and death, they too may rise with Him to a new Way of life.  It will be an emotional and memorable time for me.  Let us pray for each other in a special way tomorrow so that God will use this extraordinary moment to grace us with His life and love.  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture Passage - Sept. 9

2 Corinthians 6:16

Prayer companion(s)

Bro. Kevin Slate

Fr. Roger Statnick

Astorga

It was a long day of walking 16 miles from Villadangos del Paramo to Astorga.  We entered the town of Puenta de Orbigo where we stopped for coffee and a snack.  We then crossed the longest and best preserved medieval bridges in Spain dating back to the 13th century.  The journey ahead was long and difficult, passing through rocky trails and few villages.  As we traveled, we came across a man who was offering pilgrims beverages and food along the Way.  He had peanut butter among his items, so Randy and I jumped to the opportunity to have a taste.  It was heavenly.  Another angel from God.  The young man said his rest stop was eternity, and for us at that moment in our travels, it was heavenly.  We reached the Santo Toribio stone cross where we got our first view of the city of Astorga and the mountains we will be crossing in the next few days.  Astorga is very beautiful.  We attended mass at the local church, had dinner, and now we are ready for some sleep after a long day.  Tomorrow we travel to Rabanal del Camino and then start our accent up the Leon Mountain range towards Santiago.  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture passage - Sept. 8

Isaiah 42:5

Prayer Companion(s):

Bishop John Cummins

Scripture

Scripture passage - Sept.7

Isaiah 52:7

Prayer Companion(s)

Linda and Bob Ambrose

Villadangos del Paramo

We left Leon early, around 7:15am.  We thought the hotel would be serving breakfast at 7, but on Saturdays they serve at 8 - disappointed !!!  We tend to loose track of the days when you're on the Camino.  As we were traveling through the small town of San Miguel, we came upon an older man who offered us hospitality in front of his home.  He gave us water, fruit that he grew in his backyard, chairs to sit our tired bodies on, and a friendly smile.  He greeted every pilgrim along the way and offered them hospitality.  What a great gift he was to us today, it was just the thing we needed at that moment in our journey.  God always sends angels into our lives to guide us along the Way.

Last night we said farewell to two pilgrim friends from Australia, Robyn and Peter.  They began their pilgrimage in Burgos, and we are moving on ahead of them to Santiago.  They will be missed and we wish them a Buen Camino!!

Tomorrow we walk 16 miles to Astorga.  We are hoping the prediction of thunder storms doesn't materialize.  Until then, know of my thoughts and prayers for all of you.  Buen Camino !!!

Leon

Today is our rest day in Leon.  After a wonderful breakfast, we went to mass at the Cathedral Chapel, then we took a tour of the Cathedral itself.  The Cathedral is known for its 125 stained glass windows. One of the chief functions of these windows was to instruct the people by showing them stories of the Gospels and the lives of the Saints.  After the Cathedral tour we moved on to the Basilica of St. Isidore, built in the 11th century and located on the other side of Old Town.  The remains of St. Isidore were brought here from Sevilla.  We entered through the Puerta de Perdon, the Door of Forgiveness, through which medieval pilgrims, to sick to travel on to Santiago, could still receive the same indulgences of those pilgrims completing the pilgrimage.  It was a very peaceful and holy place.  We plan to attend the Pilgrim's Mass there tonight before dinner.  We also toured the museum located next to the church with its beautiful frescoes.  Having our siesta at the moment before mass at 7:30pm.  Tomorrow is a 13 mile walk to our next destination.  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture Passage - Sept. 6

Isaiah 40:31

Prayer Companion(s):

Jimmy Musto

Leon

We left Mansilla de las Mules around 8:30am and headed for Leon, about 11 miles away.  Gone now are the quiet trails, with unlimited beautiful scenery, and the quaint devotional shrines.  We were headed for Leon, one of the larger cities in northern Spain.  The traffic was heavy and sometimes dangerous when trying to cross streets.  We stopped at this small cafe along the Way for some coffee and I spoke with a man from Denmark who was on his 10th Camino trip.  Early retirement enables him to make the journey on a yearly basis.  As we drew nearer to Leon, we encountered a thunderstorm.  We brought out our rain gear and continued our walk.  We found our hotel, showered and were having lunch when we met Connie and Mark who arrived by train.  It was great seeing them and started sharing some of our experiences along the Way.  Tonight it's eating out, and sleeping in tomorrow, since we have a rest day in Leon.  We will probably tour the city and enjoy the day together.  Then on Saturday we continue our trip to Santiago with a 13 mile hike to Villadangos del Paramo.  Now it's time to put up my feet and take care of my toes !!  It's all part of the Camino.  Buen Camino !!

