Day VIII: Navarette -> Cirueña; 19.8mi.

🛏:Guadalupe Albergue, 9€. This albergue has been the most homey and eccentrically decorated by far. All of the paintings on the wall were done by the owner and the breakfast table is presently set for tomorrow with Disney mugs. Everyone’s a fan and the company here is a hoot.

Today was my favorite scenery yet, here’s proof ..

I first learned of el Camino de Santiago years ago when I watched the movie The Way with my dad and my sister. I remember thinking it was a nice story. I think I even remember my dad and sister talking about how neat it would be to participate in someday (or maybe that’s only because it’s something they would talk about). Anyways, in the movie, an estranged father travels to France to retrieve the remains of his son who died during the first stage of el Camino. Initially he has no intention of doing the trek himself, but he does as a way of honoring his son and finding peace.

Historically, the trek has to do with the apostle James (the not Jesus’ brother James), the Patron Saint of Spain, who’s remains were sent from Judea (where he died a martyr in 44AD), found hundreds of years later by a farmer and ultimately buried in Santiago de Compostela, now marked by a cathedral. Word spread and pilgrims came from all over to witness, honor and pay tribute. This “pilgrimage” has been going on for over 1,000 years now and there are several legends and additional stories to accompany my incredibly brief description. Also ..

Camino: path || “St Iago” is the Spanish form of “St James” = Santiago

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims continue to participate in this trek annually (which has routes all over this country and Portugal because historically a pilgrimage like this would start from your front door .. clearly that wasn’t quite plausible for us) and although the historical purpose is spiritual, it has broadened substantially over the years.

Everyone I’ve met here has a purpose for being here – something they’re working though, someone or something their honoring, spiritual discovery or clarity etc. Getting glimpses into what brought people, who’s backgrounds are literally worlds different, here has been fascinating, inspiring and one of my favorite parts.

🎧:“.. it feels like years since it’s been clear.”