Day 13 To Ages
Day 13 Sept 21 Destination = Ages / 540 km to go. It will be a 29km day (longest yet) - I intend to take it very slowly. Still I had my tail handed to me today as I was only able to move in slowww motion at day end. A very long day of walking….
And at the zenith of the trail today it was difficult to be reminded of the the horror that man can do to others in the name of revenge (see Memorial below ) and ideology. The mass grave was 100m off the trail.
Walked with Flor from Guatemala, family at home (Orange county) rooting for her to complete the Camino- walked the afternoon alone. Met up with friends at the Albergue late afternoon in Ages - everyone had a good day and it was clearly an art day. 11:24pm we all ended evening in hostel taking turns choosing one fave song to play off phone…. From Springsteen to Boccelli to Italian (Angelo) pop before lights out. We turn in early as we get the BOOT at 8 am sharp- ocho en punto -NO leeway
“Not only is my body adapting to the constant walking, so too is my mind”
I really like this little pueblo. Had the best hamburger in years there ! If I look a little ornery and rough around the edges, I was, I was lonely and tired….until I met up with my ‘homies’, coincidently (aka ‘Camino Magic’) in town…. Hallelujah !
Before dawn crossing
Likely me at the end of my Camino…
Sign on the Road said - “Stop, take 15 steps….look backwards” We did and this view prompted a long conversation with my Guatemalan friend Flor about women’s dismissal from most dialogue in her culture. I would like to stay in touch with my friend, Flor. We talked ‘books’ and share reading preferences that were rather ‘coincident’. Camino ‘magic’. Flor, please email me…
Old school front door security systems at the ‘food tuck’ restaurante in Ages. Fabulous rendezvous with my friends along with a truly gourmet dinner by Rachel & Reuben - proprietors ! The have the BEST HAMBURGESA award all locked up on the entire Camino Francais
Truly living the dream. I want these scenes to forever live in my mind. What are all of the (other) ‘freeze frames’ in my life that I’d like to last ‘forever’ ?
-Holger Stork photo today (voted best Camino image by all). Holger eventually won the ‘award’ for best photo. Buen Camino, Holger !
- Katya photo today. Accomplished Czech acrylic artist focused on Camino still images -voted best Camino image and artist by all ( full portfolio original art available upon request )
- My pastoral image from today. All of her friends blocked my passage but they eventually let me through…. with permission ! I love you too !
New ‘holy grail for me to find one of these antique pitchers - restaurant owner told me where I can buy one of these close to Santiago- bronze antiquity aceite (olive oil) pitcher. Dang! Never found the market or bronze…
A walk around town after dark to work off the fabulous dinner. This is a memorable image for me because this evening meant so much for them!
This humble monument made by their relatives “Remember, Never Forget - Rest in Peace” - they are family to someone. En este lugar… Why ? ‘Remembering’ others was a big deal for me en mi Camino !
“La Rustica” - providing the best hamburger I think I’ve had in the last five years ! Thank you Rachel and Ruben for a memorable dinner. I gave them a five ⭐️ Google review. Such memories I hope are embedded in my gray matter forever. They are committed to their ‘craft’ and enriched my life, as well as my friends. Moments like this lead to wishing for a return to this place again (on a future Camino)
Uphill no problem with a mist enveloped path like this. I want to relive this (difficult) moment and climb. It was a tough hilly day.
