Hola everyone,
I made it to Mansilla de las Mulas
a little over 15 miles from Calzada de Los
Hermanillos.
I am staying at the alburgue Gerri recommended and
I
can see why. I was looking obviously confused and
asking directions when I looked up and a woman was
out
on the street waving her arms. I walked in and the
Hospitalero was having a great time with an app on
his
phone that changes your voice when you speak into
it.
He was so light hearted something I needed after a
long
day It took
me about 7 hours with a great picnic lunch
break. I started at 8 and got in around 3. Last
evening after a great dinner with 2 folks from new
Brunswick
Canada, a couple from Arizona, a man from Germany
and a
man from Quebec I wandered outside just in tome to
see a
spectacular moon rise. The Meseta is flat with alot of
sky so seeing this glorious orange moonrise took my
breath
away. As I was wandering back ready to go to my
room I had
a nice chat with an Irishman named John while
sitting on
the front patio. The icing on the cake was when I
climbed
into bed , a private room no less, the sheets were
soft
and smelled incredible. I was moaning with joy. I.
It Was
awesome and a great. Didn't even have to use the
ear plugs.
Who knew I could get so excited about clean sheets.
It
happens on the Camino. After living in a sleeping bag sheets
are a luxury.
This morn's sunrise was another gift. Orange
pink streaks of red all set against a. If sky. I walked on
the roman road I spoke about in my post yesterday.
It was
definitely a challenge for my feet as it is like
walking on
cobblestones. But talk about beautiful. After walking a
bit with a woman from England and another Irishman
I was
left alone all day. I didn't see another hiker
until the
end. A few bikers clew by but other than that I had
the
road to myself. I was ready for a break when in the
distance
I saw a stand of trees. It was well worth the wait for
my picnic lunch.
It was a beautiful stand of poplar trees
along a river by Spanish standards, but a creek by
ours.
There were rocks so I had cascading water music to
lull
me while I leaned against a tree and ate bread,
cheese,
chorizo ,
and chocolate. It was better than any 5
star restaurant.
Mmmmm. Oh also a banana. Forgot.
Need
that potassium. Getting ready to talk to someone
here at
the alburgue about how to wrap my blisters they're ouchy
and at the bottom of my feet close to my toes so I
need
a consult and was told the woman here was magic
with feet.
Love to you all and seize the day feels a bit harsh
to me
as I was thinking about that phrase on my walk
today.
So I shall sign off Camille in and on the
Camino
Embrace the day. ;). Love to you all
Two things strike me about your posting today, Camille. First, the joy found in the simple things of life -- clean sheets, a private room, a sunrise, a sunset. So often these joys are crowded out of our lives because of our intense focus on societal expectations. Secondly, your post reminds me of all the people we meet throughout our lives -- many of them merely in passing. But oh the pleasure in interacting, in sharing laughter and even tears, of breaking bread and drinking cold, refreshing water by a stream. Thank you for reminding me of the privileges that God has given us. and good luck with those blisters. Some of those foot specialists over there can work wonders.
ReplyDeleteI like "Embrace" better than "Seize"! Besides, it seems as though the Camino is giving and you are accepting! Take care of your feet!
ReplyDeleteBarb tells me that when you get to the city, you are going to try to get a room with a soaking tub so you! I think you should! You deserve it!! Stay in there until you are shrivled up like a prune!!
ReplyDeleteOh Dear One, We hope you find some healing hands for those feet:) The meditation this AM from "Meditations from the Mat" was a quote from Thoreau, "What is it that makes it so hard sometimes to determine whither we walk? I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright". Seems as if you and Henry David are on the same wave length. Remember Oct. 4th and St. Francis. What amazing company you are keeping! Love and Hugs, Cheryl, Geo & your sol sisters:)
ReplyDeleteDear sister, I love the sensuality of your experiences, and I think Brad says it best, the Camino is giving, and you are receiving, so may you continue to embrace ...con gusto! Also I'll pray to the Angel of healing to help your feet! Vicki Porto sends her best to you! Linda Hitchcock called today, just to check in, and she sends her blessings!
ReplyDeleteSoulful Camille, another day begins with a nice cup of tea and your blog before me. You are so in harmony with all around you; I feel the presence of it within me as I read. Bless you. I have been gifted a beautiful hand-made drum (I'm anxious to show it to you), by Larry Golden Eagle, a Shasta, that was made as a prayer drum. My prayful drumming this morning will include healing for your feet, and continued strength for your journey. Love you! Ed Sees Sun Birth
ReplyDeleteCiao Camille! Dan and I watched The Way last night to walk vicariously with you--we were exhausted and I'm checking my feet for blisters! I can only imagine how overwhelmed (in good ways) your senses must be at this point. So much to see, hear, feel,taste, smell, learn,discover, remember,and to just BE with. It has to be a Life Changing Experience and I agree, it will take a long while to fully intergrate all that you're experiencing. You are already, Forever Changed! Congratulations! Know that my heart is with you and I'll be here in little Delaware with open arms and a plate of pasta when you return. I'm sending many, many hugs to you. p.s. do you have mole skin for your blisters? It's really helpful.
ReplyDelete