Day 41-Close Encounters of the Camino Kind

Quite a day today. Chilly temps, rain off and on, monster climb, flooded trails and sketchy descents over loose scree. You know, the usual. I still had an awesome day.

Encounter One- I left my hotel a little later than usual, not terribly inspired. Of course I thanked Johnny V, then started day 41 on the Camino. Soon I saw a young man with all kids of bags and packs hanging off him and he was taking a lot of pictures. We wound up waiting together for a traffic light to change and I asked him if he was walking the Camino. With a big smile and tons of energy he said “yes”. He asked me the same and I said I was. I asked him where he started his journey. He said this was his first day. He asked me where I started and and I told him Sevilla- he was dumbfounded and in awe. We introduced ourselves- Peter from America and Ignacio from Buenas Aires. He continued to take lots of pictures and videos as we walked along. At one point the Camino split into 2 directions. Left was the more direct route but right went by an old monastery adding about 5 miles to the walk. I chose left and Ignacio chose right and off we went in different directions. I felt like the grizzled old Pilgrim and Ignacio was the fresh-faced, energetic in awe first timer. It felt great to be with a Pilgrim taking his first steps on his first Camino (kinda reminds me of riding my first century)I know God put us on the same path for a few minutes so I would be reminded how special this all is. I remember being just like Ignacio. The reminder felt good and I faced the elements with a renewed sense of appreciation- yes, for all the Camino lays before me, easy and challenging.

Encounter Two- About 2/3rds of my way through the day I was on a lonely paved road and a car was coming in my direction. Out of an abundance of caution I usually step to the side and wait for the car or truck to pass before I start walking again. An old man was driving alone. He stopped his car in the middle of the street and rolled down his window. In Spanish he asked me if I needed any help or was I lost. Then he started asking me questions about my journey, where did I start, when, how far today, when will I finish. No smiles this time rather a look of curiosity and caring. As I often do, I told him I loved Spain and he has a great country. He agreed, wished me a Buen Camino and drove off. A total stranger behind the wheel turned from his plans to talk to me. I felt a further renewed sense of spirit by his compassion.

Encounter Three- By midday, I made it into the small town of Cea. The streets looked like a maze and nothing on the ground jived with my map. I walked by a tall, thin old man with a hat, long walking stick and a mustache. I told him Buenos Dias and he gave me a slight nod. As I walked on getting more lost, I heard a grunt. I kept walking then I heard that grunt again a little louder and I stopped, turned around and coming around the corner was the old man. He asked me where I was going. I told him the name of the inn I was looking for and he waved his arm for me to follow him. No words were spoken, no chit chat, no small talk- just me following him. He took me right to my place. I thanked him profusely. He just nodded and walked off. I can’t improve on what I just wrote-