The Pilgrims have passed the half-way point! We completed 30 km today (well, most of us did - a few slackers bailed out on the last 5 optional km! but I was not one of those!) It is hard to believe that we are more than half way to our goal.
Everyone is feeling pretty good, or as good as you feel after covering 80 km on foot over three days. Muscles are a bit creaky and nearly everyone has a blister or two or three, but no one seems disabled.
The weather over the past two days has been blessedly overcast (good for walking, bad for pictures) and temperatures in the very low 80's, with none of the humidity we have back home. It has been nice not to have the sun beating down on us, particularly yesterday which included a fair amount of walking on and near asphalt. It is cool in the mornings (mid 50's) but everyone seems to appreciate it.
Interestingly, the scenery really hasn't changed much the past three days. It is generally rolling landscape segmented with stone walls. Some of the hills are pretty steep, and take a really vigorous climb and take a good amount of time to get to the top. That last 5 km today was some very steep hills and some very steep descents.
Lots and lots of cows! Lots and lots of dogs! (is a German Shepherd a Spanish Shepherd in Spain?). There is a funny story to the cows in the picture - a few moments after the picture, a lady came back around the corner chasing one that obviously wanted to go another way, yelling at it the whole way.
The red cross in one of the pictures is a large cross of St. James. In Spain, his cross is formed by a sword as the main beam - a reflection on James being the "Moor-slayer," or the one who helped the Spanish chase the Moors out of Spain.
I'm glad you all have enjoyed the pictures, and we like getting the notes from everyone. Some days have been a challenge getting stuff loaded (I had to use a Windows machine yesterday :-( that was a real joy) but today I had free wireless in our room. Everyone is having a good time and it seems that everyone is having a good time. Our accommodations have been really nice and we have eaten very well - breakfast does leave a bit to be desired, some of us are wishing for a little Cafe' St. Mark!
Two more days to the relics of St. James!
Peace,The St. Mark Pilgrims
Interestingly, the scenery really hasn't changed much the past three days. It is generally rolling landscape segmented with stone walls. Some of the hills are pretty steep, and take a really vigorous climb and take a good amount of time to get to the top. That last 5 km today was some very steep hills and some very steep descents.
Lots and lots of cows! Lots and lots of dogs! (is a German Shepherd a Spanish Shepherd in Spain?). There is a funny story to the cows in the picture - a few moments after the picture, a lady came back around the corner chasing one that obviously wanted to go another way, yelling at it the whole way.
The red cross in one of the pictures is a large cross of St. James. In Spain, his cross is formed by a sword as the main beam - a reflection on James being the "Moor-slayer," or the one who helped the Spanish chase the Moors out of Spain.
I'm glad you all have enjoyed the pictures, and we like getting the notes from everyone. Some days have been a challenge getting stuff loaded (I had to use a Windows machine yesterday :-( that was a real joy) but today I had free wireless in our room. Everyone is having a good time and it seems that everyone is having a good time. Our accommodations have been really nice and we have eaten very well - breakfast does leave a bit to be desired, some of us are wishing for a little Cafe' St. Mark!
Two more days to the relics of St. James!
Peace,The St. Mark Pilgrims
Thanks for doing such a wonderful job with sharing your experience, a bit of history, a bit of humor, a weather report and street conditions. Who could ask for more? I do not think that anybody here doubted it that you would do the extra 5 km, it just would not be you. I am glad to hear that the blisters are not too bad, and now the end is in sight, a great incentive to grin and bear. Everybody looks great, what a joy to see!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to all of you! I'll continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
Barbara
Hola Pilgrims,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the blisters aren't too bad. It's really great seeing the daily posts and pictures that help us stay in touch. It really feels like we are part of your awesome journey (without even getting any blisters).
Kaela, Kathryn misses you very much and can't wait till Saturday. Take care of the feet and muscles. Enjoy every minute.
Love Mom and Dad.
Congratulations! It is downhill, so to speak, from here.
ReplyDeleteDo you bless the blisters since in many ways there are badges of courage? Who has more badges of courage?
The pictures and narrative are great. Looks indeed like all are having fun.
If everyone is going to the same place, how do only some do the optional 5 Km?
No pictures of Pastor today? Shouldn't we have had one as he completed the optional 5 Km?
God bless each of you.
Jerry and Betty
We love the pics and daily updates! Keep them coming! Congrats on being half way - just keep putting one foot in front of the other!
ReplyDeleteVal and Fred
Yeah for photos of Kathleen! You guys are upright and seem somewhat lucid...way to go :-) Congrats on reaching the halfway point. Time will seem to fly now that you are on the downward side of travel. Relax and listen...God is often in the details, the thoughts and experiences that we allow to pass without much notice. We pray for you and give thanks for your strength. You carry our hearts as you journey. With a rousing Huzzah! from the mighty Haskin Clan
ReplyDeleteHey Christine... I am so excited for you and the rest of the crew.. I know that God is blessing.. I can't wait to hear all about it.. Peace & Blessings
ReplyDeleteJoShirlon