Carrion de Los Condes

Today is a relatively short walk day...a little over 12 miles from Fromista to Carrion.  And, the big plus, it is pretty much flat all the way!  You have a choice to follow the River Ueiesa or you can take a path that runs along the road...we choose the river.  There was a line of trees much of the way and a decent path.  We stood and watched a German Shepherd and a Saint Bernard keep their herd of sheep in line.  The shepherd watched from afar.  I was hoping they would come across the road, but the sheep were hearded into the corner of the field...so we walked on.

There were aquaducts for irrigation along many of the fields.  There was a poplar grove, sunflowers and very few towns...not much of note to see.  We had a snack in Villalcazr de Sirga.  The Knights Templar protected this city in the 13th Century.  In their honor a beautiful church named Santo Maria that sits high on a hill in the city square.  Very impressive.  It was open so we went in...I love the massive ceilings and the simple decor.

We arrived in Carrion and went right to the Albergue Saint Clara, associated with a church.  A gentleman with a big floppy straw hat, baggy pants and a big shirt greeted us and offered a room with only 4 people (less chance for snorers) in this very old hospice for 7 Euro.  He looked to me like your typical Padre!  The rooms have recently been renovated and are quite nice.  Once again We are cared for in a kind and generous way.  It is said that this hospice hosted Saint Francis of Assisi on his pilgrimage.  How cool is that?

Since the walk was a bit easier and flatter and we were not as distracted by physical needs, I tried to concentrate on reviewing our lives together over the past 44 years.  We have lived in 13 different places so my mind just naturally took me from place to place.  I noticed that the thing that stood out the most was our relationships with people in each place.  People we worked with and for, people in
our small group and chapel/church, friends from the kids' schools, neighbors... We truly have been
blessed with deep and meaningful relationships through the years.  I was encouraged and heartened by the memories.  My life is richer and more satisfying because of you!

Right now I am at a local cafe using their WiFi.  The gal who is running the place just giggled when I asked for the code.  She took my iPad and typed it in...had to have been 18 to 19 letters.  I am off to explore a little bit.  It is a warm sunny day with a gentle breeze.  Continue to be amazed at the wonderful weather we have enjoyed.  Thank you, Lord!

I am back at the cafe - waiting for a pilgrim friend who has a cream she wants to share that she says will make a big difference on my shins.  She is a Chrisian from Florida and we keep running in to each other.  Andy and I have been impressed with how friendly young adults have been...they remeber our names and stop to talk whenever we see them.  It's heartening!  at any rate, she is at mass and will show up in a few minutes.  Andy and I went to a classical guitar concert at the church right after supper.  It was excellent!  Sounded so cool in the large stone building with high ceilings.  I ordered a  hamburger and fries for supper tonight.  It came with lettuce, tomato, cheese and was on a nice fresh bun----but I have NO idea what kind of meat it was!  It did taste good----I guess I really don't want to know what it was.

Today I got a copy of an article that will be in the October Delafield Neighbors magazine.  It told about our preparation for the Camino.  We are working with Laura, the editor, sending her pictures and updates as we walk.  There will be a followup article in the November issue!  Cool, huh?  We also heard from Anita Lustrea from Midday Connection on Moody Radio today.  We know her because she and her pastor husband have been to Cedarly a couple of tomes.  She wants to set a date for us to come down and do a radio program with her.  Doing the Camino is on her bucket list.
The Delafield Library also wants me to do up a little program for children and one for adults to present at the library!  Lots of neat things!

The magnificent Templar church of Santa Maria in Villalcazar de Sirga

We paid to turn the lights on so we could see the altar!

And we had tea with a pilgrim go old...

Albergue Santa Clara at the entrance to Carrion de Los Condes