The seen and unseen – Clarity

Day 9, October 23: El Ganso to Foncebadon – 12 km, 5.5 hours ish

Today we walked a shorter distance, to Foncebadon, so as to stay at an albergue Adrienne stayed at 10 years ago.

I started the day with a yummy muesli, banana and yogurt breakfast with Camino friends in a cosy eating room of the albergue El Caminante.   And I said goodbye to a new friend; A lovely woman, Ann, an environmental activist who is walking to celebrate her 75th. Unfortunately she was going to have to turn back due to a foot injury however, as miracles happen on this journey, there was an American man having a coffee at our albergue, also with a foot injury, who rented a car and is driving the Camino as his wife walks it and sooo he now has a travel companion and Ann gets to continue on the Camino and catch up with her friends.

Things like this happen all the time on the Camino.

We set out in glorious sunshine, leaving El Ganso with its rock walls guiding us out of town and back onto the Camino.

We passed many memorials along the way today, pausing at some to learn about the person or leave a stone or reflect upon life and death.

It’s interesting as it is the time of Samhain… it has Celtic roots and marks the end of the harvest season and beginning of the “darker” season (winter).  And for some it is the beginning of the spiritual year. A friend recently sent a newsletter in which she wrote, the time “when the veil between life and death, and the seen and unseen worlds grows thin.”

I find this interesting because as I have been walking I have noticed the plants, which have already gone to seed and are drying and readying to be reabsorbed into the earth. It makes me think of the reasons why people walk the Camino, and what many have come here to shed. Leaving behind burdens, memories, pain, judgement, people, and old selves, for example. Some walk away from things while others walk towards something.

It’s a privilege to witness each individual’s personal journey, and to discover mine. I did not come with a specific purpose, reason, seeking it goal. Instead allowing the Camino to reveal what needs to be seen. What lies between the seen and the unseen.

I had an insight today when, for the first time on the walk, a car went speeding by on a small road in between villages. I was triggered and out loud said, “F you.” It alarmed me. I was angry. And I saw that I continue to hold fear of harm by a car or others in situations out of my control. I’ve had very little anxiety on the trip but just writing about that moment heightens it.

Sooo I will walk with this until I arrive at the Iron Cross and this fear, anxiety and anger will be some of the things I leave there. And that intention set, and ceremony done/begun I will continue on my Camino.

Yes, feelings have been awoken and I have something to work with after a “pleasant” Camino so far.

On the same theme of the day..which I have yet to mention is Clarity, Adrienne visited a monastery today where pilgrims are able to stay for up to 3 days should they want a quiet space to Be or meditate and prepare for their arrival at the Iron Cross. At the monastery they sold rosemary oil (made in Spain). Rosemary is good for…clearing the mind, for focus and concentration – among many other beneficial qualities – and so I thought it interesting that they sold it. She bought me a bottle as a gift 🙂 Thank you!

We also walked by so much quartz! A stone known for…its power to aid with clarity! So much magic! And finally, we arrived in Foncebadon and what do I see? Celtic influences in the architecture, symbols and of course the Druid albergue.

Oh yes! And also a forest which had been partially burned down and trees half burnt yet still alive – burnt trunks and green on top. I know I know! Enough already with the life and death and clarity stuff! I just can’t help myself… I am compelled to share. And don’t get me started on walking with my shadow ahead of me, beside me, behind me lol!

The sun is setting and I’m getting chilly so time to go layer up. Time for a communal dinner at our albergue…where they have a vegetarian paella :))) for dinner.

Buen Provecho! (Bon appetit!)