Gone are our quiet, peaceful days on the Camino! The only way I can describe the horde of pilgrims we encountered when we left Sarria this morning was the middle of Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras in New Orleans (well, maybe it wasn't quite that bad, but close). It felt like they were closing in on all sides and there was a constant chatter in the air. It didn't help that, at one point, we were in the middle of a group of at least 25 Spanish high school students who never stopped talking. At one point, there was such a crush of people on the narrow path that someone almost knocked Jerry over as they were trying to pass and Jerry ended up jumping into a stinging nettle bush. If you've never encountered stinging nettles, it feels like you have thousands of burning needles pricking you all over. Luckily, Jerry had some cortisone cream that he applied to the area and it helped somewhat.
I'm ashamed that I was such an impatient pilgrim today, especially since Becky and I were some of these 'interlopers' two years ago when we walked from O'Cebreiro to Santiago. My impatience stemmed not only from the fact that we had to navigate around so many people, but also because our tranquil Camino was a thing of the past. Gone are the days when the only sounds in the air were that of our footsteps on the dirt path.
My remembrance of the 'real' pilgrims we encountered two years ago was of friendliness, acceptance and helpfulness. My prayer is that I will better emulate them on our journey tomorrow.
Only 4 more stages, 4 more days and 58 more miles to Santiago! Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we will continue to keep you in ours. Vaya con Dios.
Buen Camino
Another beautiful sunrise on the Camino
A look at our Camino path today
Another view of today's beautiful landscape
Adding insult to injury - climbing the stairs into Portomarin
One of our favorite pilgrim statues - Portomarin main plaza
Beautiful full moon tonight
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