Packing up the Pieces

The world can seem so messy these days. There’s so much unnecessary sadness, suffering, and heaviness.

Today, I choose to lean into the light.

To the guardian angels who show up in unexpected places and unlikely forms to a little dog who is so happy simply existing and walking in the forest. From the cool waters of the stream to the smell of mint on the trail.

Today, I bathe in gratitude and breathe in the mountain air a little deeper ✨

Happy Birthday to my Babe 🐾

You turn 4 today. ✨ From the mountains of Mexico, to the bluffs of Wisconsin, to the Rias of Galicia, and all the places we have left to go. I am so happy you chose me.

It’s not easy and we both have our quirks. But, we are learning to navigate this little life together. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

To my big soul, Donaji 🐾💙

“Well, there’s something about the mountain air they say’s good for your soul
And I say home is not a place. It’s where your heart feels its most whole
And I remember the way that wind brushed across my face I was home
I was home

I’d been blurring lines, feeling anxious I suppose
Nearly lost my mind, but with open eyes I know
And I don’t need to drown it out

‘Cause I’m happy here and now

Never know where your life’s gonna take you
‘Til it brings you home”

~ Lyrics by Chance Peña 💙

Day 8: Cisteirna - Gradefes

A short and sweet day. The route follows a mixture of forest and farmland with stops in small villages with no services.

I saw a sign in Spanish that reads… Now, we leave the mountains behind us, and I felt a twinge of sadness.

It was mostly flat so I made great timing. Even with sleeping in I made it to my destination earlier than I expected.

At one point, it felt I could be hiking anywhere in Wisconsin. I passed by tractors, dairy cows, and even cat tails blooming near the water source. I saw many sunflower fields, but many of them were past season and dying.

I arrived in Gradefes to a festival in the Monastery. The small town was busy and I saw buses moving people to and from. I stopped at two of the busy bars only to find out I had to register at one to get the albergue key.

Again, I am the only pilgrim at the albergue and haven’t run into one since Potes.

I went in to visit the 12th century Monastery. It’s free for pilgrims.

Tomorrow I’m going to try to make it all the way to Leon, another long day.

🥾14.3 miles
⌚️under 5 hours