Buen Camino continued

Blog Day 13

Camino de Santiago 

It’s hard to believe we have now been walking for 12 days and have covered approximately 200 miles with around 115 more until we reach Santiago de Compostela. Today was a beautiful one as we traveled through the wine country of Spain enjoying the rolling terrain, incredible vineyards and spectacular views. Our stop today was in Villafranca del Bierzo Spain a gorgeous village with some of the most amazing architecture dating as far back as the 11 century. Since our walk was only 10 miles today we met up with Pilgrim friends for lunch in the town square they were from England, Ireland, Germany, France and North Carolina. Having fellowship with other Pilgrims from around the world as well as some from our home country makes this adventure even more fulfilling. What was for lunch you ask? Well of course some very nice wine and a wonderful selection of Tapas we all shared. As far health the good news is my tendinitis has improved greatly making the walking much easier, but we are still dealing with some blister issues, however, they are healing as well so tomorrow is about 20km or 12.4 miles as we prepare for the next really tough day the climb up the mountain to O’Cebriero in the region of Galicia. Dawn and I are so honored you have decided to follow us virtually on this journey, so until tomorrow Buen Camino. 

BTW the two most common words you will hear along the “Way” is “Buen Camino” it is how each Pilgrim greets one another when passing by wishing them well on their journey and the phrase means “Good Way” in english.

(See videos in comments ♥️)

Blog Day 14

Camino de Santiago

We all come to those crossroads in life if we go left we know what to expect and usually the end result or we could choose to go right on a path unknown maybe with a greater result. Anyone who knows me, knows I would go right. I’m the guy usually not afraid of a challenge. Well today I encountered that decision so going right was an incredible physical challenge for me climbing 5 miles up a mountain in the rain on narrow slippery rock paths a climb that took nearly 3 hours, however the result was breathtaking views, tranquil surroundings and the satisfaction of knowing I could have chosen an easier route, but didn’t. Today I walked a total of 14 miles over that mountain in just 7 hours.  As we continue on to Santiago the challenges are increase, but the exhilaration of knowing how close we are to finishing this 500 mile walk is a driving force to keep us going. Tomorrow brings another challenge as the climb is 9km or 5.5 miles straight up with 4.8% grade. Dawn has finally recovered from a severe knee injury after an amazing physical therapist worked on her 1 1/2 hours yesterday including acupuncture treatments. As a precaution against further injury Dawn has decided to do the major climb tomorrow to O Cebreiro via horseback what a lucky girl she is very excited. I on the other hand have to do it the old fashion way one foot I front of the other, so keep me in your prayers. Until tomorrow family and friends.

Buen Camino

Blog Day 15

Camino de Santiago

A short day on the Camino does not equate to an easy day having only covered 9km today or 5.59 miles seems like a walk in the park unless you are going up one of the steepest mountains on the path. The trade off is of course the magnificent views and the satisfaction of accomplishing the goal. I did it today walking while Dawn because of her knee injury went up by horseback. The weather was a chilly 45 degrees, but it helped with fighting the exhaustion of the climb. Each twist or turn of the trail gave anticipation of reaching the peak which made for good conversation and some laughter with my walking buddy today Daithi from Ireland. Sharing fellowship with other Pilgrims is a wonderful part of this adventure. Arriving in O’Cebreiro Spain in the region of Galicia was as a real joy as we entered the quaint village on the cobblestone street that lead us to Pension Casa Carolo our room for the night beautifully adorned with antique Spanish furniture in a building over 200 years old. Tonight we attended Mass in the Santa Marie A Real D Cebreiro Church full of Pilgrims walking on the “Way” and we received a very special blessing over our pilgrimage to Santiago. Dawn and I prayed for our families and friends which was our great  honor. 

Until tomorrow God Bless each of you following our journey.

