Simplicity

Saturday September 28

We started out with coffee and croissants at the cafe across the street and Hanne, Diana and I got on the road about 7:30 to a very grey day.

  Corn dryer along the road

It rained off and on all day, but was not heavy, so the walk was pleasant and we all enjoyed 

Diana's fashionable footwear.  Particularly the socks!

We've been moving along well with 'the pack' - people we've seen, shared meals, good conversations and smiles for the last few weeks.  We realized today that although the guide books recommend taking the last segments of the walk in two days, and we have decided to do it in three so we don't have crazy long days, that everyone will have moved on.  So we made promises with special friends to see each other on Tuesday afternoon after we arrive.

The Camino continues to pass through beautiful farmland and quiet villages.  The stonework in this area is absolutely beautiful and impressive.

We enjoyed the wonderful aroma of eucalyptus trees1

Today's walk passed through several river valleys and walked over some beautiful stone bridges.  I wonder how long they have been carrying pilgrims over these small streams.

                                

    

My angel card today was 'simplicity'.  I have loved the simple way we live on the Camino.  I joke about what to wear each day.  It's laid out the night before and is usually the same thing.  When the rain came, it was hard to recognize everyone - we know everyone's walking clothes.  Our days are simply walking, connecting with people, stopping to eat, getting settled in our abode for the night, getting ready for the next day by doing laundry and sorting the pack and sleeping.  There isn't really time for much else and I love that we have few distractions.

As I have been traveling at walking pace, when cars pass us, they seem to be going way too fast!  I am hoping that when I find myself behind the wheel again, I will remember that I don't need to go so fast.

I have also been thinking about how I can simplify my life at home - first purging myself of things I don't really need (this has been an aspiration for a while), and carefully selecting where I want to spend my time.  With people and in situations that nourish me or bring joy.  I had a wonderful conversation with a young Australian woman a few weeks ago who reminded me that we can't actually find joy by actively looking for it, but through service joy finds us.

My first mission will be to see Hildy and see where she will need support.

Hildy is doing better each day.  She has been moved to another ward that is still in intensive care, but not as intensive.  They had her sitting up and one of the nurses reported that Hildy was following her around with her eyes.  Great news!