Day 22 - October 1 - Our Big Climb

Today was a tough day on the Camino.  We knew it would be challenging since we were scheduled to walk 8 miles while climbing 1500 ft in elevation.  What we were not expecting was the worst weather we have had so far.  It was steadily raining or drizzling almost all of the 4.5 hrs we were on the trail today to reach the mountain village of Foncebadon.  

Conditions were sloppy but our spirits were high!  Mary handled it all like a real trooper.  We arrived at noon and since our hostel was not open yet headed to the bar for a Bailey's (Mary) and a cerveza (Sam).

This is the only picture from today because it was raining too hard. 

Yesterday:  there were only two places to eat in our village. We had drinks at this cowboy bar but lunch and dinner at the other restaurant that was 10 feet away. The population of this village was <50 people. 

 Spanish foosball players have their arms out. 

Last night we had a pilgrim dinner with 2 German brothers (Dominic & David-in their 20s) and a British 70 year old lady named Margaret.  Margaret was traveling by herself and started the Camino in Leon. Dom and David started in St Jean, France just like we did except they drove there from Germany. They have walked the entire way without buses or train rides.  

When we are at dinner with Pilgrims, the conversation naturally turns to "why are you walking the Camino?"  The boys said they had finished their masters (education) and bachelor degrees (architect) and were taking a break before getting a job.  They feel the Camino is a good place for reflection and making life decisions. Margaret lost her husband 3 years ago and has wanted to do this Camino for the past 2 years. She knows people in England who have done it.  She couldn't find anybody to walk with her so she decided to go alone. Her six children were very upset that she was going solo. I give her a lot of credit for being 70 years old and walking to Santiago from Leon alone.  You go, girl!

It is a common theme to hear pilgrims say, "I couldn't stop thinking about the Camino. I had to do it!"  That explains how Sam & I have felt over the last 18 months. Last night We all discussed having felt a calling to walk the Camino.   Before this trip, Sam & I found a great deal of meaning in this quote:

"Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished. Stop being who you were, and change into who you are. "       

         Paulo Coelho

Adios.