Camino Day 3 In The Books.

 We started out the day with a forecast of rain (80% chance) for the first half of the day. I was glad it was only a 12 mile walk. Had the rain gear on for the first ten minutes and it was dry the rest of the way. 

As we checked in to the albergue last night, we were asked the purpose for our pilgrimage. I said it was spiritual. But it gave me pause to think: why does anyone go on a pilgrimage? To grow in one’s faith is one reason. To become closer to God is another. To check the place of pilgrimage off a bucket list might be a third. Add to that, spending time with friends. To say I did it also comes to mind. All of those are true for me. 

But the Camino has been more than all of  that for me. The Camino is a reminder that many people are still seeking the good. Many people are still searching for the other. Call it God; call it peace; call it fulfillment. Call it what you will but people want. So much do that they walk hundreds of miles in search of “IT.”  St. Augustine said. Our hearts are restless, O God, until it rests in thee.”

There are two routes from Porto to Santiago: the coastal route and the inner route. For our first four or five days we are traveling the coastal route. However, today’s trek was mostly in land with very little oceanside walking. We traveled on cobblestone roads, dirt roads, trails and even had to do a little bouldering. We saw elevation changes for the first time as we journeyed over a hill about the size of the “knobs” in southern Indiana.

Typical albergues rune 10 euros a night. Tonight albergue is the first to offer private rooms. I took advantage of it (no climbing into a top bunk) and enjoyed a hotel room like setting for 27.50e. The building itself is an old monastery.  Beautiful structure and wonderful place to stay. I continue to be amazed at the number of people I am meeting. Rodney from Australia has joined our group for a while. I walked with Jenny and Catherine from Ireland and I met a Franciscan Friar from South America. People walk with you for a while and then either you are they move on  happy to have shared the time  

Tomorrow we journey on. I think it is a 17 mile day. My body is still good. Some small blisters might be forming on a couple of toes-watching them to see how it goes. I have some cream that I hope will keep them at bay. Say a prayer for as I continue to pray for all of you.