To the Heights

Today we passed the highest point of El Camino, Alto de Poio (1,335 meters).  We needed faith to see the spectacular view from there, because it rained all day.  After 15.6 miles of hiking in the rain, it was great to arrive at Triacastela.  It was sure nice to get to our hotel and get into some dry clothes, and then have lunch.  "Lunch" here in Spain is served from 1:00 to 4 or even 5:00 pm.  Dinner doesn't begin till 8:00 pm, and it's not unusual for the Spaniards to eat dinner at 10:00 pm.  There's always a "peregrino" (pilgrim) menu at the local restaurants.  You can get a 3-course hearty meal for 10 euros, including wine, and the food is delicious.  Last evening at O Cebreiro, I concelebrated the pilgrim Mass in the local church.  The Franciscan priest gave a special blessing to all the Camino pilgrims at the end of Mass.  I was invited to pray a part of the Eucharistic Prayer in Spanish.  Here are some scenes along the Camino.  The dogs, cats, cows, sheep, horses and people are all used to hikers passing through their villages and farms.  Today, as we passed through a little village, a woman offered us fresh, warm crepes.  Life is beautiful along El Camino.

Senor "Buen Camino" - Mike Thielen