It´s Started

Pamplona, Saturday 30th April

It has begun. For so long I´ve dreamed of this walk. I´ve researched and scanned the guides. I´ve read of the happenings of others as they´ve progressed. but it was always their walk. Now it´s mine. This is my Camino, and the places I´ve read about for so long are now materialising, the friendships that others spoke so easily of are happening for me and, best of all, my hope and expectation of drawing closer to God is already underway.

I arrived in Pamplona on Thursday ( I think it was!) afternoon after a delightful train journey from Madrid. I was fortunate to locate and book the evening bus to Roncesvalles, from where I planned to start the walk.

The reports of fellowship and friendship flowing on the Camino are not mis-represented. In the two days of walking so far, and the afternoons of finding accommodation, settling in and washing as necessary, with the evenings of finding the evening meal of ¨menu del dia¨ (menu of the day, the most excellent value three course meal) interaction with others of so many nations is happening, and it´s wonderful.

But I sense God´s sense of humour very much at work. The very first person I spoke to on the Camino was a lady who spoke English with a charming Spanish accent, but who now lives on Bundanoon. Can you believe this? I traverse the globe, arriving at a village many haven´t heard of, to begin a walk which is also a mystery to many, hoping to meet and walk with new friends from many nations, and the first person I speak with lives about two hours drive from home. I see this as God´s sense of humour at work. I also sense Him speaking to me saying something like: ¨My boy, we are going to have fun on this walk. You have said you want to get closer to me, and that will happen. We are going to enjoy each other´s company. You will be delighted by events. Some will even surprise you. So, relax and enjoy our time together.¨ You know, I´m doing that already.

The sign post at Roncesvalles said: Santiago 790 Km. After two days, it´s down to about 750Km. But this isn´t important. What matters is to enjoy each day, and they´ve been most enjoyable. From the cool mountain start through delightful countryside of lush green vegetation, rippling streams  and gently flowing rivers, picturesque mountain villages, to the medieval wonder of the city of Pamplona, and the easy going nature of the Spanish people - I´m having a great time.

May it continue so. Adios for now.