Another 10 mi with no break

Monday September 16

Thank you so much for your love, prayers and good wishes for Hildy's recovery.  I am so touched by the love and compassion expressed by so many of you.  You are lifting me up at this time.  Many of our Camino friends are also lifting me up - one said "we will walk to Santiago with her" and I know we were not the only prayers in the church this afternoon.  I feel so blessed to have you all in my life and your support is immeasurable.  Thank you.

The update on Hildy today was "Hildy continues to improve or stabilize; however,  the neurological folks overruled going to surgery today.  The current brain pressure goes up when Hildy is laid flat, so they are waiting before scheduling surgery.  The latest CT scans do not show any additional bleeding, so it is just a matter of time to allow healing.  

   Hildy is looking much better and all of her vitals have been stabilized.  It is just a matter of keeping her head elevated and waiting for the head to heal."

One of my intentions for the Camino was to be present and it has been essential as we walk to attend to each step - there are often uneven pavements and rocks in the path.  It has been wonderful to notice everything around us - the different wildflowers, contours in the fields, the light, colors.  I love it!.  I confess that yesterday and today it has been so much more difficult to be fully here.  I keep thinking about Hildy - sending her love, praying for her, visualizing her being able to walk her dog and do all the things she enjoys again.  I also think about how I might help her during her recovery and it is hard because there are so many unknowns. Yesterday Diana pointed out small wild flowers that I completely missed, which is rare for me - my mind was elsewhere.

     A change in lands cape!k

This morning our walk from Calzada de los Hermanillos to Mansilla de las Mullas began with a ten mile trek through the Compos and since there were no pueblos with coffee shops along the way, we decided to wait for breakfast at our aubergue before we set out.  It was still dark when we left at 7 and the day was again brilliantly sunny - cool and breezy - perfect for walking (we never even broke into a sweat and it was all flat).

Every day we walk with our sun at our backs which in the morning is wonderful to have the warm rays of sunshine filling our bodies as we walk.  Our shadows preceed us and it's been fun to play with them.  Today we did shadow yoga and tai chi as we walked.  Pretty hard to capture our experience in a photo.

As we walked, we either caught up with others, or they with us and by the time we rolled into the next village of Reliegos, we were about 8 in various combinations and had a break together.

The last part of today's walk to Mansilla de las Mulllas was along the road and was surprisingly shaded and pleasant.

A number of people we've met in the past few days were at the same auberge with us and we had drinks and a catch up with them before we went out after 5.  

     Looks like a lineup!  Aussie friends and us

We are getting used to the fact that Spain shuts down between 1:30 or 2 and 5 PM.  Nothing is open except the albergues and if they have a bar or cafe, beverages, bakery items and sandwiches are available.  We have to wait until 5 to go to the grocery store, pharmacy (fit here is one), or church, so we rest and visit after we clean up.  After 5, towns come alive again - we see pilgrims and locals out and about.  Spainards generally dine late - after 9 and when we've inquired at restaurants, they don't open their kitchens until 7:00 PM.  We've mostly opted for the 'pilgrims menu' which is usually a three- course meal with choices for each.  First: soup, salad, pasta or something else.  Second: chicken, fish, pork, sometimes beef stew and always with French fries.  Third: ice cream, fruit, pudding or flan(!).  It has usually been good although I can do without French fries probably for many years to come.!!  

This evening in the lovely old walled town of Mansilla de las Mullas, we found a cafe that would serve us early and prepare a special chicken and veggie paella.  We were in heaven to have a little variety!  

 My angel card today was 'harmony' and although I was feeling quite connected to the beautiful and harmonious landscape and my fellow pilgrims on the Camino, it was hard to feel harmony today - it is a challenge to feel harmonious inside, but I am working on it.  I am glad to be here doing this walking meditation at this time. 

      City wall

Tomorrow we get to Leon.