The Forest and the Friends

Unlike yesterday where the landscape was open rolling plains the main feature today was a dense and enchanting forest. The air was cool in the morning and I started out by wearing my down sweater.  Lorenzo had told me that on one of his fourteen past Caminos that he saw wolves in this forest but not to worry. Well you know how wolves often pick out the weakest of a herd (as in the one on crutches) for easy prey?  Yep. 

On the trail many Peregrinos passed me but more of them slowed down to chat and ask me about my crutches.  A family of Spainards and a 78 year old Dutchman asked to take my picture. There was a delightful mother and daughter from Singapore who were finishing up in Burgos in a couple of days and the white haired New Yorker who said she was just "drinking in the nature."  And so while I walked alone, I never really was. It is strange how just yesterday I had said that I was alone. The Camino does strange things. 

Chicho says that I am fast becoming a legend on the Camino and not just because of my cool hat.   All those pics with the crutches will soon end up on Facebook and I'll probably go viral LOL. 

The forest was dense and fairy tale-like.

And while the natural beauty surrounded me there was also smattering a of what I call "Camino Art."  These were little tributes left along the way.  I smile when I see these. 

A colorful tribute to the trail

I would like to know the story behind that poor boot

And of course there are the entrepreneurs that sell coffee, candy and bread along the way.  The peregrinos in front of me stopped for some coffee.  There was a very shy dog that belonged to the owner of the van but I could not get a picture.

Hot coffee is welcome on this cool morning

As I walked along this fairy tale-like forest I noticed little purple flowers on the pathway.  They reminded me of little stars lighting the way.  It seemed so appropriate for these estrellas to be my guide.

I arrived in the small village of Ages where I eventually met up  with the rest of my group.  However I also met up again with the girls from Singapore.  I learned that the daughter was going to visit the west coast of the US on another trip.  When her mother was inside buying a sandwich, she asked me quietly if we Americans can really smoke pot legally there *smile* 

The Dutchman that I met earlier on the road also joined me and we talked for about 1/2 hour. He was 78 years old and this was his second Camino.  I asked how it was going.  He said he was enjoying it more because he was carrying a tent.  During his first Camino, he was always worried about finding a place to sleep.  With the tent, he felt free to wander and not be so concerned about the 'next' town.  It was liberating. He asked about my missing finger and toes and then told me that he only had one eye.  He had lost one in a boating accident.  It was sad to have to say goodbye.  In another time, I could see how we have been good  friends but that is the Camino. 

We rode the bus into Burgos to a grand hotel.  I mean really grand.  I also decided it was time to find a peluqueira (barber shop).  After I was more presentable, we toured the Cathedral.

Las Chicas de Canada