Dia 31- 21 septiembre: dedicated to the four Js.

The second person who made this Camino possible for me was my friend Jane. Jane and I were roomies in third year at UNB.  I wanted Vimy to have a home while I was gone; a family to love him. While he would have been fine in a kennel with my good friends Bob and Sue, I knew he had spent much of his first year in shelters and kennels. Jane, bless her heart, agreed to take him. Since I have been gone, Vimy has been loved and cared for NOT just by Jane, but her hubby John, the neighbour Jim, who walks Vimy three times a day, and by Jerry, their cat who I am sure tolerates Vimy. How blessed I am to have Jane, and her three Js, in my life.

I got the day off to a good start in Tricastela, by ringing the door bell, when I thought I was putting on the light in the hall at 6:30 in the morning, not ONCE, but twice. Poor Nancy is the one who got the dirty looks from the two Germans in the room next door, who were up earlier than they intended, because of my gaff!

Today I hiked over 33 km, in what was a lovely summer day.  I left Nancy behind after six km. It took me 9 hours to get from Triacastela to Ferreiros.

Today I hiked the most beautiful and various sendas (paths)of the Camino.  I will be posting pictures of only these natural paths that millions have trodden upon, in my first set for Day 31.

We are within 100 km of Santiago. There are supposedly many more Peregrinos on the Camino for these last 100 km, as they can still get their proof of hiking it, if they have their passports stamped twice each day. They must be hanging out in the bars and cafes because they are NOT on the Camino.  I saw two Peregrinos in almost four hours of hiking from Barbadelo to Ferreiros.

In the morning, there are lots on Peregrinos on the paths.  Weaving my speedy way through these pilgrims, I had advice from the Dutch Flirt of the Camino,  Kase, who kept trying to reassure me that I would make it to Santiago on time.  A middle-aged Spaniard,who was limping and looked tired, told me he had so much respect for me and my determination.  He wished me well, and said "Please come back and teach English!"

I had my first hamburger in Sarria.  The owner gave me an orange and didn't charge me.  We Peregrinos are recipients of these small acts of kindness all the time.

Here is a quick story of Colleen. Early in the morning we met this woman. We had heard OF her before we met her.  She is my age. She has buried two husbands.  She sold her house in Alabama to go nurse her sister who died of gastric cancer. She then took three months to  come to Spain, hiking all the way to Cruz de Fero. She slept in Foncebadon, the Druid like village I loved, and the next morning, was at the foot of the cross with her sister's ashes, nestled in a bed of feathers that friends had given her.  There she fulfilled the promise she had made to her sister.

The more I hike, the better I feel.  I have so much energy. I feel happier, freer, less encumbered with all of life's little and big burdens. I feel like I could just keep walking forever.  The paths welcome me, envelope me, in a cocoon of intimacy, peacefulness, and harmony with all of who have come before me. I really can't describe the feeling more than in that way.  These paths speak to my soul.

Bonne nuit ma chere amie Jane.  Give Vimy a hug for me please.

With love and gratitude from Ferrerios, Spain.