Two very long days in a row. Yesterday, Fellow Pilgrims kept me company. Today I walked for over 6 hours without teaming up with any Pilgrims except a few brief encounters- it was a solo day. I delved into all kinds of memories. I remembered and thought about people I haven’t seen or talked to in decades. It was like a Journey Through the Past. I’m glad the memories came back to me. Head games.

A recurring theme on this Pilgrimage is going through, over or around water- the symbolism kind of jumps out at you doesn’t it? I’ve fallen in. I’ve been knee deep when I tried to go around. I have walked on stones and concrete blocks. I’ve tiptoed through water. I’ve been over bridges and I’ve taken off my shoes and socks, rolled up my pants and walked across.

One thing that might come out in the photos is the dramatically different sight lines I have. Sometimes I can see for miles and miles. Other times the trail is so narrow and dense I can only see a few feet ahead. Certainly two ways to look at life.

I may have mentioned I have yet to encounter anyone from the States. I had been told by a number of Pilgrims a fellow from South Carolina is walking the VDLP. On today’s journey, I came upon a man resting. We exchanged Camino encouragement. I could tell he was from the States so I asked him “are you the guy from South Carolina?” He said “yes, are you Pete from Boston”. I said Indeed I am. He said a number of people had told him about me. After the brief exchange, we each moved at our own pace. He seemed like an interesting guy. I hope to run into him again. Camino Cred

Today I felt a profound sense of freedom.

Last night’s lodging in the early morning

This tree embodies the ruggedness of the path I am on.

Today’s rest stop

Sample water hazards

The birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees were all around me today

The approach to the ancient walled town of Galisteo

Inside the town