40 Days of Wandering the Wilderness

In true biblical style, we are emerging from our fourty days wandering the wilderness and into a sense of peace, if not enlightenment.

I had always planned that the time spent travelling with Morgan and Lilly would be a time of connection and strengthening our relationship. Walking the open road, with no real other plans for the day but to walk, talk and eat; has given us plenty of personal space, time for reflection and sharing of stories.

I've been blessed with the kids as we've always had open communication. We have discussed alot of topics along the track; from transgender lifestyles, to the detals of how to run a great hotel. We brainstorm, we laugh and joke and we argue - all healthy in building trust.  Perhaps they are a little more outspoken than some kids and the lines of social correctness is blurred; but I have also insisted and reinforced manners and hope this excuses some things.

Particuarly as both Morgan and Lilly move into his teenage years, this time together will prove invaluable.  They have always been good mates, but the challanges we have faced over the last year , and the things we've had to do together has built a strong foundation for as as a team. 

I had no plans as to when we would be returning to Australia. I got on that plane excited but also torn as events which had unfolded a mere fornight before has continued to make major changes to my decision making. I am blessed to have the support and understanding to be guven the freedom to go and to return when I am ready.

Our one way tickets to Europe have been exactly the medicine our shattered hearts and wounded souls have needed. I have house sitting jobs booked until the 6th of January next year, and though the prospect of getting a job and hanging in the UK is extremely appealing, I also have  major heartstring reasons to want to return to Australia quickly. 

The fog is lifting and the gift I have from the pilgrimage ( along with so many) is to keep walking, love, accept help with a smile, give assistance and support without judgement and not to stress about the end goal.. Its there.. It will always be there, focus on the now, this footstep, this conversation, this flower. Its what we have right now that is the gift of life.

Steady climb up the Pilgrim Breaker

Its never a great day when the entire walk is along the road. Morgan chose to go around as much of the mountains as we could, mainly as there were plenty of opportunities to stop. 

Granted it is a country road which winds through plenty of small villages ( complete with bars) We are all tired, though our bodies are now used to the walking and sore feet and blisters are long past, we are tired.

On the high points, fresh fruit road stalls are popping up, which we are taking advantage of, piggies we are, we got a kilo of cherries each to scoff as we wandered through the mountain tracks.

I'm a bit lazy today with photos, so am just posting a few shots from our trek below.

A hot day to Trabedelo

As we walk steadily across Spain, we see both environment and weather change suddenly. Only a few days ago, we were concerned about the prospect of snow: we'd seen photos of people a few days ahead of us throwing snowballs. Now, as we enter Galacia, the wheatfields well and truely behind us, rolling hills with vinyards  stretch out and the danger of sunburn and deydration are our enemy.  

Alot of the start of today took us through vinyards and fruit groves. I remember from last year, the random fruit stalls selling all kinds of stonefruit, so am looking forward to seeing ( and eating ) this along the way.

We were so glad to see this little gem of a lunch spot - abar literally in the middle of nowhere, but set up so beautifully- hammocks, soft grass, great funky misuc and a Barbeque to die for..

Yes.. My obsession with these mountain homes is becoming a problem- but I love them!

Passing the Cherry trees laden with fruit.. Just ummm.. Checking them.

The sweet sight of Villafranca. Truely gorgeous town nestled into the arms of the mountains.

So so close now. After Billafranca the track took us along the toad- long and noisy and yuck.. Not a greatvway to end the day. So glad to get into our Albergue.

Morgan is doing a fantastic job as trek leader. Here he is planning the next few days.