As we travel we get to meet fellow pilgrims and here their stories. Of course everyone’s is different. Here are three that were quite moving for us:
1. Dave and Steve from England - Both retired policemen. Both moved with their wives to a small village in southern Spain. Met each other there and became friends. Started a “walking” football team and league. They are about our age, but didn’t feel they were up for running, so the league walks instead of runs. They got involved supporting the local orphanage which receives no government support. Their goal is to raise 10,000 euros during their Camino. They are at about 7,500 now. And by the way, Steve had triple bypass surgery and is still going to complete the 500 mi journey.
2. Iris from China - Very nice young women who speaks English only slightly better than we speak Chinese. Luggage lost in Copenhagen. Totally unequipped for the hiking. She has literally only the clothes on her back and a small backpack. Bought a rain poncho here. Has no hiking books, only street shoes. Walked thru the rain and mud ants never stopped smiling. Slipped off the asphalt and fell on the street in the rain. Waived off our help, got up and started jogging ahead. Saw her later for dinner all smiles without a acre in the world.
3. The guys from Iowa. We seem to have exceeded our quota of Iowans as we have met 4 so far. All friends traveling together (fm Ames, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids). In late 50’s. Robert said he first heard about the Camino at age 6 in Life magazine. Had always wanted to do to. Now it was time. He and his buddies only have 10 days off from work, so they will go as far as they can in that time. Robert has asthma and another lung condition. When he told his doctor what he was doing the doctor said hecshould not go, because he could have a situation where he needed medical help...and could die. Robert decided he was going anyway. He has to carry a machine with him in his backpack. His total backpack weight is 30 lbs. That is double our weight. Robert’s friends offer to carry the device for him, but he refuses because it is his weight to carry. He first thought maybe he shouldn’t make the trip because he didn’t want to die. Then he said, “no, I am a Christian. Whatever happens I won’t die”.
These and other stories from our fellow travelers leave us humbled and inspired for another day on the Camino.
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