Before some of you fear I died in the mountains of Spain, I better tell you all about my ADVENTURE!  That's the best word to describe it...a few others come to mind (HOT, blisters, laughing, landscapes, cafe de leche, friends, and more) but none encapsulate all that happened quite like 'adventure.'

So on Tuesday, June 16th, I headed off to Santiago de Compostela with about a dozen others.   After landing in Spain, our group met up with 4 new friends who graciously agreed to serve as our 'work crew.'  We set out on an 7-day trip to walk 150 kilometers (92 miles...ish)  of the Camino de Santiago (The way of St. James) and then 3 days of exploring parts of Spain and Portugal.  

With one night's sleep (on the  ground in a tent) behind us, we set out walking on Wednesday.  Over these 7 days, we traveled from O Cebriero, to Portomarin, Ligonde, Pedrouzo and finally Santiago.  Each day we rose early (ok not as early as most 'pilgrims' on the Camino) to have breakfast together.  Our wonderful work crew had fresh bread, jams, and INCREDIBLE coffee waiting for us at the campsite each day.  After scarfing down some food, we packed up our tents, filled our day-packs with water and essentials, then headed off.

Mornings were filled with lots of chats, usually a coffee break in various pueblos along the route, and much laughing...at least on my part.  Usually by the time I was getting really worn out, we'd walk around the bend, and there would be the wonderul van with our friendly work crew ready with lunch!  Off came the shoes and socks...then came a delicious sandwich.  Up again and out for another couple of hours of walking before hitting camp for the night!
Evenings were spent nursing blisters, enjoying a hot shower, chatting about Matthew chapter 5, eating delicious meals, and crashing for the night. 

Finally on day seven, our walk ended in Santiago!  What a glorious site to see this little city and the beautiful cathedral!  Camping was over...we stayed in a beautiful monastery fed by nuns...still enjoying chats and laughing with new friends.  Off to the beach for a wonderful sunny day!  Then the last day we drove to Portugal to encourage some folks who run an orphanage...and an evening out in Porto.

I loved every minute of it...blisters and all!  Enjoy some photos of my journey on my photo page...

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