8 hours 45 minutes-26.6 km
Today we met Don PePe the donkey. He and his master stayed at the same Pilgrim hostel as us. Don PePe outdoors of course. It is not uncommon for someone to make their Pilgrimage to Santiago with a donkey. Traveling with a donkey, I am sure, has a whole set of problems of it's own which I cannot imagine.
One problem being that the donkey is the star. People are constantly running around Don PePe with cameras snapping away, causing a disturbance for the poor animal.
Everyone knows the donkey's name, but few ask the owners name.
We were happy and surprised to see our Korean friend Su last night. The little band of Korean friends split up, some had to go home, some took the bus ahead and our friend Su walked 3 long hard days and ended up at the same Pilgrim hostel as us. It was all big smiles and hugs and then the first thing he askedwas "How is your knee?"
This morning we walked in the dark with Su for a few hours before stopping in a village for breakfast.
In walked our friend Phillip who we had lost track of for a few days.
So another reunion with hugs of joy. Phillip is a Jesuit Priest who has wanted to make the pilgrimage to Santiago for many years but has always put it off. Last year he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and he decided to take a 3 month sabbatical to make his Pilgrimage and do some other traveling afer his Pilgrimage. He is a delightful man and we enjoy his company.
Today we have reached the halfway mark to Santiago. It is somewhere around the tiny village of Moratinos, population 17; 15 Spaniards and 2 ex-pats ( a retired American journalist and her Brittish husband)
Rebekah is a member of the same Pilgrim forum as I am, so I get to read her comments on line and I also read her blog, so I was excited to finally meet her.
She and her husband Paddy retired from the rat race and bought a house on the Camino and are in the process of renovating it. They welcome Pilgrims to stop by for refreshments or to stay for the night. They call it Peaceable Kingdom. The name suits it well, a very tranquil place with a nice garden, a flock of chickens and 2 dogs, and lots of warmth and hospitality.
It was a fun day filled with lots of people, lots of love, and one cute donkey.
Love to all
Rita
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Hi Mom! You reached the halfway point! It is truly amazing!! I am glad all is well and you are meeting so many nice people. I could see Dad perfectly in the bunk bed picture! Thanks for telling me to look! Love you both, Susan
ReplyDeleteHola Madre, WOW!! I am so glad you got to meet Rebekah. She sounds like such an inspiration. Every day is so different. I never know what to expect on your blog. Truly amazing. Well keep on trekking. I just said to Ellen this morning how wonderful it is to read your blog. A big difference from getting a phone call once or twice a week. YOU such a brilliant women and an inspiration to us all. See you in Sarria!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Rita, These new friends will be lifelong friends from now on. How special is that!!!! Glad things are going so well.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Way to go, half way there! But by the end you'll be sad to leave...and then happy to be home again. Such is the nature of travel.
ReplyDelete