Enjoying God's Goodness: Let's Do It

"Let's do it" is a phrase Grandson Cade has used with me on occasion when I suggest a game or activity. He is excited, he is ready, he is all in. Today I used it, but in a different way...I just wanted to finish the walk as quickly as possible. My foot still hurts when we first start out...it needs to loosen up somehow. I didn't sleep well last night. Got right to sleep around nine but then woke up around 2:00 and tossed and turned the rest of the night.

We started out about 7:15. It was cold and dark but the sky was filled with stars with no light pollution to mar the view. Really pretty as we headed up up up out of the river valley where we spent the night.

We had to walk through Arzua but the lights of the city helped up see our way. We had a nice quiet walk through the woods the first 9 to 10 km when we stopped for a bit of a rest. Then, suddenly and unexpectedly, the path was crowded with people, noisy with chatting, laughter and music, fast moving with groups of high school aged kids. It didn't let up much the rest of the day. Everyone moving toward the goal...closer and closer to Santiago. Suddenly, the Camino changed...maybe it was getting those of us who have been on The Way for weeks ready for re-entry. Santiago will be crowded, noisy, and busy as well. Saturday is a national holiday, so even more so than usual. Have to admit, we didn't like it! But we have been reminded time and again, each one creates their own Camino and we have to be patient, understanding and flexible with those who do it differently than we do.

We did have lots of shade in the woods. Yesterday when the woods were so pretty with the sun shining through the trees making the leaves shimmer, it made me think of Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood and the maiden Marian. Today the woods were filled with big trees, it was dark and foreboding, and it made me think of all the scary creatures in the woods in Lord of the Rings.

There were plenty of ups and downs, but not as long and steep as yesterday. We took another break in Salceda but the cafe grounds were bustling with activity, kids playing music on their cell phones, yelling at one another, having one big crowded party. Just different from so many cafe stops earlier in the Camino where it was just a handful of people and everyone shared conversations across the tables, getting to know new people, and enjoying the day.

We got to O Pedrouzo around 12:45...a long steep walk near a very busy road into town. We saw our choice of Albergues across the street. We had tried to call last night but the phone number we had didn't work. The nice young man informed us that they were full, but wondered were we interested in a quiet pension that his mother runs. For just a little more we could have a private room and a good nights sleep, so we said yes. We walked into town, found the pension, got settled in and went down to the bar/cafe for some lunch. We shared a big plate with an egg omelette, a large portion of crisp fries, and a green salad. Tasted very good as we ate out on the patio in the warm sun. Showers, rest, a walk around town followed.

So, the day did go by quickly and ended quietly...another good day on the Camino despite my somewhat bad attitude start! We are headed out to get fruit for breakfast and snacks and then get some supper. It is still warm and sunny. The forecast says temperatures will stay in the 60s tomorrow and the next few days. Fall may be coming to Spain. We have enjoyed such wonderful weather!