Saturday, October 15, 2016

Back to the Earth

October 15

A strange thing happened to me today. I woke up this morning with a strong sense that I would find some connection with the earth during my walk to Sarria.  As soon as I stepped outside, I could feel the dampness and cool breeze. I bundled up and set my sights on a 13-mile adventure back to the earth not knowing what I would find. I was pleasantly surprised.

The path took me in and out of mystical woodlands.



I also discovered whimsical mushrooms.


I wandered through several small farm towns along the way.



I encountered a local working dog . . . and a Camino dog at rest.



Strange-looking white cows watched me walk by.


Just in case there was any doubt about what I was experiencing, a couple of chance meetings put the issue to rest. First there was Simon from Autralia, the owner of a commune and heartwarming cafe for pilgrims. He personally welcomed each of us with an array of food, a cozy place to rest, and a warm hug. Simon offered to draw a stamp on my pilgrims' credentials, and I smiled to myself when I saw that it was a tree with sprawling roots.



Next, we visited Antonio from Galacia, an artist who worked with rocks and minerals. He was cooking fresh organic food from his garden for the commune when we arrived. I could not resist connecting with several of his gemstones and watched on as he drew and autographed a stamp in my pilgrims' credentials.



I finally arrived in Sarria . . . having experienced my connection with the earth!


~ Buen Camino, Carol ~ 

10 comments:

  1. Each blog is so unique! I am so happy that you made this journey! Proud of my long time friend! Hugs!😘

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sweetheart,
    You really are a very special person with so much vibrance in your soul and always wanting to experience the full essence of life. You are really observing and absorbing all of the elements of the history, scenery, and lives of the people along the way. This adventure is adding to that part of your life and I am so happy you are not only doing this but finding a unique way to let the rest of us enjoy some of the feelings and experiences which are impacting you as you travel through this journey. The days for you on this trail are winding down and I am very proud of you and the amazing story you are able to graphically share. It will be wonderful to have you back home.
    Your Hubby

    ReplyDelete
  3. Carol,
    Mesmerizing journey, delving into the essence of life. The house Simon drew looks like your polka dotted mushroom, with roots! Beckoning to peer below? As the earth calls, you are there! I love your pictures, and especially those showing your eyes - the window of the soul, they say. Thank you for the mesmerizing journey. Suzetta XXXOOO

    ReplyDelete
  4. That was a beautiful walk in the woods. Wish DM had a trail like that. I would want to do it everyday. Your story telling ability just keeps getting better and better.

    ReplyDelete
  5. P.S.Your Baby Cakes also has a very nice way with words.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Auntie Carol,
    Those trees are spectacular, this leg of your Camino almost looks unreal. The natural landscape is going to be quite different when you get back home! Counting down the days until you get home, miss you very much!
    Xoxoxo,
    Sasperella

    ReplyDelete
  7. good morning, carol! loved reading your post today. i've never seen a mushroom like that! is that a bed in the trio of photos with Simon and the ladder? is that where you slept?

    are you going to purge all material goods when you return home?

    xoxoxoxoxoxox

    deb

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh darling, what an believable jorney!!!
    Can't wait to see you and hear more about itπŸ™†

    ReplyDelete
  9. Catching up on the blogs again! Such fabulous words and photos. You truly have become a spiritual pilgrim. Much love!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Your photography eye has been in training. Your images are framed with a sensitivity that could only be gained from practice. Lots of Love, Ivy (a born critic if you remember) :)

    ReplyDelete