Buen Camino

Blog Day 16

Camino de Santiago 

Each day on the “Way” is a different challenge today was thick fog, rain and slippery walking. Of the 15 miles today 10 of it was downhill, so you would think it would be easier, but your legs will tell you otherwise.  Even though the views were not as majestic the spiritual time is so fulfilling. Later as the day continued the fog burned off the beauty of Spain showed back up. As we walked through villages it was not unusual to cross paths with cattle or sheep moving quietly down the cobblestone streets. Our destination today was Triacastela which means 3 Castles, however there are no Castles in this town 🤷‍♂️. The walking is always tough , but the excitement is building because tomorrow is a very special day as we head to Sarria Spain which is very significant because when we arrive there we will be within 100km or 60 miles to Santiago de Compostela. Thank you for following along virtually on our adventure along “The Way”.

Blog Day 17

Camino de Santiago

Our cup runneth over today with more beautiful surroundings as we make our way to Santiago. The fact we walked 5 out of 7 hours today in the pouring rain did not dampen our spirits. The exhilaration and awakening of knowing that after walking a total of over 440 miles that we only have approximately 60 miles  on it to go made every step easy. The very fact we overcame the physical and mental setbacks with our spiritual faith is such a cherished moment for us. We arrived in Sarria Spain ready to begin our descent into Santiago tomorrow our final 5 day trek to hopefully arrive by noon on the 17th in time for the special Pilgrims Mass and the culmination of an amazing Pilgrimage in honor of the Apostle Saint James one of Jesus 12 Apostles said to be the Saint given to Spain by God as their protector. It is believed that after he was beheaded by Harod that his body was brought back to Santiago de Compostela and laid to rest in the great Cathedral this “The Way” is also called the “Walk of Saint James”. As we complete this amazing Pilgrimage we feel truly blessed by everyone who are following our journey and continuing to pray safety over us. Until tomorrow Buen Camino❤️

Blog Day 18

Camino de Santiago 

From dense forest to lush green hay fields todays walk had a variety for us to enjoy. As we meandered our way through the rolling countryside the sounds of birds chirping and the smell of freshly cut hay fields was peaceful and refreshing to the soul.  Today was 24km or 14.91 miles of beautiful sights and gorgeous weather to compliment the trek. After leaving Sarria this morning I was shocked by the number of people walking it was actually crowded because apparently 1000’s of people are being bused from Santiago to walk “The Way” back the last 100km. There are definitely mixed feelings among the Pilgrims that have walked the entire Camino, however we just accept that everyone has their own purpose for the walk. However, it was a proud moment for me when I got to the 100km marker knowing I had walked 600km getting to this point and the remembrances of the many blessings this Pilgrimage has shown me filled my spirit with such joy.  Tomorrow is another long day as we edge closer to Santiago, so please continue to keep Dawn and I in your prayers we are so grateful for everyone who is following us virtually. 

Until tomorrow.

Buen Camin

Blog Day 19

Camino de Santiago 

Spring has sprung here in beautiful Spain as we enjoyed the intoxicating fragrance of the flowers blooming along our path. As we wandered along the Camino we watched the farmers working hard cutting and hauling hay from their fields. Each village we passed through reminded us of its history and the importance of preservation. When you study the buildings and homes many built in the 14th and 15th Centuries still wonderfully preserved it is a true testament of importance of honoring the past.  Today like most days was challenging as we walked 24km or 14.91 miles, but the excitement is building as enter the homestretch with only 68km or 42.25 miles to finish. Tonight we are enjoying fellowship with our new Pilgrim friends Edwin and Alexandra here in Palas de Rei Spain. Tomorrow will be a a very long day with 28km or 17.4 miles please send prayers for energy and physical strength for our walk. Until tomorrow, Buen Camino.

