I know I have said this before but this may be a short update, depending on battery power. I was remiss last night in not powering up all my appliances. And Allan if you had trouble finding Barbadelo on Google Earth, I'm not sure you will have any better luck with Ventas de Naron. There are two pilgrims' Albergues here, half a dozen pigs, a couple of farm dogs and a few chickens roaming around like a security patrol outside our room.
The good news is that, so far, Nina and I are the only two in our dorm room. It's just after 6.30pm as I begin this update, so chances are there will be no more arrivals tonight.
It was lovely to walk with Nina again today and we exchanged stories about our experiences since we went our own ways just before Leon - including some of the characters we'd encountered on The Camino. In her delightfully accented English, Nina kindly described some of the 'odder' pilgrims she'd met as 'very special'. You may be wandering what became of Vaclev and Jens. When I last saw them they were discussing making a turn to the north after Leon to join the Camino Primitivo, which later rejoins the Camino Frances about a day's walk before Santiago. And that's what they did. Nina decided to stay on the Camino Frances but hopes to meet up with Vaclev within a day's walk of Santiago. Tomorrow we will most likely part ways again as I will continue at my pace and she thinks she will slow down a little to time her reunion with Vaclev. Though they are likely to arrive in Santiago after me, we may meet up there - though I am not looking too far ahead. I have an idea of when I'll be there, but I continue to take things a day at a time, rather than make assumptions about what the coming days will bring.
I mentioned yesterday that I anticipated the final 100 kms into Santiago may be quite different from the 700+ kms we've walked so far. Nina was equally apprehensive. Let me explain.
Pilgrims who walk the final 100 kms of any of the Caminos are entitled to present their credenziale (pilgrim's passport) and request The Compostela. The Compostela is the certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims on completing The Way (another name by which the Camino is known - referring to the Way of St James).
Many of the Caminos join up with The Camino Frances. The result is that the number of pilgrims can increase significantly in the last 100 kilometres, dramatically so in summer. The guidebooks caution that this can be quite alarming and confronting for pilgrims who have been walking for many weeks often in solitude - or at least with the option of solitude - particularly in the quieter spring or autumn months.
As anticipated, Nina and I reached the 100 kms to Santiago mark by mid morning today and I'm pleased to say that our worst fears were not realised. We did see a few more people on the path but I wonder if that was more to do with the terrain (not so many winding paths) than with a surge in pilgrim numbers. The next few days will tell the tale. If the path begins to feel crowded I need to remember that The Camino does not belong to me. I am walking my Camino and others are walking theirs. I have reminded myself many times on The Camino of my good fortune. Not many people have the time, resources or good health to spend 4-6 weeks walking across northern Spain. It's a luxury that few can afford. So, if I find the path more congested than I would like over the next few days, I will try to hold that thought - and practise patience and tolerance!
Finally, thank you for your recent emails, text messages and comments to Dad, Allan, Marian, Gemma, Audrey, Patricia, Rosanne, Helen (Mum) and Sally.
And a special welcome to Sarah - and thank you to Robert from Montagu for passing on the link to my blog. What a lovely surprise to see your comment. I'm thrilled that reading the updates has kept you company during feeding times with baby Eddie. That's great. Look forward to seeing you - and him - when I get back.
In the meantime, let's see what Day 27 brings. Take care everyone and thanks for staying tuned. J x
PS. Made it, with 10% power left. Will try to remember to plug it in tonight!
2 comments:
Hi there - keep it moving with Juan 1 and 2 in your hands (and I've forgotten the back packs name - sorry back pack). Anyway what has happened to the notes/prayers for the Camino - have you 'released' these? What's the plan? Much love
Hi Sue and everyone.
My backpack (Boots) and Juan 1 and 2 are looking after me. We're in this together, Still have everyone 's wishes with me, right to the end. I am not sure how they'll be released but the idea will come to me I'm sure. No plan at this stage.
J xxx
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