Day 8- Walking on a Country Road

I guess my feet know where they want me to go….. the Spanish countryside was welcoming today but first a bit about yesterday’s post- Caravan. I neglected to flesh out yesterday’s theme. This journey feels like I’m in a caravan on a number of levels. I see many of the same people every day in changing groups but we all wind up at the same place- we are a group. Other members of the caravan are all the people who have passed I am carrying in my head and my heart. The third members are all the people following this blog, like you. Your presence is real and keenly felt. Today I walked alone, accompanied by only my thoughts mostly of those who have passed. Memories enable those lost to live on in the hearts and minds of the living. Remembering the departed allows them to live on in us.

The days are different for me. Some days feel ethereal as I walk and my mind seems to be floating above me, not really conscious of the world around me. Other days I am intensely aware of the world around me and all the forms of life God has created, birds singing, ancient roads, sounds of the babbling brooks lining the path, livestock, colorful flowers- all the life forms with their sights, sounds and smells which envelop me. Then there’s the simple grind of walking the Camino trying to get to the day’s destination. Today’s walk touched on all 3 forms. I am feeling pretty good but I am pacing myself. I believe I could walk longer days but I have so far to go and it’s so early, I don’t want to get myself in trouble. Tomorrow is a short day, I will just enjoy it.

Camino rest stop I spent time at in prayer. 18th century church in Zafra.

Flooring in the church I wish I knew it’s significance and meaning

Predawn departure

Today’s destination