We awoke this morning to thunder and lightning as a passing storm poured rain on the hour before we hit the trail (at 7am). One would have hoped the storm meant a break in the heat but we’ve had no such luck! With highs in the upper 90’s the next few days, we’re doing our best to get up and out early to beat the heat!
Winding through the city of Ponferrada, we picked up the Camino Frances and headed out of town through largely paved roads and Spanish-style suburbs. We’ve been amazed each day by the variety of the landscape we observe in our walking. Today we encountered the rolling vineyards of the Bierza area of Spain, famous for its wines.
My own perspective shifted as I moved from the front of the pack further back. This change allowed me to see our journey in a new way, walk at a different pace, and discover new insights from my companions and the journey. From conversations about what the voice of God sounds like and how we know it when we “hear” it to dunking our hats in fast running streams (thank you thunderstorm! ) to cool off, the day was filled with insights and reframing of perspective.
This also meant seeing more art around me- in churches, in nature, and in graffiti and murals. All of it has insight to reveal the graces of the way. We’re created and creative beings after all.
In all we did about 16 miles today, trudging up and down hills in between vineyards and doing our best to find shade and grace in the heat. We also discover the joy of coming to the end of big climbs and the gift of finding a black cherry tree to share its fruit with us (delicious! ) or a cool fountain to splash water in our faces from!
Tomorrow, we continue our climb from Villafranca del Bierzo where we stopped tonight. This will be a steep climb but we are feeling up to it and also nearing the midpoint of our walking days. Bodies are being conditioned and we’re doing our best to tend to sore muscles and other issues that come with accumulated endurance.
Here in Villafranca del Bierzo is a statue entitled “Pilgrim” by Arturo Nogueira at the base of which lies the following inscription:
“If it is God that moves you, pilgrim// or is it art, history or poetry//Villafranca del Bierzo would be// the beginning and the end of your journey;// but if your heart yearns to continue,// go ahead, pilgrim to Compostela// for the sky of Galicia is already your neighbour.” ( by Hernán Alonso, 1999).
The Pilgrim points the way and so we must go! Cheers from the pathway- may your water be cool & plentiful!
