Happy Birthday to my dear son, Henry, born 32 years ago today. This trip and much of this blog are dedicated to Sam, but is so important to remember Henry as a great brother to Sam and a great son to John and me. Henry, I am honored to be your Mom.
Part 2
Today, I was off to an early start, with a plan to cover 19.9 miles. And, guess what? I did it! That was the longest walk (so far) in my life. I’m just sorry I didn’t take another lap around the block to make it 20 miles.
Burgos gave me as much trouble on the exit as the entry. The Camino markings in that city just aren’t good. I missed a marker early on, but figured it out pretty quickly. As I retraced my steps to the last marker I had seen, I ran across a stream of pilgrims. They knew where to go. I merged into the stream. One of the pilgrims said hello and introduced himself. He was Nate, a recent college grad, who is on track to enter the seminary in July. He was a charming young man and our conversation made the miles fly by. It was raining heavily the whole time and neither of us cared.
We stopped for a coffee at a cafe that had erected a tent to cover the tables. It felt like the Hunt Cup in the rain. Very crowded and very friendly, but, in this case, without alcohol.
Nate’s seminary decision puzzled me, given the major sacrifices required. But, he seemed undaunted. I used our time together to get answers to some questions. I got all sorted out on the importance of religious relics and how to get tickets to the Pope’s Easter mass (know someone, who knows someone who knows a Cardinal.)
I also talked to him about my personal crisis of faith that was triggered by Sam’s death. Bad things happening to good people as a general concept, has always been hard to understand. When it got personal, I was perplexed. He had no answer, of course, but hoped I’d find it on the Camino. Me too.
I said goodbye to Nate at the 12 mile point. It was his first day walking the Camino and I insisted that he take it easy.
I missed him on the second half of the day, where I dragged along alone. I did hit the start of the Meseta, that long stretch of plains that so many people view as boring. I thought it was among the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve ever been.
I came down the hill into Hontanas, my stopping place for the night. Goal. Score. Check. Town of my dreams. Bed of my dreams. Shower of my dreams AND dinner….
Before I close for the night, I have to tell you about the church at Hontanas. A 14th C church, much in need of restoration. Usually a Church like that would be a stone cold space. Not this one. The local people have made it a true place of welcome, starting with a thermos of green tea for all to share. Then there were handmade cushions to sit upon and a collection of bibles in dozens of languages for all to read. In front of them was a large vessel filled with sand, with candles burning brightly. A sign invited us to buy a candle and place it in the sand. I lit a birthday candle and said a prayer for Henry. He’s the slightly crooked purple one in the front.
40 thoughts on “Day 16 (May 25) – Burgos to Hontanas: 19.9 Miles”
What a soulful post, Trish ! Giving me much to reflect on. Thank you . I am very respectful of your pilgrimage. 19 miles in the rain is double jeopardy !
Trish,
I find myself riveted to each post, in a way I wasn’t expecting. It is like a good book that you can’t wait for the next chapter. Beautiful pics also. Thank you.
Frank
I say you did 20 miles due to the slight detour leaving so need for an extra lap. Score indeed. Remarkable posts. Brave girl for many reasons. Proud of you.
Trish- I, like Frank, have followed your every post and have been enjoying your journey. When I see your blog pop up, I stop what I’m doing and read. Many prayers have been said for you and I hope you find your peace.
Amy
My first impression of the beautiful photo with the candles burning brightly was that of a birthday cake. A coincidence I think not. Happy Birthday Henry! Congratulations to you Trish — an impressive walk and wonderful writing on such a special day. xo Deb
How great is This d’aventure Trish!
I read your blog everyday , Thanks to share your camino and your diary With us.
Happy Birthday Henri
Bonne route et bravo Trish.
A true celebration for the Defords..Happy Birthday to you Henry and congratulations Trish on a wonderful milestone reached of 20 miles (mas or menos). Your stamina and spirit are inspiration to me.
I look forward to each and every entry of your life on the Camino! Thank you for sharing with us all.
Dear Trish, I’ve not seen you for many years, but Joe made me aware of your trek, and shared your blog link with me, and now I’m as captivated by it as so many others. Your beautiful writing and photos capture your personal journey and the amazing scenes you’re seeing along the way. I wish you strength and peace as you continue on your path (literally!).
Trish,
First, Happy birthday to Henry. He is a great guy and you have done a great job Mom. How lovely that you were able to light a “birthday” candle for him.
Second, since I’ve been keeping track, I think your Sam sighting of the day was Nate.
Third, I would clock in at 20 miles particularly since you got lost for a bit.
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I’m in awe of the author’s ability to make complicated concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. This article is a testament to her expertise and passion to providing useful insights. Thank you, author, for creating such an engaging and enlightening piece. It has been an incredible joy to read!
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When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
You could definitely see your skills within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.
Good web site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future. Many thanks
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Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
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What a soulful post, Trish ! Giving me much to reflect on. Thank you . I am very respectful of your pilgrimage. 19 miles in the rain is double jeopardy !
Happy Birthday, Sam!
Well done, Trish!
Trish,
I find myself riveted to each post, in a way I wasn’t expecting. It is like a good book that you can’t wait for the next chapter. Beautiful pics also. Thank you.
Frank
I say you did 20 miles due to the slight detour leaving so need for an extra lap. Score indeed. Remarkable posts. Brave girl for many reasons. Proud of you.
