El Camino Trail Tales (from May 27, 2014)

I thought you might like to "see"'Spain through our eyes as we walked. I call it Our Zen Of Walking. Because we can't go as fast as a car, we truly get to experience the charm and beauty of life in Spain. The fields are verdant and manicured. It is as if all the farmers got together to make sure everything looked good and was well behaved. The vineyards are lush with the promise of plump, succulent grapes for the harvest. The hills and mountains in the distance look innocent and peaceful when we don't have to climb them. Occasionally we pass by fields of brilliant, red poppies, accented with little yellow and purple flowers trying to get their share of attention. Then we walk through the medieval towns that haven't changed much in hundreds of years. It pulls together as a picture one would only see in fairyland. Enjoy the landscapes and village photos below.

The Pilgrim Izabela contemplating 

Leaving this ancient city in the rain. 

God has been good. Only a few 

times have we had to walk in the

rain. 

We have to wash out the few clothes we have nightly. Rarely

Do they dry, so we rigged up our

own system. 

A cross left as a prayer for my

great-granddaughter Leeiagh

to get good reports on MRI

for brain tumor operation. 

Today was a leisurely walk of 15 miles because there were no drastic up or down hills. We got such a pleasant surprise when we were leaving Santa Domingo this morning. Dan Johansen, an extraordinary cello player wanted to do something different with nature and his cello, so he decided to walk the El Camino with his cello on his back. Then he stops every few towns and plays in the local cathedral. He has a ten man crew of professional friends and friends of friends following to help document his experience. Dan teaches cello and Chamber Music at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. He wanted to interview us. But his sound equipment wouldn't work.  We want to catch his concert in the San Juan Ortega Cathedral. It is a small, little town with one Albergue, one bar and the one Cathedral. The Cathedral is important.  Many hundreds of years ago, Queen Izabella was barren and came to San Juan Ortega to pray.  Her prayers were answered and she conceived.  Out of gratitude she poured money into this Cathedral.  So, how could we miss it with all that importance.

May God bless and keep you.

Love, Sidney/Mom/Grandma

Dan Johansen, Cello player

Extraordinaire. Dan is walking 

the El Camino carrying his

Cello on his back. 

Dan tried to interview me for walking the El Camino for the 

Hope of our little Venda children.