Day 4 and Day 5

Sometimes it can be difficult to find internet facilties or, if extrememly tired there are other priorities: food or rest. My knee problem is starting to seem like a problem of the past. However, I am exercising caution and staying in the present moment as much as possible.

At this moment I am in a little town called Los Arcos.

I have got to know two other wonderful people and have shared walking along the path with them. Sonia is in her thirties and from South Africa although living in England. A common question that is asked as soon as one gets to know someone is what led them to make this journey. In her case it was someone who pursuaded her to do angel cards. I met her in St Jean Pied de Port at the start of my camino, although we arrived on the same plane from England. She is full of laughter and a delight to walk with.

Then there is Isabel from San Francisco. She started her camino in Roncasvalle on the south side of the Pyrenees. She moves slowly but on most days arrives ahead of me. She is 77 years old and remarkable in so many ways including support for others on their camino and her humility. She is a devout Catholic and, although not a nun, works with the Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet in doing good works with the poor and the disadvantaged.

In walking the camino we walk at different speed and take breaks at different times. Yesterday, when I arrived at Estella with Pepe, we found that the mucicipal "refugio" was full and had to find another albergue. I knew that Sonia and Isabel were behind us by some distance. We therefore had no idea where they would be staying.

Today I chose to walk alone. The weather has turned arctic. Even some snow and hail along the road. It is not only the rain in Spain that stays mainly on the plain. I walked with some sadness that I may not ever connect again with Sonia and Isabel. With the camino it is not usual to plan the destination. A lot depends on one´s energy at the start of the day, the weather and possible stops along the way.

There must be some higher power guiding me because, when I checked into the refugio in Los Arcos, there they were. Rejoice and hugs all around. More soon.