Scripture passage - Sept 5

Exodus 2:22

Prayer Companion(s):

Bob and Rosemarie Scrosati

Mansilla de las Mulas

After dinner last night, we walked to this little pond at the edge of town to watch the sunset.  We met this homeless person who makes the Camino his home.  He has walked the Camino 11 times !!!  As the sun was setting, he played his flute as a tribute to another day on the Camino.  We woke this morning, ate breakfast, and began our 12 mile walk to the small village Mansilla de las Mulas.  There were hardly any villages in the first 13km of the walk.  The open countryside gives you a constant view of the horizon.  There is a complete absence of trees for much of the way.  Throughout the area there are a few rest stops set up next to some streams.  We left early enough to beat the heat of the day.  After walking 13 km we arrived at the small village of Reliegos and stopped for coffee and a tortilla.  From there it was another 6 km to our final destination, Mansilla de las Mulas, population 1900.  The name of the town ( of the Mules) refers to its earliest prominence as a livestock center in the 12th century.  Tomorrow, we leave this tranquil environment and move on to Leon, population 170,000, where we have an extra day to rest.  Buen Camino !!!

Scripture passage - Sept. 4

John 4:14

Prayer Companion(s):

Dana Bayer

Scripture

Scripture - Sept. 3

Psalm 63:2

Prayer Companion(s):

People of St. Francis as Assisi Church, Concord, CA

El Burgo Ranero

We slept in today and left our hostel around 8:15, leaving Sahagun through the impressive Arcos San Benito and crossing the Cea River over the Puente del Canto (bridge).  We eventually came to a fork on the Way and had to take the path that lead to Bercianos del Real Camino.  The markings were not clear, so we had to trust we were walking the right way.  If not, it would add another few miles to the journey.  After walking about 11 km, we finally can to Bercianos del Real Camino, population 200!  We stopped for coffee at this wonderful little cafe at the entrance to the town.  We then continued our journey to El Burgo Ranero, 7km away.  We are staying in this delightful hostel, with great hospitality and comfort.  The days are getting warmer, but the forecast calls for rain on Saturday with temps. dropping to lows of 2c.  I love these small villages, the people are so friendly and accommodating.  No traffic, open fields surrounding the village, friendly hospitality.  Simplicity...What a blessing!  Tomorrow we walk to Mansilla de las Mulas, a 12 mile journey, and then the next day we reach Leon where we have a days rest and meet up with Connie and Mark, parishioners from St. Joan's who are joining us on the Camino.  We look forward to the days ahead.  Buen Camino!!

Sahagun

We left early from our hostel for our 13 mile walk to Sahagun.  It was on this journey that we crossed the boarder into the Province of Leon, the wealthiest and most populous province on the Camino.  Again, it was a day filled with quiet walking.  We came into a small village where we stopped to have an egg and potato tortilla.  While there we noticed they had peanut butter!!!  What a treat!!  We had the owner make Randy and I a peanut and jelly sandwich to take for the journey.  What a pleasant surprise and treat for us.  The owner of the establishment was very pleasant and helpful.  While leaving the establishment, we noticed entrances to homes that were built into a hill, keeping the temperature cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Before entering Sahagun, be came upon the hermitage of Our Lady of the Bridge, once an important sanctuary for pilgrims in the 12 century.  Tomorrow we have an 11 mile walk to El Burgos Ranero.  Thursday we will be in Leon and have a days rest there.  Buen Camino !!

