“A person on a thousand mile walk has to forget their goal and say to themselves every morning, ‘Today I’m going to cover twenty-five miles and then rest and sleep.’” - Leo Tolstoy
Yesterday I passed the 200 mile mark and started my day with a visit to San Bol where there is a beautiful healing spring
There was no one there when I arrived so I went around back and soaked my feet and thanked them for bringing me this far. It was an incredibly peaceful place and in the dry terrain of the Meseta the presence of a spring felt like a sacrament.
Then onward for many more miles of grain fields and cloudless sky - peace and quiet and space - letting my mind wander. Someone said yesterday that the first third of the Camino is about the body, the second third the mind and the last section the soul. I can attest to the first part being about the body and now these long, (mostly) flat walks certainly give rise to thoughts, memories, contemplations.
Later I passed the ruins of a 12th century monastery which had been made into an albergue. A very simple place with no electricity, with only 16 beds and a shared pilgrim meal. I made a note that if I do the Camino again I will definitely stay there - but had to go on as it was still early in the day.
Today started with a long steep uphill climb back up to the high plain. And then on for 15 miles. More soon.
Peace and Love from Boadillos del Camino
Peeka
It seems that everything I want to say seems so mundane after your beautiful, spiritual writing. That said, the spring seems an oasis for a hot and weary pilgrim!
What beautiful pictures! So grateful that you are sharing this journey. I find myself applying your wise thoughts to the life of parenting...body, mind, then soul...is that how it goes for all long journeys? :-) lots of love!!