We started the day's walking at 07:00. It was very early on clear that this was going to be a difficult day. Our bodies were battling to adjust to the 11 kg backpacks.
The road was not really challenging, except for the tarred service we had to walk on. We are seven pilgrims on this phase of the journey (Finish, Italian, Spanish, German and two South Africans) with very few Albergues to stay over, one per town and private - pricey but with good facilities.
Many towns and even houses have their own little shrines. Mary and the three children from Fatima was displayed almost life sized in front of a house, John the Babtist holding the lamb in his arm, Mary the Theotokos, to name a few.
Along the way we enjoyed some grapes that were placed as an offering(?) at a crucifix. I am sure Jesus would not have minded these weary pilgrims taking a few grapes and leaving some for the next. Somewhere an angel stopped at us, handing us a bag with some fruit and cold water - grace abounds!
Reflecting on the day I think of the Rule of St Benedict. Somewhere he says that the monk who needs to go on a short trip must not eat in town. I think he was trying to say that the monk in town and the monk traveling should remain the same person. Are we the same? Yes, we are the same people doing the same thing that we would have done at home. But we are also being changed, living in community with seven other, sharing our snacks and wine and discussing the complexities of politics, religion and life.
The journey has only started and yet so many experiences.
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