On to Palas de Rei

A deep fog surrounded us as we left Albergue O Mirador this morning at 7:30.  It was dark and cool and damp as we headed straight up first thing.  Over the course of the morning we went up about 1400 feet.  There were no towns or villages the first 5 miles.  We could see well enough to walk but didn't enjoy any scenery or take any pictures.  Finally at about 10:30 we saw the sun as we walked up and out of the fog.  Suddenly it was a bright and sunny day!

We stopped at a cafe in Gonzar - the first little village.  Soon after our stop we reached the top of the alto, Sierra Ligonde at 2,362 feet.  Our next stop was in Ligonde, an ancient hamlet - associated with the Camino for ages.  We sought out Albergue Fuente del Peregrino where missionaries from Elmbrook Church minister to Pilgrims.  The guide describes it as "humble hospitality offered by religious organization."  Actually it is distinctively Christian and only asks for donations.  It is small.  They offer a communal meal in the evening, share the Jesus film, and spend time talking with their guests in the evening.  A simple breakfast is offered in the morning.

When we arrived four young hosts were outside talking with people, offering coffee or tea and engaging in conversation.  They were immediately interested in our visit and asked lots of questions.  Andy and Micah, a gal from Virginia Beach, talked for some time about the ministry.  Volunteers come from all over to be hosts at the Albergue for 10 days to two or three weeks.  They offer hospitality and Jesus to all they meet.  It was interesting and encouraging.  As far as we know they are the only Protestant Albergue on The Way.  We probably spent an hour there and then needed to move on.  Micah prayed for us before we left...meaningful and touching for me.  We hope to continue communication and involvement with the ministry.

We stopped for lunch at Meson Eirexe in the next little village.  We sat outside in the sun to eat our lunch.  There were a couple of school groups there.  We wonder if maybe a certain grade level does an annual one week experience on the Camino each year - much like many 6th graders in the US do an annual outdoor educational camp away from the classroom.

As we walked on we saw lots of dahlias, geraniums, hydrangea, and even bleeding hearts in full bloom.  There are lots of ornamental grasses and palm trees, too.  Must be a very mild climate to see these plants in the middle of Cctober.  In the past few days we have seen lots of farmers in the fields digging up potatoes by hand, picking apples, and plowing fields.  Last week we saw grapes being picked in the vineyards.  Lots of activity, lots of smells!

Part of the day we were on trails deep in the woods, but much of the day we were on trails next to roads.  My feet hurt on and off through the day and by the time we got to Palas de Re I was very happy to get off my feet!  We are staying in a nice little private Albergue called Buen Camino right in the middle of town.

After a rest and a hot shower I spent maybe 45 minutes walking around to see the church and the town square.  Also picked up some fruit for tomorrow.  We walked 15+ miles today and will walk 16 tomorrow.  Thursday and Friday, thankfully, are shorter days.  We had a nice Pilgrims Meal tonight.  And, it included nicely seasoned rice - not French fries.  I never would have guessed we would have so many fries in Spain!

Andy and I discovered we were both thinking about the same things today...what God has been saying to us about what's next for us.  Neither of us have heard God say specifically what He wants us to do in this next phase of life.  Rather He has been reminding us of our interests, our passions, and our gifts.  He has a also been encouraging us to be developing the Character of Christ to be more like Him.  It seems like the doing part will become clear as we go.  Good reminders...pretty basic...enough for now.  We look forward to what He has in mind for us.  We certainly have been thinking about flexibility, simplicity, helping others, encouragement, caring for the lost, and a love for all the nations of the world.  Only He knows what other take aways we will see as we reflect on this journey when we get home and as we share our experiences with others.  

Walking out of the fog and into the light.

In this area of Spain almost all the farms have one of these small, decorative buildings.  We finally asked and found they are built as storage for food - built in such a way that the mice cannot get in.

Fuente del Peregrino is run by Campus Crusade.  What a great place and wonderful ministry.

The Albergue we stayed in also had a nice little bar and restaurant.  Colorful, too!