Scripture passage-Sept. 2

Psalm 84:4

Prayer Companion(s)

Kathy Farley

Calzadilla de la Cueza

After breakfast we left around 8:15 to our next destination Calzadilla.  The distance was about 11 miles, but difficult because there were no rest stops along the way.  No services, no place to eat, no civilization  except for the sheep in the fields and other pilgrims.  It took us about 4-5 hours to walk through treeless and open landscape.  Again, we are thankful for the great weather which remain sunny, breezy and cool.  We came into the. town of Calzadilla and had a wonderful lunch at our hostel. We are even washing our clothes in a washing machine...(what a treat) and relaxing the rest of the day at the hostel.  Tomorrow is a long day of traveling, about 14 miles to the town of Sahagun.  One step at a time is all we need to do.  I am for the rest this afternoon and preparing for the journey tomorrow.  It's hard to believe that we are more than half way to Santiago!  What a gift!!  Buen Camino!!

Scripture - Sept. 1:

Mark 10:45

Prayer companion(s):

Mary and Walt Muller

Carrion de Los Condes

After a wonderful breakfast at our hostel we headed out for our 11 mile walk to Carrion de Los Condes.  We walked along the river Ucieza, away from the traffic and busyness of the main road and came to the small village of Villalcazar de Sirga where they have been welcoming pilgrims since the 12th century.  The town is the home of the church of Santa Maria la Virgen Blanca.  It houses the tombs of nobles and royalty and the church is now declared a national monument.  The churches south entrance has beautiful sculptures of the saints and angels as you enter it's doors.  We had our pilgrims  passport stamped there and took a tour of this beautiful church.  We had lunch in the plaza opposite the church and then continued on our journey to Carrison which was 5 km away.  We are settling in our hostel which is right over a bar !!!  I expect we will not get a lot of sleep this night.  Our journey tomorrow takes us to Calzadilla de la Cueza, only 10 miles away.  The weather has been beautiful, sunny cool and breezy.  Perfect for walking.  Buen Camino

Scripture Passage - Aug. 31

Psalm 132:7

Prayer Companion(s):

Thelma Quiocho

Joe and Marge Capazolli

Scripture

Scripture for Aug. 30:

Jeremiah 6:16

Prayer Companion(s):

Connie and Rick Martin

Ken Laverone

Fromista

We left very early this morning at 6:30am for our 16 mile walk to the small village of Fromista.  About 1km outside Castrojeriz, we encountered a difficult ascent to the Alto de Mostelares, where we overlooked the valley and saw the sun rise.  Another 5 km and we crossed the Itero Bridge over the river Pisuerga.  This is a natural border, leaving the province of Burgos and entering the province of Palencia.  We stopped in the small village of Itero de las Vega for some cafe solo ( espresso).  After two  cups of coffee, I was ready to go.  We came to the village of Boadilla del Camino where we stopped for lunch and had a Spanish tortilla ( egg and potato - delicious).  We then started walking to Formista along the Canal de Castilla, arriving at our destination around 2pm.

Most the the Camino consists of trails that are made up of sand and rocks.  Sometimes the rocks are large and other times the they are small.  As I walk along the Camino, I try to avoid the larger rocks, since stepping on them creates an irritation that shoots through the heals of my boots.  So I move from one side of the Camino to the other side, trying to avoid the discomfort.  Yet when I move to what I think is smoother ground, the rocks seem to appear again.  There is no escaping !!  Sometimes a little pebble gets lodged in my boot and causes some discomfort in my walking.  This happened to me after crossing the Pyrenees the second day on the Camino.  At the end of the day, I took my boot off and, a small pebble fell out.  Today, as I was walking, I was thinking of how the Camino is a reflection of life.  Sometimes in life, we encounter rocks that make our journey more difficult.  The rocks cause us discomfort, they are painful and interrupt our daily activity.  We keep trying to avoid them, but they seem to always be there.  There is no escaping !!  How do we deal with the rocks and pebbles that come into our lives?  God always gives us the freedom to choose how to respond.  We can avoid them or deny their existence, or we can face their reality and call upon the power of God to give us the strength to face the struggle with courage and hope, transforming that struggle into a moment of growth and life.

I have kept the pebble that was in my boot to remind me that life is like the Camino, filled with rocks and pebbles.  But with God's help, we can face those realities and use them to transform our lives into something greater.  Buen Camino !!!