The People Along the Way

One of the things that makes the Camino unique is the people we encounter along the Way.  Much of our journey winds through the countryside, villages and neighborhoods of rural Spain.  We have been touched by the graciousness and friendliness of the people we encounter. The innkeepers and cafe owners are eager to serve us; some even providing snacks and bottles of water for the road.  Several times, when we've reached an intersection and were unsure which way to go, neighbors have come out of their houses or onto their porches to holler, "Peregrinos (pilgrims), this way is the Camino!"  

We've also been impressed by what hard workers the Spaniards are. We've seen elderly men and women out working in their gardens or in the fields. Sometimes we've seen families working together, or heard women singing joyfully as they do the laundry.  No one seems to be afraid of hard work; in fact they seem to enjoy it.

We've also made some friends along the way.  We are walking the Camino at a time of year when there aren't as many tourists, so the road is often isolated for miles.  But when we encounter other pilgrims -- from Italy, Germany, France or other places -- we are always greeted by a friendly, "Buen Camino."  There are some couples and groups that we've seen repeatedly at various stops along the way, so they have become our special Camino friends. 

We've also come across a lot of animals.  Everyone seems to have at least one dog.  Some people have several.  We've also seen horses, goats, sheep, chickens, cats and burros. (And, of course, lots of birds, lizards and slugs along the path.)  Today's pictures give you a glimpse at some of the people and pets we encountered today.  

Tomorrow is a big day.  We walk 15 miles and get to Santiago!  See you then!  Susan and Gib