THE FRIENDS YOU MEET AND JOUSTERS ON THE BRIDGE (from 6/12/2014)

Today we traveled from Mazarife to San Justo de la Vega. We have now walked 322.5 miles.

(Our El Camino Passport is already full on one side- the proof we WALKED the trail.)

Izabela and I left our warm, cozy Albergue San Antonio with some sadness.  We had a communal meal last night, and we were all so happy.  A room full of people on a common Pilgrimage with as many different reasons as there were people in the room.

(A room full of deeply connected Pilgrims.
All with a common goal but for many different reasons.)

Last night I finally had to do something about THE Blisters.  (This is for you Jimmie - just don't report me to the Medical Police).  These pesky things could not be ignored any more.  Nurse Izabela prepared the operating area and laid out all the "stuff" needed for the procedure.  I was sweating.  I was going to have to go "in" with the needle and thread, after everything was sterilized, of course. 

(It's hard to operate on yourself. But, I have become a proponent 

for the needle and thread technique. Results merited the faith.)

There were so many "gifts" in this day. Walking along at a pretty good clip, we passed our Doctor Mauricio Landaveme from El Salvador.  I was musing to myself "I really wanted to ask him why he was walking the Camino.  Oh, but I've already passed him and it hurts to backtrack.  Yeah, but he is such a good and compassionate man, it would be worth it.  And I am always telling people "Opportunities Pass."  So I turned back and asked him.

Here was his response.

(Mauricio shares why he is walking the El Camino.)

Mauricio has retired and has decided he wants to walk around the world.  He especially wants to walk around Jerusalem.  His wife was Jewish and he so appreciated her dedication to her faith.  He wishes to do that to honor her and to learn all he can.

Mauricio was walking with Shamus, the Irish man.  Shamus had JUST started his Pilgrimage in Leon and immediately pulled a muscle in his calf, disabling him. Mauricio had a special ointment, applied it and massaged the pulled muscle.  He continued to walk with Shamus for a spell to make sure he would be OK. 

When Shamus was asked why he walked El Camino, he responded from his heart.

(Shamus tenderly shares his reason.)

"ANOTHER MAGICAL MOMENT ON CAMINO"

I said to Shamus, "So, Shamus, we know all Irishmen/women can sing; is that true of you?"  Mauricio jumped in, "Shamus has WONDERFUL voice.  He must sing now."

Shamus sang with such tenderness and forlorn love, it brought color and life to our small world on the path.  It was so sweet, it lured Irena and Jenny (from Australia) to come drink in the moment. 

(Shamus etched rainbows in our minds with the yearning in this song . . .

you will recognize it.  This is our gift to you today from El Camino)

As so often happens, Pilgrims will join each other to share a walk with conversation then go on at their own gait.  Irena and Jenny joined Izabela and me, and they graciously answered the "Why?" question.  

(Irena gently shared her very personal reason. 

Listen to her heart and what she does not say.)

(Jenny had personal and compelling reasons for this Pilgrimage.)

There is no one right reason.  Each Pilgrim decides from their own secret place.  And if they don't know now, they will know by the end.  The Camino will force it out of us. 

As it always happens, walking and sharing at a deep level builds an immediate bound. We walked along learning about each other's lives, our mutual heartaches and fears as well as great joys.

We were drawing  close to the legendary town of Hospital De Orbigo and the Jousting of the famous Knight.  I must tell you the story. 

(Don Suero de Quinones still lives in the banners of the town he made famous.)

But there is more to this legend. Don Suero fell madly in love with a beautiful woman. She did not return his affections . . .  In fact she scorned him.  With a bruised ego, a scorned honor, and a broken heart, Don Seuro threw down the Gauntlet to any Knight who approached this great bridge. 

(The gauntlet hit the ground and brave Knights from all over Europe 

galloped to the challenge.)

Any Knight that approached this bridge did so as if riding into the raging jaws of death since Seuro swore to defend it with  all his might  (which was great).  He defended the bridge until 300 lances were broken.  With his ego, heart, and honor restored, Don Seuro galloped off with his trusted  comrades to Santiago de Compostela for their blessing. 

(The Bridge still stands today. There is a yearly festival with actual jousting reenacted just as they happened in olden days.) 

(Don Seuro decorates many-a wall as he sits astride his great steed.) 

It is said that if you get down and put your ear to the bridge road you can still hear the thundering hooves of Magnificent Knights on their horses as they clash. 

(I had to find out.  It is true.. I could hear the hoof beats!!!)

Irena, Jenny, Izabela and I ate lunch together because we hated to part. Irena and Jenny were staying with Don Seuro and his crowd. 

(Parting is such sweet sorrow . . .  This patient Pilgrim took all the photos we wanted.  He said he had no choice with so many BEEA-U-TI-FUL LADIES!   awwwww . . . )

Izabela and I hit the trail.  

(What every Pilgrim thrills to see.  Village roof tops. 

That means food, drink and rest!) 

My hat is "the rage" up and down the trail. It literally stops people in their tracks. 

(People want to touch my hat and hear about the "Worry Dolls.")

Back on the trail... There they are again. Those dreaded ROCKS!!  With the blisters the rocks are especially painful. And they stretched on for another 5 Miles.

(The little Road of Pain... My heart sank to the ground.)

Well! Little did I know that this tortuous path led to a little bit of magic . . .  Or maybe I should say a lot of magic.  At the end of the rocky road and at the top of the hill, was a little fruit stand.  But it was no ordinary stand.  No siree . . .  David, the free spirit dwelled there. 

(Say hello to a truly free and simple spirit.)

David has done the Camino several times. Sometimes with no money, sometimes with some money.  He developed an eloquent and simple philosophy of life as a result of how he was treated on the Trail. 

(David shares his philosophy and it is honorable. I hope it spreads and "catches on.")

He does not charge for the fruits or treats but accepts only donations so he can replenish his offerings.  He is truly an innocent spirit.  David has only a bed here covered on two sides, one pan and water.  He said when he went on Pilgrimage without money, people didn't want him around.  Instead of being angry or bitter, he started sharing with Pilgrims and has done so for over 5 years.  I admire David's desire to pass along his philosophy . . .  "To share and to help each other."  It was another "story book" encounter.   It forced me to contemplate the complexity of my life. 

From David's stand, Izabela and I painstakingly picked our way to a large cross surrounded by a peaceful garden.  The large cross was perched high above the city of Santo Toribio.  It stands, unbeaten by weather or obstacles, as a promise of God's constant presence in our life when we allow it. 

(We were standing on Holy Ground, and my heart opened wide 

and breathed out a thanksgiving). 

I cripple on into Santo Toribio, grateful that me and those blisters had made peace and we made it through the day.  The thread was still holding!

Until next time, with love, 

Sidney/Mom/Grandma