Beautiful day into Tricastella

If there was a more perfect day to walk on the camino, I havent come across it. 

With 142 km to go, we were in high spirits. The area we are going through has route markers with the milsge clicking down ascwe ho. Such a huge buzz to see it.

Photos below of our beautiful walk in the sunshine. Such gorgeous forested paths and open tracks. Perfect , as the kids noted , for another horse ride.. He he he.. I have them hooked. 

It seems impossible our trek is nearly over. I'm looking forward to getting to Santiago... But not. Im so proud of my two. We've been up and down.. But its been together.

Voted best day yet!!!! Horses Horses Horses

There are some things, that when you are presented with them, you need to roll with them and work everything round it to make it happen . 

I had heard rumours that there were short term horse treks available, but extensive google searches only got me the details of entire camino treks on horses... So I had to be content to dream of returning one day to do that... Till we started to see signs. ( graffitti on road signs ) saying. "Horses .. 10 km" and counting down the Kms.

By the time we had arrived (3 pm) they had done thier last trek ip the Pilgrim Breaker . So I immediatly booked into the next morning.. I can safely say I hardly slept all night. We sent our bags forward to the Albergue we planned to stay in and set off in the mist to find our steads.

The photos are a bit out of order, but you'll get the gist.

Lilly was over the moon to be on a grey pony, Morgan was very nervous and reluctant, but came as he dodnt want to walk by himself, and I didnt care.. I was ON A HORSE.. ( does lufe get any better?? I dont think so!!)

Here the hotse wrangler brings in some horses. They were all well groomed, obviously well looked after and cared for and extremely even tempered. As a horsey hirl, I was concerned about the safety of the tack, but didn't need to worry, it was all well oiled and in good repair. The owners were casual but very mindful of safety without being redicilois.

I have to say, I was so impressed with the owners. A dad and daughter team came with us on foot... A huge effort alone as its a strenuous climb - and thry might do this three times a day.. Phew!!

The father calmed Morgan and led him for about 50 feet, but saw he had ridden a little before and unclipped the lead and told him to get ridding. After about half an hour, Morgan didnt stop grinning. I could hear hom in the background saying, this is so awesome mummy!  This is the best thing ever!  It made my heart sing.. He even asked afterwards what we 'd need to do to do the whole pilgrimage on horseback.. Hmm food for thought as I know Julie snd Mirriam have already said they want to do this!!

I have a bunch of shots below of the trek, through forest tracks, up steep rocky trails and into the misty mountains. 

OCebriero is the most remote place of the entire Camino. It was so breathtaking, so beautiful. I'm super impressed with the kids. Several hours on a horse and not a winge or concern. They handled them well.

A well deserved mug of thick hot chocolate waited for us at the end.

This was an experience I know I'll keep on my heart and mind for many years.

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.