Besides having some delightful and rich conversations with my 13 year old son while we walk the Camino together, there are at least two other ways that he has significantly blessed me and other pilgrims.
One is that the fact that he is only 13 and seems to frequently be poking fun at “the old man’s” lack of Spanish prowess with the locals, has twice got us private rooms in the albergues so far. This is huge considering the level of snoring that often occurs in the main rooms of the albergues. Last night was a private room, and shower and toilet for the 2 of us and our friend Thomas, tonight is a room just for Caleb and I. I should mention though that I have been very impressed with the cleanliness of the albergues. What a very inexpensive way to spend time here, averaging 10 euros each per night.
The second way he has been a blessing is the amazing way he is able to walk and play his recorder, even on fairly steep terrain! Many pilgrims have commented to both of us how good he is and how much his music takes their mind off the prevalent aches and pains of walking day after day. Keep on playing, Caleb!
The photos are excellent! I like the satellite map, too. Looks like a great journey. I’m wondering if your journey has changed much mentally and emotionally since Day 1. And how do you experience differences between man-made scenery (castle ruins, quaint townscapes) and natural scenes (Ocean views, misty valleys, damp forest)? Also interesting to note how your human encounters along the way can change the experience—something I usually take for granted.
JG, thanks for the comment! Mentally our goal has been to try to stay in the present moment as much as possible. It’s not always easy to do when the present includes tired and achy feet or shoulders, but that seems to be God’s call to us. Today we head into Bilbao, a very large and modern city, so part of me is already missing the forests, but if I focus on that, I may miss something important for this day. People have definitely shaped our experience as well, usually for the better 🙂 Gotta head out now – blessings to you!
Praying for each of you daily. I love the sketch – traditional or iPad? And the walking a recorder playing is really great. Staying in the moment seems like a good strategy for every pilgrim, whatever track they are on. Many blessings, my friend.
Thank you for your prayers, friend! I left the iPad at home, but Caleb and I both brought sketchbooks. We are in Bilbao for the night but are looking forward to getting out of the big city. Legs and spirits for all of us are pretty strong after our first week – may that continue 🙂
Wow that little blue line on the Garmin site is getting quite long after just one week!
I love how the shorthand for ‘people on the journey with us’ is …’pilgrims.’
Thanks for talking us on the journey with you so in words, photos, sketches and clips –may your endurance be great and your hearts and feet be strong!
Thanks, Bob!