hi everyone
i will write simply because of the keyboard. so many things have happened in the last 6 days. my friend kathy hurt her knee and cannot walk. her husband chuck has stayed with her of course and they will come home in a week or so. the night before kathy hurt herself we met a french man, 62 married in case you are interested, who is going to santiago di compostela. i am now walking with him. he is great, a cross between st francis of assissi , he talks to the animals and finds berries and figs for us to eat, and he is like george christianson, organized and confident. his english gets better everyday. i would indicate a joke if i could find the right keys. he is very kind and protective of me. we have walked with two people from paris and a young man who is like alison's adam.
here is a typical day for me. up at 6:15 on the road at 7 walk till 4 or 5 or 6. we stay in gites or churches or convents. we arrive in town, find a bar for a cold beer, find the church to have our credentiale stamped and ask where to stay for the night. we shower , or as dominic says, i wash me, wash my clothes find something to eat and if possible i draw a picture in my journal.
i was so scared when i left kathy and chuck. it seems impossible for me to go on , not knowing the language and the way. but i remember when jolynn free and i went to new york after 9 11. we went to riverside church and we were a part of an amazing service. the pastor had us turn to each other and take the hand of our neighbor and say you are safe in this place. this comes to me now. i know i am safe in this place.
i left domenique in a cafe while i write this. we are walking with some people from germany this morning. it is cool, cloudy but no rain. there are chestnut trees all over. and lots of hills.
by the way: adam, you were right: it is like the lake superior hiking trail much of the time. rocky paths, very high steep hills and beauty everywhere. i think of oscar on every steep hill . i think up up up. or down down down.
i feel so lucky to be here. i have no hurts. i must go now, i have 13 k to go. i will write again when i find another computer: they are infrequent: the guy from paris complained that it is easier to find a computer in india or africa than in frmance.
i love you all and miss you.
mary/mom
Chapter 3- back to the Camino
11 comments:
Mary-- Sorry to hear about Kathy's knee. So glad that you found someone to walk with. He sounds like a fun, cool person. best of luck on your journey.
--The gang at Dain
Hey, babe. So this is not what you expected to happen, but then God's other name is Surprise. We registered you today for the WAFC in NY and I talked to Jerry, who will contact Patsy about coming in on Friday and maybe staying until Monday. XOX JL
Hi mom! I'm sorry I keep missing your calls. I'm sorry to hear about kathy, but I'm not surprised to hear you have decided to press on. We are all well here. Oscar talks about you constantly. He knows you are on a hike in France. Keep updating us when you can, and I hope I don't miss your next call.
xoxoerika
Wow, Mary,
What an amazing turn of events. Is this like meeting Robert in Ireland? Angels often appear to assist travellers --- I bet Dominic is your angel for this journey.
I know you will be fine, and have lots of fun too.
Love you,
Maggie
Ciao Maria, Tu sei una donna moltissima brava per fare questa caminata sola. Sono contenta che tu hai trovato un uomo cosi gentile per aiutarte nel viaggio. I admire your courage and perserverance - but does that surprise me! Remember our trip to St. Francis's celle in Cortona and our numerous visits to the Cafe Internet. Can't wait to read your next posting.
Un abbraccio forte, Susanna
Mary, as you know, you can actually conquer/figure out just about anything? So, you go girl!! I'll be pulling for you. Ginny
Way to go! Pun unintended.
Dominic seems like a perfect companion/guide, knowing the floran and fauna. Isn't it fun to really graze, and find some of your food along the way. Brings back my memories of that other George.
Sounds like difficult hiking. Thats good - you won't get bored.
Will you tell Alison or Erika about how much you want this blog shared. Is it open to the public? I will wait till I hear from them, before sharing it with anyone you do not know. I miss you so much.
Love,
Barb
Mary, I went to a movie with Sondrea today and told her of your bravery. Of course, she's impressed!! I know you're doing OK, and I am visualizing you grinning/yes...laughing as you treck along the way with your new found friends. You go girl!! Gin
Way to go, landlord! You are our model, which is why we are now walking 5 to 6 miles a day (albeit flat concrete!). I shared your blog address with Anna at Rotary (and Jim Eaton). Let us know if you would prefer that we didn't share it with anyone else. Your loft is fine (actually "super"). Stay well, have fun, and "may the wind be at your back".
Sounds like a great adventure. Godspeed....I really don't know what that means but I thought it was appropriate....have a great time and I look forward to hearing more.
Dear Mary,
I am sorry Kathy hurt her knee and that she and Chuck had to go home. I am very proud of what you are doing. And it is good to hear that you have St. Francis with you!
I went back to Leelanua Peninsula last weekend to hold space for 4 young women who were doing their first Vision Quest. They spent a night on the land alone, calling in what Spirit had to give them. You will be doing this for 3 months! Know that I am holding space for you every day!
I love you, sweet sister Mary.
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