We have had good walking weather mostly--temps in the 60s, a good amount of cloud cover for shade, rain usually when we're indoors.
And yet no matter the weather, no matter the elevation, no matter the state of our muscles, our constant is putting one foot in front of the other. The biggest variable is our attitude.
We have the choice to nurse the negativity, which is always available, or open to the whole of the moment. This is not to deny the discomfort or the worry or whatever else stokes the negativity. It is just to allow ourselves to not be limited to just that.
To feel the power of the sea:
Or the beauty of flowers
Or gratitude for those we walk with, even in the rain:
May we all count our blessings.
Ps. We arrived today in Caminha, Portugal, from where we will cross the river Coura tomorrow and enter Spain. Onward to Santiago!
In our first few days in Portugal, Cynthia and I saw many sweet public displays of affection, patience, and caring. Then yesterday we saw one to trump them all. As we took a break at an outdoor café, we noticed a group of young "scouts"--akin to our brownies or cubs--milling about. Then a few of them moved toward a few older men sitting on a bench and opened their arms wide. The men opened their arms too, and they hugged each other. Strongly. Then some of the scouts moved towards us café sitters, and we got big hugs too. It turns out one of their badges is given to award this activity... hugging strangers! Loving neighbors. Changing the world. Amen.
We arrived in Porto last night to be with our daughter Emily for a lovely rest day today,
including a visit to the Porto Cathedral:
Emily will also join us for our first day walking the Camino tomorrow, just 6.8 miles to Matosinhos:
More soon from the Way...