alwalker
Al WAlker
- Time of past OR future Camino
- many.
next ones- Via Francigena, San Salvador, Primitivo, Portuguese
I had lots of confidence when I started the Invierno, without a guidebook, no idea of how well the trail was marked, no instruction, no Spanish speaking skills and not knowing what was around the next corner – I was open for an adventure.
After a late start (11am) from Monforte de Limos my lack of knowledge meant I was in for a long day and not knowing where I could turn off the trail meant that I didn’t pass any options to buy supplies or places to stay. Twice that day I replenished my water from helpful people in the country and each time they spoke English. (I was being well looked after on this trip)
I totally missed Vilarino so that is probably when my camino god decided that I needed help. Later in the day I crossed of a very large water trap (The Minto river and it was a long way down then a long tiring way up.) I learnt the next day that my angel had been notified and had seen me pass through there.
So when the Camino God sends you his best angel, you have been very good and deserving or so far out of your depth that he (she) has no option but to send his best angel.
I had camino royalty as my angel - she has done 20 caminos (20 years?) and is an expert on the Invierno, spoke fluent Spanish, she was great company, sets a good pace and has prodded an interest in Church building history.
My gratitude goes to all the angels out there and if I can’t return the favour then I will be sure to pass it on. I should be safer next time as there are guide books for the Via Francigena, San Salvador? and the Primativo.
It is my understanding that there is a newish Portuguese route across the top of Portugal – does anyone know of this route?
Now all I have to do is wait for the borders to open and airlines to fly us safely. – It could be quite a while. I suspect that Kiwis will be walking a camino before the Americans.
After a late start (11am) from Monforte de Limos my lack of knowledge meant I was in for a long day and not knowing where I could turn off the trail meant that I didn’t pass any options to buy supplies or places to stay. Twice that day I replenished my water from helpful people in the country and each time they spoke English. (I was being well looked after on this trip)
I totally missed Vilarino so that is probably when my camino god decided that I needed help. Later in the day I crossed of a very large water trap (The Minto river and it was a long way down then a long tiring way up.) I learnt the next day that my angel had been notified and had seen me pass through there.
So when the Camino God sends you his best angel, you have been very good and deserving or so far out of your depth that he (she) has no option but to send his best angel.
I had camino royalty as my angel - she has done 20 caminos (20 years?) and is an expert on the Invierno, spoke fluent Spanish, she was great company, sets a good pace and has prodded an interest in Church building history.
My gratitude goes to all the angels out there and if I can’t return the favour then I will be sure to pass it on. I should be safer next time as there are guide books for the Via Francigena, San Salvador? and the Primativo.
It is my understanding that there is a newish Portuguese route across the top of Portugal – does anyone know of this route?
Now all I have to do is wait for the borders to open and airlines to fly us safely. – It could be quite a while. I suspect that Kiwis will be walking a camino before the Americans.
