21 - 25 May The journey continues

I am not sure where the last few days have gone but I believe that the Camino and the country side of Spain has a way of all most stoping time.   You have no idea what the date is nor do you know the day of the week, nor do you care.  The past few days have presented some of the most beautiful walks and of course with only four days until I reach Santiago my personal thoughts continue to grow on how special  it has been to travel this journey.  My health continues to grow, mental, physical and spiritual.  When combined together I feel very at ease with life and a strong confidence in the world around me.  When I have those moments of distraction I understand the importance of keeping a balance of all three.  The journey has provided me the opportunity to meet people I would have never encountered while letting me see and sense some of the most beautiful country side in the world.  I am very thankful that I was able to do both of these and I will never forget either because they are one.   

Departing Villafranca the climb was some  1.5 miles straight up the mountain side that gave one the view only birds usually enjoy.  The views of the valley below and of where we had been and where were going again was nothing short of special.  We walked through 200 year old cherry orchards with the welcome from the local Cuckoo birds and the never ending morning dove cheering us on down the path.    Ahead was the climb to O'Cebreiro from Herrerias.  This climb was all most exactly as our climb on the first day from St Jean to Orrison, the main difference was that we would be going up through a very rocky trail lined by forest and running streams.   A hard day but well worth the effort.  Once we were in O'Cebreiro it was our first realization that tour buses have now become part of our daily life.   Three or four large white vehicles unloaded tourist from Germany, USA, Spain etc.  It all most made a case for we and they.  Quickly we passed through and gained our silence of the walk again and only knowing in the next village we would probably encounter a few more of these visitors.    

On the 23 of May Martha  joined the walk and officially became Pilgrims on the 24th as we walked to Portomarin.  The first of the last five days.   A special treat for both of them. A day to get your boots dirty and enjoy the walk to Santiago.  Today we travel to Palas De Rei.  The number of Pilgrims joining the walk continues to grow.  On a normal day you might see 30 Pilgrims as you walk, yesterday you could see 30 in one spot.  The journey is meant for everyone and the fact that This special walk is shared makes it even more special.

I will have to admit I am starting to hate the idea that the walk is coming to an end.  So I need to start thinking about my next walk.  Everyone should have a walk planned, my new thought on life. I will put more pictures on later today as I have to download from camera, Iphone etc.  Best to all.  Nick