Monday, October 8, 2012

Hola dear friends.  This evening finds me in Rabanal del Camino a 
lovely little village about 8 kilometers from La Cruz de Ferro which 
is the highest point on the Camino and the place where everyone 
places their stones. I am staying in an alburgue run by the London 
based confraternity of  St James called Gaucelmo and it is a very 
healing place.  It is beautiful  and quiet with an herb garden and 
orchard   I just met a husband and wife from England who came to 
give the garden a face lift.  Alot of  these alburgues are run by 
volunteers who come for 2 weeks or longer. The hospitaleros that 
are here for these 3 weeks are delightful and we had tea at 5.  I 
was thrilled. There is a couple here from New Mexico traveling with 
their 2 year old daughter Pasquale and their 9 year old som Mateo 
or Teo for short as he informed me.  Earlier he was in the library 
doing his homework. Ah even homework needs to be done on the Camino. 
Pasquale and I bonded over making chocolate bisquit sandwiches for 
tea and she is quite a delight. Toby the mother was another Camino 
angel who gave me more good advice for my pesky blisters that involved 
a foot  soak in vinegar and salt to help dry them out. I am entering 
the mountains and the terrain is changing from flat scrub to pine 
and forest. Every day the scenery changes sometimes more drastically 
than others so i am grateful my cold is moving on because I so look 
forward to smelling the forest and it is very sad when your taste is 
gone with your smell.  As I sit here writing there is a blazing fire 
in the fireplace. Yes you didi read that right a fire in the fireplace. 
Tea in the  herb garden and fire in the fireplace. I am blessed and 
content. Not sure where  I will be tomorrow Gerri mentioned a great 
alburgue in Molinaseca but it might be further than I want to walk. 
I will see tomorrow.  Time to go to the pilgrims mass and blessing. 
Love and light to you all. Camille in and on the Camino  embrace the 
day love to you dear ones 
 

5 comments:

  1. I just love reading your posts Camille! Today it is colder and kind of drizzly here and I was right there with you having that tea and picturing a fire in the fireplace..and the cozy feeling! Love and hugs you are doing wonderfully!!!!!

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  2. Camille -- I hope that the sun is shining as you lay your stone at the foot of La Cruz de Ferro. May your burdens be lightened then as you descend the mountain.

    God bless!

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  3. Buona Sera Camille,

    A fire in the fireplace and tea in the garden--aaahhh, Life really is good! I hope that your cold is better and--do you have/did you get Moleskin for your blisters?? If not, try to find some as they are lifesavers--I've used them many times for huge blisters. I had dinner this evening with a friend who asked about my trip to Italy and I told her that I didn't do anything that would impress most people traveling or wanting to travel to Europe. I described my typical day in Manarola, Cinque Terre and told her that, although my time wouldn't be impressive to most tourists, I was truly happy and content. I thought of you as I imgagine that you would/will say something similar. I'm impressed by how much you're taking in your environment and the people who share it with you--locals and walkers--and I think you're embracing the world in a way that cannot be found on a tour of any kind. You are truly a wise woman. I know that you know that what can seem ordinary ends up being extraordinary so keep on trekking!! Can't wait to follow you tomorrow via your blog as you make your way home and by home, I don't mean Carlisle or even the USA--I mean Camille. Many hugs and much love, Chris

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  4. As you lay your stones I pray for you to release what no longer serves you and that the rest of your journey your heart and soul feel more free. It's sounds so very delightful to meet so many new amazing people everyday. You have always been such a shining light and easy to connect with... it's your wonderment and accepting spirit people are drawn too. What a perfect quality to have on the Camino. We are with you in spirit cheering you on dear friend.
    love
    Dana

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  5. Camille - all your posts have me wanting to comment! :) I love reading others responses too - your writing weaves your journey into such a tapestry that I want to cover myself with it! ;) love & sweet release to you mi amiga bonita! <3 geo

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