I love this guy. He is St Dominic of the Pavement. This is an actual historic figure and also the name of a town that we reached today on Phil’s Camino. It is between Logrono and Burgos, closer to Burgos.

Saint Dominic is called the first engineer of the Camino. This was eleventh century when he made trails and bridges to help the pilgrims. Before that people walking filtered across the landscape and were easy pickings for the robbers. Being on a trail meant that there could have been safety in numbers. And he added bridges on top of that.

The church there is known for the live chickens that are inside the church proper. They are a reminder of the miracle that saved a young man’s life. As,the story goes a young man was traveling on pilgrimage with his parents and they stopped at the town where Dominic was. The young man became involved with a young lady of the town. He apparently promised her this and that and then tried to get down the road. She in the meantime hid some of the church’s silverware in his duffel and alerted the authorities. In short order the young man is arrested, jailed and up for hanging.

In steps Dominic who goes to talk with the local magistrate in charge of the case. Dominic arrives as dinner is being served. The magistrate is perturbed and after having to listen to the pleas says something like,”If the man is innocent that rooster on the platter will get up and crow.” and that is exactly what happened. The young man was set free and Dominic eventually went on to sainthood.

I’m sure Brierley has a much better explanation of all this. Thanks for being here. We are regrouping after the Seahawks loss yesterday. Sunny day today so far which is doing wonders for my winter’s blues. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. I’m sure that is all happening.

Only the best to you, love, Felipe.