All I can say is what a day! My guidebook described today's hike as "hard." And it was times 10. The book went on to say, "A constant uphill track ..." and it was!
I started off on the wrong trail that went up a very steep mountain. I finally figured out that I was following the wrong markers. That alone (up and back) added 2.5 miles to my already difficult trek. Sometimes I think the good Lord wants me to understand that I can not do this alone. AND I HATE to ask for help. Not only do I need him but many other people who help me along the way. I know that but I do need to be reminded. There was a rainbow in my having to walk all the way back. About the halfway point on my way back, one arm fell off my sunglasses, and right after that, I passed an eyeglasses store. They were able to fix them. Right across the street, there was a hardware store and I was able to purchase a pocket knife. I always need the knife for lunch but more importantly, to cut the zip-ties (cable ties) off my suitcase each night..
Look at this working man. I suspect he has been carrying things in this manner for many years.
The beautiful river as I finally found the correct way.
I just loved the sign in this window. I don't know what he is saying but he is cute.
I have passed through so many olive groves. So many of them look ready to pick.
I think this castle-looking thing was just a private home. There was no sign except keep out.
I passed this abandoned chapel. I could tell that it was once beautiful but nature and neglect were beginning to win out.
I was supposed to call my B & B for a ride to the hotel. My accommodations in this remote area were about ten miles off-trail. This is common and the next day, I already knew the host would bring me back to the trail to continue. Since I didn’t have a working phone nor did I speak Italian, I had to rely on the graciousness of strangers and sign language. The lady at the bakery, who didn’t speak English tried both numbers for the B & B. She conveyed to me that the B & B was closed. What to do now? Borderline panic but many such pilgrimages had taught me patience. I didn’t have a phone to call my booking company and I was ten miles from my B & B. I cannot tell you how many arrow prayers I had already sent up but this was a big one. I was able to text my husband in the United States and he called the Camino Ways emergency line in Ireland. I have never appreciated my husband more than when he became my knight in shining armor. There is nothing better than having a husband you can count on. Dennis is truly a blessing.
I bought this fabulous focaccia bread with local mushrooms
while I waited to find out if I had a place to stay or my included meal. Long story short, a little Italian man picked me up at the bakery, and off we went. We were headed to his home and I was sending some arrow prayers and thank you’s when I looked up to the sky, a brilliant blue with just two clouds. One was a fish and the other was a cross. I had to think about this. One of my common prayers to God is “Lord, I am kinda stupid. I am not getting what you want me to do. Will you send me directions on a lighted path?” As I turned around to make sure what I had seen, the clouds had changed to the word “God.” Now, I have been more than skeptical when I read about people seeing the face of Jesus in a Dorito chip but without a doubt, my lighted path sign had arrived. I felt such peace when I left for day three. I still got lost and my body still hurt but I knew for sure that God was with me. It would all be okay.
In Spite of my rocky start, dinner was beyond fabulous. I started with a plate of primo parmesan, a garlicky sliced meat and Italy's version of country ham. Next I had the best pasta with a simple tomato sauce and basil. It was divine. Total proof that fresh ingredients count.
At that point I said, "I give." I was stuffed. I skipped the main course and the dessert. Too full.
I wish you a great night's sleep. Dormi bene!
What a day… you did great problem solving
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