Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery and today a gift-that is why it is called the present.

Happy Memorial Day or as they say on the Camino, happy Monday. This is the 11th day of my journey and I have gone 151 miles. Only 349 to go!!  After 3 days of walking, I have parsed through the vineyards and am back in the wheat fields. Boy, do the Spanish love their bread. The scenery continues to be breathtaking. Until yesterday I could still see snow-capped mountains which the guidebook says exceed 2300 meters.  I'm not how high that is in feet, but snow is snow. 

Last night I slept in a 12 century Abby, on a mattress, on the floor. A first!!  

There were about 40 of us and we were served a communal meal of salad and pasta; and of course, bread and wine. Before dinner, each nation represented was asked to sing a song. The American contingent sang God Bless America. There were 11 countries around the table. A beautiful experience. 

In two days I will be in Burgos, one of the major cities on the Camino. I continue to do well with only minor issues with my toes. My little toenail fell off this afternoon. TMI. More later from the Camino.

"When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. And as you see them you will see yourself “

From the Home Base:

Joe did not have wifi today, but was able to share via email some of his day.  I'd like to also share some quotes from that communication.  Today was from Navarette to Azofra (24 km in 7 hrs).

"I left about 7:30 this morning and was stopped by a man just on the outskirts of town. Name was Alex and a resident of Navarette. He asked if I would mind if he walked with me so he could practice his English. We walked together for about 1 1/2 hours until I made a stop for breakfast. Very interesting guy. 51 years old and was a manager of some kind. Says he is writing a book on the Camino. His English was pretty understandable and it was nice to have some company first thing in the morning. Any more would have been total overkill. Never stopped talking, but I did learn a lot about how the Spanish don't pay all of their taxes."

At the end of the day's hike:

"Albergue here is interesting in that it is divided into two bed cubicles with a door. My roomy is an Italian guy who doesn't speak any English. It goes without saying that we have not had much of a conversation."

No new pictures to share yet.  We all have you in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Where's Camino Joe

From the Home Base:

Since Joe posted his pic on the facebook page, there have been requests for more updated location information.

His last stop was reported to be Navarrete.  Elevation 520 m. (1706 ft).  

To follow the stages with elevation info,  check out this link:
http://elcaminosantiago.com/Camino-Santiago-Map-Camino-Frances-33-Maps.htm

A general recap of each days hike:

St Jean de Pied de Port > Roncevalles
Roncevalles > Larrasoana
Larrasoana >  Pamplona
Pamplona > Puenta la Reina
Puente la Reina > Estella
Estella > Los Arcos
Los Arcos >Viana
Viana > Navarrette

He follows signs similar to this:

He has now walked over 200 km (125 mi) and still going strong !!

Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement

A friend sent that quote from a book on nature. A week ago I would have thought,  "that's interesting".  After spending my first full week on the Camino, I am living it. 

Neither photos nor words can adequately describe what I have seen and experienced. This part of Spain is mountainous but also has a very broad valley where enough wheat is grown to supply all the baguettes in Spain. Once I got through the mountains in the first 3 days,I have been in this valley for the last 4 days. Our path takes us right through these huge fields with the path lined with wild roses, poppies, and many other unknown flower varieties.

 In the quiet of the morning, song birds fill the air with their sounds. Around every bend there is a view that leaves me in radical amazement. I have been blessed by great weather, except for the wind. Yesterday it was so strong that at times it was difficult to remain upright. There are many wind farms in this region, for good reason.

 I have met so many people from all over the world and all are fun to talk with and learn from.

A little background: The  Camino is divided into 33 stages. Some are longer than others. Some are more difficult than others.    Most are about 15-17 miles long, taking me from one village to another. Each night I stay in an albergue (hostel). This costs between 5-10€ and are all communal living. That includes sleeping, bathrooms and showers. It has taken a little getting use to, but I don't even think about it now. 
-a link for elevations: 
http://elcaminosantiago.com/Camino-Santiago-Map-Camino-Frances-33-Maps.htm

Tomorrow I will enter the Rioja region, world famous for their wine.

I am loving my journey, one step at a time.

A Pilgrim is a wanderer with a purpose

It is day three of my journey and I have finally returned to Pamplona.  It took me 1 1/2 hours by taxi from Pamplona to St Jean (to my starting point in France) and 3 days to hike back!!! The first day was trail by fire. I climbed 3000 feet in 6 miles then another 1500 feet over 7 miles to 4750 feet. The worst lay ahead when I had come down 2000 feet in 2 miles.  An 8-1/2 hr trip !! - and this was the next day after 24 hrs of modern transportation, minimal rest...  (Reminder to self: should I do this again, recommend starting in Roncevalles)

The last two days have been much less eventful. Just a lot of hours on the trail through some of the most spectacular countryside imaginable. It is amazing how much you notice one foot at a time. I have met people from all over the world and all are fun to walk and talk with. I feel like I'm experiencing the United Nations, only everyone gets along. 

  It's been 3 long physical days. One blister that I had not noticed until it popped. I'm pretty sure from the intense downhill sections. 

More to come soon

Getting Started

El Camino de Santiago de Composetela.... 

translated as 

“The path of Saint James by way of the field of stars (Milky Way)”. 

 Commonly known as “The Camino” or “The Way”.  There are many routes, with the most popular being the Camino Frances. ..and the I one I will be following.

As I begin my journey, I ponder at the magnitude of  traveling for just under 5000 miles in 24 hours; then  spending the next 40 days (and nights) on foot to cover the next 500 miles.

My hiking pilgrimage begins at St. Jean Pied de Port, France.  The link below is a good reference, including an interactive google maps if you want more information or to follow along.

http://elcaminosantiago.com