recently I laid out what my days are like, so I thought I’d show you today.

Did 20 miles of that today though some of the most beautiful country side.

Free wine from a wall

Roman Bath

My bed for the night

A room with a veiw

Three of us had visited The Cathedral of Santa Maria el Real in the center of the old city earlier in the day and had found it closed, disappointed we left.
On our way back after dinner, a few hours later, we thought we might try the Cathedral again, visiting hours were well over but we saw a few people coming out and found that there had been a private service that had just ended. No be deterred by something like a sign we went in. We had a chance to wander around for about 10 minutes before we found ourselves in danger of being locked in. While this might have been interesting we felt the prudent thing to do was to leave. Just before I left I wanted one more picture. As I was about to take the shot the lights went out and this is what I got – my flash was the only visible light in grand the space.

AMEN

Dinner Last Night and no these were not all mine. I will say the food is getting better with each day.
Ill do a another special food addition in a few days.

Today it only drizzled a little which was a nice brake and a real blessing (one among many). It was also the first day of the journey that was in and out of villages and without any really long climbs. There was some steep stuff but nothing to long. We walked 14 miles through villages, forest, farms and even down a highway for a short time, mostly through forests and farms. Although the distance was more than the past days it was easier walking, leaveing time to think, pray and visit with others on “The Way”. Again the countryside was beautiful and a true feast for the eyes. Having this time to be with self and God undistracted by nothing other then the sound of my on breath, a horse/cow bell in the distance or just around the next corner, or a bike passing you by – is a wonderful gift and a real rear pleasure.
I have also come to realize what a civilized country this – they have beer in the vending machines, cold and cheap.
Here are some pictures from the day

Tonight I am staying in Roncesvalles, Spain. This is the traditional starting point of the Camino for the Spanish. Roncesvalles has a huge modern albergue (pilgrams hostel) biult on the grounds of the Church Iglesia de Santa Maria and ancient albergue. They offer a PIlgrams Mass nightly. This service is a pared down Eucharist with Pilgrims blessing at the end.
I went to the mass with a few people i have met while walking. It was nice and there was a good crowd. The mass was presided over by 3 very, very old clergy (read white guys) with little apparent joy for what they were doing. Don’t get me wrong, it was a fine service and I am sure they are great and faithful priests, but all I could think about was the lost opportunity.
Here we are in a large church full of many unchurched and non-believing folks (I watched and you can tell and i spoke with a number after) looking for something. Why else do you go on pilgrimage?
What a great chance to tell The Story – to show what the Good News looks like. Like I said I liked it and was very glad I went, but it made me a little sad.