So, the time has come to tell a few Camino stories. Like the one about the girl, sound asleep, who fell out of her top bunk in the middle of the night. She's walking the Camino with her mom, and scared her half to death. She had her arms inside her sleeping bag and couldn't break her fall, so was knocked out when she hit the floor. She said her mothers face was the loveliest thing she'd ever seen when it was the first thing she saw when she opened her eyes.
Or there is the story about a gang of trekkers on the first leg of the Camino Frances out of St. Jean Pied de Port. They were stopped by a French Farmer, 20km "off Camino". He gave them a ride in the back of his manure spreader.
There are people like this man named David, outside of Astorgia, who got 5 years has lived on the Camino, with the goal of serving pilgrims. He has food, a fire. A place for rest and conversation, out on the edge of the meseta.
Dave and I met a couple, flush with love, in Leon. They'd walked,nay, 'floated' over 40km together that day, to reach the city. They met on the road, weeks before and have been together ever since. He's from Europe; she's North American.
One of the stories to consider are the 'behind the scenes supporting cast' type. All those who make it their vocation to support pilgrims. Hospetalerios are typically volunteers, who staff the aubergues we stay at. Many have been pilgrims, and take on the chores of cleaning, registration, and taking care of basic needs which arise. Most have stories, advice, insight: all are there because they value the spiritusl work of pilgrimage. We met one man this morning at the hostal/hotel we were at, preparing to head out to his stint volunteering. His job is to support pilgrims, and he began with us by tying a bootlace.
Then there are all those who set up shop so that pilgrims will have places to buy groceries, a meal, basic supplies, often in remote areas. Some have chosen to make caring for pilgrims a well considered vocation, investing time and money to build attractive, functional spaces for meals, washrooms, laundry, sleeping.
We have had lovely meals and clean sheets given to us, the loan of warm gloves one cold morning (we mailed them back!), and people who reached out with care and interest to tired, footsore people at the end of a long day. Just the other day, as I offered to help prepare for dinner in the lovely homey spot we landed after a soaking wet day, I was smilingly told "you have done your work today already (walking): now it is my time to work. You go relax."
Ah yes, and then there is the story of a man in a big yellow poncho, known for having "emergency chocolate" in his pack, which he shares at moments which require some extra help. The other day a young fella from Ireland was laughing as he recalled being given chocolate on one difficult day.
There are a lot of special people out here on the road!
Buen Camino! Karen.
Or there is the story about a gang of trekkers on the first leg of the Camino Frances out of St. Jean Pied de Port. They were stopped by a French Farmer, 20km "off Camino". He gave them a ride in the back of his manure spreader.
There are people like this man named David, outside of Astorgia, who got 5 years has lived on the Camino, with the goal of serving pilgrims. He has food, a fire. A place for rest and conversation, out on the edge of the meseta.
Dave and I met a couple, flush with love, in Leon. They'd walked,nay, 'floated' over 40km together that day, to reach the city. They met on the road, weeks before and have been together ever since. He's from Europe; she's North American.
One of the stories to consider are the 'behind the scenes supporting cast' type. All those who make it their vocation to support pilgrims. Hospetalerios are typically volunteers, who staff the aubergues we stay at. Many have been pilgrims, and take on the chores of cleaning, registration, and taking care of basic needs which arise. Most have stories, advice, insight: all are there because they value the spiritusl work of pilgrimage. We met one man this morning at the hostal/hotel we were at, preparing to head out to his stint volunteering. His job is to support pilgrims, and he began with us by tying a bootlace.
Then there are all those who set up shop so that pilgrims will have places to buy groceries, a meal, basic supplies, often in remote areas. Some have chosen to make caring for pilgrims a well considered vocation, investing time and money to build attractive, functional spaces for meals, washrooms, laundry, sleeping.
We have had lovely meals and clean sheets given to us, the loan of warm gloves one cold morning (we mailed them back!), and people who reached out with care and interest to tired, footsore people at the end of a long day. Just the other day, as I offered to help prepare for dinner in the lovely homey spot we landed after a soaking wet day, I was smilingly told "you have done your work today already (walking): now it is my time to work. You go relax."
Ah yes, and then there is the story of a man in a big yellow poncho, known for having "emergency chocolate" in his pack, which he shares at moments which require some extra help. The other day a young fella from Ireland was laughing as he recalled being given chocolate on one difficult day.
There are a lot of special people out here on the road!
Buen Camino! Karen.
I wish you health and humour on your walk! Fondly, Therese
ReplyDeleteThanks Therese! Hugs to you! Karen
ReplyDelete