Friends and family

 

When I started my journey a week ago, my “Camino Family” was formed.  My family here is a collection of pilgrims from all around the world.  (According to the office of tourism, the top countries represented are Germany and France.)

Most of the family is on the same schedule, as outlined in the book “A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago” by John Brierly.  We all move together, at our own pace, but crossing paths as the days pass.

Some members of the family have become friends.  Today I played leapfrog with my Asian friends from dinner the other night.  I would meet up with different folks during the day and then separate again. 

I have found that it takes a few hours of conversation to become a “friend” and not part of the family.  We are also losing family members as they drop off or get injured.  Some of the family is using taxis to get to the next city.  Anyone who tries is a pilgrim in my book.

It was a long day, but another good one.  I have moved to a new region and the weather is getting warmer.  Now shorts and a tee shirt are the standard dress for us pilgrims.

I was asked about Dave, my travel companion.  Dave has been enjoying the adventure, but most of his pictures are on my camera.  I have taken hundreds of digital pictures that I will sort when I get home.  The blog pictures are coming from my phone, as I didn’t bring a PC along for uploading.  (I have seen 2 people shooting film on the trip.)  So, you can expect to see more of Dave later.  For those who don’t know, Dave was my brother John’s travel companion.  

I am treating myself to a single room tonight.  Last night my room in the alburgue was a symphony of snoring.  Tomorrow is another long day, so let’s sleep tonight. 

114 miles so far. 

Tomorrow should put me at 25% of the way! 

 

36,953 steps

  18.25 miles

Location:  Logrono @ 42.466416, -2.447795