31. Granja de la Moreruela

There were seven peregrinos in the albergue in Montamarta, which meant there wasn’t too much pressure on space or resources - showers etc. We even scored bottom bunks (always an surprise when you arrive later on these busier routes). We also had a pleasant evening meal in the local bar with Uli. This was one of our neighbours - no problems with power, I guess!!

And here’s another. In fact we became quite fond of this guy as he(?) would come up and greet us every time we walked past - very social.

After an early cafe and toastadas, we walked past the town of Montamarta and continued on towards Granja. All of these towns are situated close to a dam that looks like it could supply a fair bit of water for this region.

As we walked past this eglisia a flock of birds flew by in formation and then circled and landed in the lake. It reminded me of a scene in Lord of the Rings.

The day was mostly overcast and damp but there were occasional glimpses of the sun. This cute little scene was quite surreal in the early morning light.

It was hard to get away from this beast (the highway, not Keith) on this stage. We criss crossed and followed it for most of the day.

When we did get further away it was much more pleasant walking.

The ruins of somewhere or other.

And doors of somewhere or other else...

The church from the same place as the doors.

And, dramatic sky over that same place.

So, here we are at the end of our second stage of the via de la Plata (in the top bunks!). Tomorrow, we take a left turn and join the Camino Sanabres as far as I can tell. It will be Keith’s last day on the road and looks like it could be quite special. I hope so as I imagine it will be a bit strange finishing up when others are walking on. I’m also not sure what the weather will be like. This damp phase looks set to continue but you never know. Mind you, we managed to get through the whole of today’s stage without putting on ponchos. In that regard, the weather has been fantastic on this whole pilgrimage, and for that I am very grateful.

Buen Camino

Neils

PS. Received these words from my Courage and Renewal colleague Drew Thomas today. They seemed relevant to this pilgrimage and so I thought I would share them with you, dear reader.

Qualities Bloom

 

We cannot force wisdom or understanding to come. We cannot force

the capacity for unconditional love towards all things to blossom. These

qualities bloom when their season arrives. We can water them with our 

attention and with our intention We can weed away all those qualities that

crowd and stifle their growth. We can cultivate the soil around then and 

add fresh nourishment to encourage them to flower. We can quicken and

strengthen them, but we must learn to wait. Virtues have a wisdom 

and timing of their own. They will surely bloom when their time comes.

 

In Love with the Mystery: Ann Mortifee

PPS. Keith has started writing his own blog of this way. He offers some great reflections which you can find at ilwempe.blogspot.com