Day 6- Sights, Sounds, Smells

Today was a good day. I felt the best I have since I arrived. I’m back! Back in the saddle again. I know some of the prior entries were kind of dark but I swore to myself I would not create a Facebook Fantasy of everything peaches and cream. I am trying to create an honest account. The first 5 days I pretty much had my head hanging, looking at my feet instead of the world around me and I shuffled and scraped along, not enough energy to lift up my feet. The meds had me in a zombie state of mind where nothing creative, beautiful or inspiring could break through. Today was different. I had my best night sleep last night. I woke up with energy and little soreness. I hit the Camino by myself, not a sole around, just the Camino and me. It was glorious. I had my head up. I could see, smell and hear the beauty around me, all in abundance. Fields, woods, crops, flowers, livestock, birds, waterways and their currents- God’s creation in all its splendor. At one point, I just walked with outstretched hands to Heaven thanking the Lord for giving me such a wonderful day, one of the reasons I am doing this- corny but real. Well into today’s journey, I started encountering others. I came over a hill and saw a cluster of Pilgrims, including a man I had dinner with 2 nights before. As I got closer I realized why they were congregating there- a creek. Water again! I took off my shoes and socks and forged across to where the others were drying their feet. My friend offered me a British Army cloth to dry my feet- a gift. Perfect. He and I walked the rest of the way together lost in conversation. The time flew by. Perhaps more about this most interesting fellow later. A mass is scheduled for 8:30 tonight in a 16th century church. I will try to attend and then back to the hotel (maybe sneak in a gelato) to sleep. Thanks for joining me on this journey, many interesting days ahead.

Last night’s lodging

The Camino and me

It wasn’t as pathetic as it looks.