Having dinner at a lovely place with some lovely people and I talked them into saying a few few words about their day:

Mary from New Zealand here: We met these two crazy guys Kelly and Phil last night at the pilgrim’s meal at the albergue in Rabe de las Calzadas and they have followed us all day today. It’s been a good day however, the scenery has been beautiful and the weather much cooler. What more could one ask for. And after a good night’s rest we will begin the walking all over again. It’s an amazing community of people walking this Camino with us. Go well, all you pilgrims, whatever your reason is for subjecting yourself to this experience. We are like one big happy family.

Clara reminded me of something today and I thought that I would pass it on. They say that your Camino begins when you get to Santiago, meaning the real challenge is returning to your life and applying what you have learned. Ah, what will that look like? OK, have go and prepare for tomorrow, Phil.

I have time so I will post again. Just developed a new drink sensation but I haven’t named it yet but a glass of Spanish beer with a lavender blossom thrown in is pretty darn good. Multi tasking these daze is blogging and drink development. What a deal.

Today I spent a lovely profitable time walking with a lady named Clara from Assi, Italy. She teaches high school philosophy and history there. Today is the feast day for St Clara so she was getting phone call after phone call wishing her well. Nice. She went on to San Nicholas to stay because she served there as a volunteer in the past. They are supposed to have good Italian coffee there so we will stop tomorrow and check it out.

Really, I am capturing ten percent of what there is to capture here but hopefully it will do. Things are so rich after you’ve walked till you’re giddy and brain dead that it is hard to describe. Of course, that is my job so I will try harder. Maybe time for a pic or two.

Arrived at Castrojeriz. Sun hot and we are sheltered at the albergue. Need to shower and wash my sweaty clothes and then find a beer, long day.

I was thinking about it being Monday and some of my friends and angels are back to work in places like Miami and Barcelona. I was singing the official song of Hotel California for you, Vella Chiruca. You are dear ones.

Just looked at my pedometer and have 45,188 steps today. That’s ridiculous! Miller Time for sure.

Just want mention the instructions that Phil’s Angels left so that I would not get into trouble after they flew away: 1. Eat more. 2. Hydrate more. 3. No drinking after 2130. 4. Remember to take your meds. 5. There are always angels. This good advice for us all of course.

About ready to go out on the Meseta and having an orange juice in the town of Tardajos. I am mourning loosing Gracie, Official Camino Flight Nurse.

Gracie agreed with the vision of heaven being the picnic in the sunset in Viana but wanted Sam Cook to be there so yes of course. So, today is starting to unfold and looking forward to more surprises. Kelly promised me an ice cream bar if I can get myself to the next town.

There is a bull fight poster that I have to have a photo of. Maybe I can get in on this blog.

Just went to the Saturday evening vigil at the Catedral. This was the home of El Cid, who I have to study up on. I just slipped in with the locals and took Communion like normal. City people are so good smelling and pilgrims not so much but they for the most part enjoy and shelter us. At the end of the service there was a prayer for us and I got really brave and walked up and got to shake hands with the Bishop after the service was over. How’s that?

Tomorrow, is another day and more surprises await. Kelly and I will be up early to walk out to the country where we belong. Grace is staying here to freshen up. We will miss her.

Had dinner with a group of Italians who are traveling together. They always look like they are having too much fun. I finally got a cash machine to work,small miracle. Beautiful foggy morning today which was cool for walking. Ok, enough for now, Phil.

Salami and cheese on GOOD bread. Fresh squeezed orange juice and a nectarine also.

We have given Grace from Australia the title of Camino Flight Nurse for her work in watching over me these last few days. Yesterday we went together to Mass in a most beautiful church. At the high point of the service we were kneeling and Very casually, it felt like, I passed out right on top of and she kept my head from the stone floor. I woke with the priest and all these people looking down at me. Luckily the same male nurse from Netherlands was on hand that tended to Kelly a few nights ago. It’s all OK and working out, don’t worry, another day on the Camino, Phil.

Breakfast on day 14. Things primitive and Wifi marginal. We are planning on being in Burgos later today. Stay tuned, Phil.

I feel good

Day twelve along the trail.  Walking with Grace from Australia and Kelly today.  Here are some pix.  You are all just peachy, Phil.

We have spent half the afternoon exploring the nooks and crannies of Iglesias Catedral de Santo Domingo de la Calzada.  This place is all about St Dominic.  It’ Kelly and Matthew from Netherlands and I waiting to find the Angels and off to dinner

I must talk of Matthew who is here walking for his brother Jan who died of cancer.  He is a super walker who is hanging with us even though we are so glacial.  I just stomped on his toes with my chair trying to get out out of the way of a truck going down this narrow Mediaeval street. Yikes!

I am going to try and give some of these folks an archery lesson without gear this evening.  Kind of a mime thing and major fun on the Camino.  We’ll, I’ve been told to wrap this up and be social.  OK, I’ve been told, later, Phil.