1.7.24

sorry to have missed yesterday's post but it was my birthday and I was engaged in a mental and physical battle. It's not because I realized that I've reached state pension age but the ghosts of before were released big time in Portomarin and we're really hurting on the road.

Also, the weather was awful which never helps. I was greatly cheered up by a call from a great friend who has been so much help and support over the last terrible months. Apparently he and his Mum are selling up in the UK and moving full time to Spain. It's like a whole new family here.

I woke up with the alarm at 6 this morning and the sun was shining again. It makes so much difference on the Camino when the first rays of the sun burn off the dew and you see that little bit of mist rising off the fields.

I spoke with a close friend on the phone last night. She asked if I had found what I was looking for on the trek. I told her I didn't really know but maybe the answer is that the Camino can't tell me my future but rather where I need to look.

Anyway, the darkness of yesterday disappeared and hope returned. I started recognizing places from last time and feeling good about them. My birthday had gone and so had one more anniversary of a celebration that I used to share with my beloved wife.