Solar Eclipse

A word about this blog: most of you know that Mando and I are walking the Camino Frances starting in Burgos, where we left off a couple of years ago with the end goal being Santiago. Mando is writing his own blog and this is mine from only my perspective. Just know when I say "I ran out of water," Mando has run out, too, because he gave me his. Buen Camino!

Hontanas to Intera de la Vega 

Dear Family,

Hi. I am currently sitting in a small square in Fromista, about 66 kilometers from starting in Burgos. 

Yesterday was one strenuous day. The day of the eclipse. After deciding to go the long way around, from Hontanas to Intero de la Vega, to avoid a steep uphill climb, and take the bike path around the hill instead, it turned out to be an extra 3.5 km for 23.5 km total, still up a pretty good grade with no services and way too close to the long curvy road and sporadic traffic the entire way.

However, that led me to meet Stephane Chedevelle and his friend from France, who had giant cameras set up to capture the coming eclipse. 

Stephane cut a little silver film to put over the camera lens, in case I wanted to take a photo of the eclipse with my phone. He said that he would send me photos of the eclipse after he put his shots all together. The only gift I had to offer him in return was an AVP (Alternatives to Violence Project) business-size card with a mandala and guides used in prison. He asked if I was going to put him in prison and I laughed and said that the work is to get people out of prison! He laughed and we enjoyed one of those moments together that transcends those very real language barriers experienced daily on the Camino.

Along the way there was a small Donativo where rooms cost whatever a person can afford to pay. They offered water just as I ran out and the temperature was around 90 degrees so I was very grateful. They were Italian hospilitaros (volunteers) so they also gave me a small shot of Expresso in a tiny paper cup and sent me on my way to the next village. 

On arriving at the albergue at Intero de la Vega they drew up a big glass of ice water. Wow few things have tasted better. Then everyone in this small village, around 200 people, walked to the top of a hill, where they offered ice cold beer gratis, and we all watched the eclipse together. 

It wasn't the ice cold of the beer or the altitude of the hill that took your breath away.