Mission Espada
We easily walked another mile just exploring the mission.
Day One: Mission Espada – Exploring
Pilgrim Dana
I met Dana through her brother in October 2018. I was looking for company on local hikes. By this time, I was able to walk six miles with a few breaks.
Here we sit with our coffee and she starts talking about a 500 mile walk. In Spain! Furthermore, she tells me if I can walk six miles, I can walk across Spain. First, I want to run out that door! But then, something happens, and I want to do this thing that I’d never heard of before that cup of coffee.
When I get home, I say to John: I’m going to walk across Spain. He says, Really? When? And 11 months later my first step landed on the path leading over the Pyrenees in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France.
Dana is my Camino mentor, my cheerleader and my friend. I can hear her now… What if…. And some seemingly impossible something flows out of that creative mind and suddenly seems possible. We did it, my friend.
Pilgrim from Geneva
He started walking from his home and has walked 2,000 kilometers.
A surprise welcoming
Lars ( Germany) This fellow was hanging out in front of the Santiago cathedral awaiting my arrival. We took a picture on his phone, but I don’t have it yet. This photo was taken in Leon.
He gifted me a pretty tube for my Compostela, took me to the location and explained the Compostela-getting process. Then he was off to hail a cab and head home. What a special surprise!
Pilgrims Chris and Josephine
You may recall the video of Chris’ performance in the big hoop (if you are on my Facebook group- I haven’t been able to upload videos to this blog via my phone).
I met him and his Camino family sometime around mid-September. They are the ones who threw me the impromptu birthday party.
I happily ran into Chris (London) and Josephine (Denmark) last evening. Today, Chris returns to London and Josephine walks on to Finisterre.
Italian Pilgrims from Rome
Alberto , 73 and son, Damiano with his girlfriend, Valentina.
Met this great family at the top of a hill somewhere while we caught our breath. Alberto is retired military and was well-prepared & trained for this walk. The “kids” didn’t have much time to train, so in the early days, they were getting pretty sore. Damiano is an IT healthcare software designer with a pharmacy solution and Valentina is a doctor. Many conversations, a breakfast and a dinner here and there along the way. Damiano thinks my next walk should be between Toscana and Rome. Hmmmmm
Pilgrim Steve Arrives in Santiago
I met Steve (from Kentucky) through my camino buddy, Simone Grosdidier. Such a nice Person! Walked with him a bit out of some village, enjoyed a number of group meals and end of day Cheers! His wife has now joined him and they are off for a Spanish vacation!
Pilgrim Ann in Santiago
Pilgrim Ann walked into Santiago several days ago! We first met through a Facebook Camino group for women, then finally in person on our first day in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port before our September 5 Camino start.
Pilgrim Mary from Ireland
Tomorrow is a short day, so will catch up then. Meanwhile, had a lovely dinner and visit with Mary this evening.
Seven Happy Pilgrims from Salamanca
CORRECTION!!
I ran into the Happy Salamancans today, and they let me know they started from Villafranca, not Sarria! That’s about an additional 72 km / 45 miles of tough trail!
And they are still happy 😊🥾🥾
These folks started in Sarria to walk the last 100 km to Santiago. They were half-way through their first stage. As Camino stages go, this one had its challenges with its undulating hills, but no extreme ups and downs. I noticed a couple of them already limping.
I enjoyed their excitement – as they ordered their second round of drinks, I was thinking they’d be arriving in Portomarin pretty late!