Trish- I, like Frank, have followed your every post and have been enjoying your journey. When I see your blog pop up, I stop what I’m doing and read. Many prayers have been said for you and I hope you find your peace.
Amy
Dear Trish
I am so enjoying your adventure and your splendid writing. What a wonderful experience. If you read this Henry, Happy birthday.
Barb R.
My first impression of the beautiful photo with the candles burning brightly was that of a birthday cake. A coincidence I think not. Happy Birthday Henry! Congratulations to you Trish — an impressive walk and wonderful writing on such a special day. xo Deb
For some reason, good things can come from bad times. I believe you are heading toward the good things.
Happy Birthday to Henry. Wow – 32 !
How great is This d’aventure Trish!
I read your blog everyday , Thanks to share your camino and your diary With us.
Happy Birthday Henri
Bonne route et bravo Trish.
A true celebration for the Defords..Happy Birthday to you Henry and congratulations Trish on a wonderful milestone reached of 20 miles (mas or menos). Your stamina and spirit are inspiration to me.
I look forward to each and every entry of your life on the Camino! Thank you for sharing with us all.
Dear Trish, I’ve not seen you for many years, but Joe made me aware of your trek, and shared your blog link with me, and now I’m as captivated by it as so many others. Your beautiful writing and photos capture your personal journey and the amazing scenes you’re seeing along the way. I wish you strength and peace as you continue on your path (literally!).
Happy Birthday, Henry! I remember some of your earliest birthday celebrations! And Mom, you are my hero! 20 miles! Score!
Dear Trish,
As Paul and I take the ferry to Fishers Iskand to see mom & the gang, all I can think of is your trek how much it inspires me.
Happy Happy Birthday to Henry!‼️
What a nice young man to walk with. How admirable that He is giving himself up for something he believes in and that is bigger than himself.
This is your journey …your family, your faith and your beliefs. Keep on/Keep on. what you ultimately take in and decide , well that is your truth.
In the meantime what powerful soul searching and conversations you are having along with beauty and journey of the walk.
Much much Love,
Tina
Happy Birthday to Henry.
Trish,
First, Happy birthday to Henry. He is a great guy and you have done a great job Mom. How lovely that you were able to light a “birthday” candle for him.
Second, since I’ve been keeping track, I think your Sam sighting of the day was Nate.
Third, I would clock in at 20 miles particularly since you got lost for a bit.
Love, Mag
Hi, very nice website, cheers!
——————————————————
Need cheap and reliable hosting? Our shared plans start at $10 for an year and VPS plans for $6/Mo.
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Check here: https://www.good-webhosting.com/
Also I believe that mesothelioma cancer is a unusual form of cancer malignancy that is normally found in people previously exposed to asbestos. Cancerous cellular material form while in the mesothelium, which is a protecting lining that covers almost all of the body’s internal organs. These cells generally form inside lining from the lungs, stomach, or the sac which actually encircles the heart. Thanks for giving your ideas.
Great ? I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..
I adore your wordpress design, wherever would you down load it from?
Hello! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no back up. Do you have any solutions to stop hackers?
You really make it appear so easy together with your presentation but I to find this matter to be actually one thing which I think I would never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am having a look ahead to your next publish, I will try to get the hang of it!
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Many thanks
I will right away grasp your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please permit me recognise in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something informative to read?
I’m in awe of the author’s ability to make complicated concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. This article is a testament to her expertise and passion to providing useful insights. Thank you, author, for creating such an engaging and enlightening piece. It has been an incredible joy to read!
Heya! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great work!
Yet another thing I would like to state is that instead of trying to accommodate all your online degree classes on days that you finish off work (because most people are worn out when they go back home), try to arrange most of your instructional classes on the weekends and only a couple courses for weekdays, even if it means a little time away from your saturdays. This is beneficial because on the saturdays and sundays, you will be far more rested and concentrated in school work. Thanks a bunch for the different tips I have learned from your web site.
Hello there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be great if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with helpful info to work on. You’ve performed an impressive activity and our whole group will be grateful to you.
A powerful share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing somewhat analysis on this. And he the truth is bought me breakfast as a result of I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If attainable, as you grow to be expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra details? It is extremely helpful for me. Massive thumb up for this weblog put up!
Interesting blog post. The things i would like to make contributions about is that personal computer memory has to be purchased when your computer cannot cope with whatever you do along with it. One can put in two RAM memory boards with 1GB each, in particular, but not certainly one of 1GB and one having 2GB. One should check the manufacturer’s documentation for the PC to be certain what type of memory is essential.
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
You could definitely see your skills within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always go after your heart.
Good web site! I really love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future. Many thanks
Excellent site. Plenty of useful information here. I?m sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your effort!
I’ve learned new things via your web site. One other thing I would really like to say is that newer laptop operating systems are likely to allow extra memory to be played with, but they likewise demand more memory space simply to operate. If a person’s computer could not handle additional memory along with the newest program requires that memory space increase, it could be the time to buy a new Laptop. Thanks
A person necessarily help to make critically posts I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the analysis you made to create this particular put up incredible. Magnificent task!
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your feed which must do the trick! Have a nice day!
I have seen a lot of useful points on your internet site about desktops. However, I have the viewpoint that notebooks are still less than powerful sufficiently to be a good choice if you normally do things that require lots of power, just like video touch-ups. But for internet surfing, microsoft word processing, and majority of other popular computer work they are just fine, provided you don’t mind small screen size. Many thanks for sharing your notions.