Love is Not For Sissies

In Europe, the Olympics have centered so far on the Biothon. This is the event wherein varying distances and terrain the participants participate in cross country skiing and accuracy in shooting a rifle. They have short distance events; long distance events; team events. At the end of EVERY one of these competitions, the skiers fall on the snow totally eclipsed of energy.  Got the picture. Shades of Jan and Ernest today after the trek.

We are NOT complaining. We LOVE it but this is not for sissies.

Eighty percent of the Day was spent in constant rain. Though the temperature remained in the 40’s and we dressed for that temperature. We climbed constantly the entire 8 miles. We climbed 1000 feet today. The exertion  raised our body temperatures drastically. We were constantly shedding layers in the rain.

The Basque region is much wealthier than the region of Galicia. The hospitality and congeniality is consistently gracious and kind in both regions. The terrain is absolutely stunning with steep emerald green pastures dotted with herds  of wooly sheep. Littered fog remained over the Pyrenees. Basques homes are painted white with deep red or green trim. The color of their flag. They are neat; well painted; substantial buildings. Chimney smoke pouring forth that assures us that a warm family resides inside.

Tomorrow we climb twice the altitude that we did today. The mileage is about the same. The sun rises at 7:58 a.m. No early start asan option. We will take it easier than today due to the constant climb. It is supposed to rain all day tomorrow, too.  We are grateful. Snow and ice might prove a game changer for these two days. We can handle rain.

Our “reflective “ thought came from our Father through Ernest today. We have been with young grandchildren this month. Ernest said that he has learned to look upon our days like these grands accompanying us on an outing. They are along for the ride. It is up to us to make sure that they are fed; get to the location okay; are safe.  Their job is to do what we say. Ernest said that he is learning to live life this way with our Father in charge. Be obedient and let Him take care of everything else.

Buen Camino