This first day - starting on the walking portion of The Camino - we began with a prayer - Lord as we begin this time of pilgrimage, may You be with us, keep us safe, guide our feet as we walk to reverence the bones of Your disciple Saint James - Amen. Starting fresh - breakfast in our stomachs - excitement on our faces - hearts filled with joy - we began. **Note - now that we are sharing our Camino experience more pictures will be included. As you continue your Lenten journey - please begin each day with a prayer - dot your day with prayer - conclude your day with prayer.
Our Camino - August 26, 2013 - October 1, 2013
Arlene's Smile Says It All - The Shell At Her Feet - Our Start
This section of The Camino passing through Pamplona - famous for the Running of the Bulls - paved solid path - soon to turn into gravel - rocks - rough terrain. Only a few kilometers outside town we met our first pilgrim - sitting in the grass - taking a break - having started in France before she walked over the Pyrenees mountain into Spain past Roncesvalles to Pamplona. We chatted a bit then headed to our first challenge. As shown in the next photo - we found ourselves walking a gravel trail through what I call - the back yards of Northern Spain - the current Camino path having been revised over the years to allow for development of towns - roads - keeping as close to the original trail as possible while keeping pilgrims off the streets and highways. We found our first Camino pillar just outside town. As we walk our Lenten journey - we are constantly on the look out for unanticipated blessings.
The Concrete Marker
Depending on the journey - when - where - always good to stop - take a break - a sip of water - coffee - to give your mind - body time to absorb whatever you are experiencing.
Break Time - Hay bales to rest on
The Ups & Downs of the Trail
We thought arriving at this point was our first challenge of the Camino - as it was our first long ascent up the mountain to this place - little did we know a much larger challenge was just ahead
Alto de Peron
A sculpture dedicated to Pilgrims either on foot or on horseback who have walked the Camino
Not So Smooth Walking on Rolling Rocks - Downhill Danger
Happily that stretch was only about one kilometer long before we returned to much better terrain. It was about that time I had developed my first blister on my foot and needed a place to stop and rest. Turning the corner of the trail we spied an albergue - a series of hostels reserved only for pilgrims - low cost places mostly dormitory styled sleeping places for men and women - a shower and a bed for €10 a night per person. Unfortunately when we asked about beds - told they were full up. I needed to definitely stop for the night - happily they had a private room with a queen bed for €20 a night - we jumped at it - private bath - room just what we needed.
The First of Our Albergues (Pilgrim Hostel) 697 Km Left
Our first day walking - 28 kilometers - private room/bath - great dinner at their restaurant - one blister - a very productive day - easily dozens of prayers said while walking - a success. Tomorrow - learning how to cope with a blister - more adventures await. Every Lenten journey a new experience - never the same - always surprises - God with us - all the way.
Deacon Dale