Last night after posting the blog we attended a special mass for pilgrims in the Santa Maria church. These photos were taken earlier in the day.
After the mass the priest welcomed all the pilgrims and made sure to mention every country represented. Next, two nuns welcomed us to their Parrish in both English and Spanish. They said they made a gift for each of us but were quick to add that they were light weight. With us pilgrims it’s all about the weight on our backs. Then the priest laid his hands on each of us in a special blessing and we were given a paper star by the nuns. It was a beautiful blessing and service.
Thursday we woke up early to walk as much as possible in the dark. The sun on the Mesata can be brutal. One if our room mates called Tom out while we were packing to see the stars – they were amazing! I tried to take a picture but it didn’t come out. While we were walking we became unsure that we were on the right path. On the Camino if you come to an intersection and don’t see an arrow you’ve taken a wrong turn. There were about 10 of us from the US, Italy, Spain and Germany all trying to confirm we were headed in the right direction. Finally we spotted an arrow!
The rest of the day was very tough, the landscape was all the same and we were lost in our thoughts along the way. We did stop in this picnic area to rest and stretch.
This was the view from the front porch of the Albergue we stayed in, I thought I’d share a sunset for a change.
Can’t wait for Leon in a couple days. We’re staying in a hotel and taking a rest day. I need a pedicure!