With all the paths in life you choose, make sure some of them are on dirt

My journey may be coming to an end, but I have had some wonderful days since my last post. One example is of a day hiking back into the mountains. The path was along a little used roadway with a small but very noisy river about 30 feet below me. As slowly as I was ascending the water was rushing down ten times as fast. The valley walls were so steep that it would take mountain climbing gear to scale them. With the sound of the river, the birds and other wildlife to accompany me, it was a perfect day.

Now Our journey is just beginning.  I met Katie in Sarria on Saturday morning. We spent the day there letting her get acclimated before hitting the trail. Part of doing the Camino is receiving a certificate of completion (Compestela).  In order to qualify, you must walk a minimum of 100K (about 62 miles). Sarria is about 115 k, so a very popular starting point for people with a limited amount of time. Consequently, the number of pilgrims on the trail at times reminds me of walking through the mall. 

We have now walked two days and Katie has done extremely well. We walked 15 miles yesterday and 11 today. As the picture shows, we are now relaxing in our albergue. The two days before Katie arrived the temperature and humidity had begun to rise. However, like the breath of fresh air that she is, the day she got here, the air cooled and we have had two beautiful days on the Camino. We have lots of time - so we are taking our time. 

We expect to be in Santiago on Friday morning. The true end is to go to Finisterre, (end of land)  on the Atlantic. John Adams landed here during the American Revolution on his way to France pleading for help. I don't think that we have the time to hike all the way there and back so will most likely take a bus. This continues to be an amazing experience. There have been days that I will remember forever, almost all good. I have met so many people from all over the world and even with the language barrier, we have formed wonderful friendships. In addition to bringing home lasting memories, I hope I can bring back some of what I have learned about myself and the joy of new friends.

 Buen Camino!