Blog Day 20

Camino de Santiago

Each step towards Santiago reminds us of all the blessings in our lives that God has provided. It has been a day of reflection of Gods Grace, the incredible family we have and of the many friends supporting our Pilgrimage. Remembering loved ones who have gone before us and what they meant in our lives has been an important part of our pilgrimage. The spiritual part of this journey fills our souls with joy, the physical challenge reminds us that all things are possible to him who believes and the mental struggles we had gives heed to the importance of having strong faith. When walking the Camino de Santiago you learn quickly “the tougher your soles, the more tender your soul”- The Wall Street Cowboy. Today has certainly been diverse as we walked through eucalyptus forests to corn fields in perfect weather enjoying each step as if it was our first. We have 2 days to complete our journey with 19km tomorrow and 18 Wednesday which is 23 miles to go please keep us in your prayers. 

Buen Camino

Blog Day 21

Camino de Santiago

Well family and friends this is our 20th day of walking the Camino de Santiago and proud to say we have covered 464.4 km or 288.6 miles for an average of 14.4 miles per day. Our pilgrimage took us through pouring rain, bone chilling winds, up hill and down each step more blessed than the last.  By the grace of God we have managed to continue our journey and overcome multiple injuries, blisters and severe exhaustion, but knowing we are only 19.4 km or 12 miles to completion is exhilarating to say the least.   Today was amazing as we walked through the rolling countryside contemplating this great achievement enjoying ever so beautiful the surroundings. The intoxicating smell of eucalyptus trees, the incredible views and unbelievable blessings completed todays trek.  Tonight is our last night on the Camino which is a bitter sweet moment in time and tomorrow morning our pilgrimage will lead us to the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela however, when you finish such an epic adventure the question will be what next? 

Until then, Buen Camino 

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Blog Day 22

Camino de Santiago 

Writing today is tough because it is so very hard to explain to family and friends what emotions we are feeling as we walked into Santiago de Compostela after a pilgrimage starting in Saint Jean de Pied France 767km or 477 miles ago walking across Spain.  As we made our way towards 0km the heart swells with emotion, the soul aches with joy and your eyes flood with tears. What started as a private journey for reconciliation after Renays untimely passing, became a new journey when my beautiful wife Dawn agreed to finish this Pilgrimage with me I am eternally grateful for her support. God brought our two broken hearts together and made us whole again. The reality of knowing we walked 484 km, 301 miles together in 21 days feels almost surreal. Each persons walk on the Camino de Santiago is a private journey, one that challenges every aspect of your physical, mental and most importantly your spiritual life. Fellowship on the Camino is so important the blossoming of new friendships with Pilgrims from other countries gives this journey new perspectives when our friend Alexandra from Germany and Edwin from France bonded with us like cherished family and  we finished the Camino together. Tomorrow we will enjoy Mass together and get our credentials showing each of us completed the Camino. From there we will take one day to travel to Finisterre  Spain considered the end of the World, then it is home to Texas. Once again Dawn and I want to express our deep gratitude for family and friends who have prayed for us and supported our journey with unconditional love. 

God bless and Buen Camino.

Blog Day 23

Camino de Santiago 

Today was certainly another amazing day. It started off with coffee and croissants with my beautiful wife Dawn then it was off for a walk around Old Town stopping briefly for another coffee at Hotel Santiago. You could say today was a day of leisure and relaxation. Then at noon we attended the most incredible Mass at the Cathedral Santiago which was to say the least very moving knowing what we had accomplished the “Walk of Saint James”. This was the “day of Ascension” a very Holy day to be in Spain. After Mass we headed to get our credentials this is the official certificate proving we walked the Camino de Santiago. Mine certifies I walked a total of 787km or 484 miles and Dawns was 490km or 304 miles. From there we enjoyed a beautiful lunch with our new pilgrim friends Edwin and Alexandra. After that it was time for a siesta before doing something new for us laundry at a laundry mat. 😂They say “those who do laundry together stay together”. Now it is off for cocktails and a wonderful dinner then tomorrow we headed to the beach in Finisterra Spain considered the end of the world. Family and friends we are so honored you continue to follow our journey. Until tomorrow God Bless and Buen Camino