Today may be the simplist stretch of the Camino.  An uneventful walk of about 12 miles from Sahagun to a very small hamlet of about 250 residents called El Burgo Ranero.  The main buildings are built of mud and straw — life is simple here!  This was my seventh day of walking and I’ve now covered about 100 miles.

The weather continues to be ideal — sunny skys, light winds and temperatures between the 50s and 70s.  You feel like you could walk forever on a day like today.

I had some nice conversations with my new friends from Delhi and people from more distant parts of the world☺  But most of the day gave me time to just listen to the sounds of the Camino and the thoughts that walked into my mind.

There is a quote from the book A Million Steps that I like and think really captures one of the important leasons of the Camino.  “The key, I decided, was to stop worrying about the many things in life that are beyond anyone’s control. When useless worry is removed from the brain, it opens up lots of space for actual living. In my life, worry takes two distinct forms. The first is a closet full of regrets about the past and the second is an ocean of concern for the future. When I waste thought in either zone, it robs precious time from the present moment where things are usually pretty damn fine.”  Walking for the last week, especially two days with Dan, really drove home this message for me.

I did get a nice picture of a couple leaving Sahagun this morning.  This looks like a great way to start the day.

For my fellow parishioners at Bellarmine, I invite you to place a stone at the base of the Cruz de Ferro in the narthix this Sunday.  I will be carrying your intentions with me.  Please stay safe and enjoy the day.

Buen Camino,

Tom