ensuitepilgrim's Blog

“For me there is only the traveling on paths that have heart, on any path that may have heart, and the only worthwhile challenge is to traverse its full length–and there I travel looking, looking breathlessly.” 

Landed in Seville, in good time; took the airport bus in to the city and followed excellent directions to the Backpackers Hostel, in the Triana district, close to the Camino.Friendly, well equipped  place.

We took a short stroll to the Seville Camino Confraternity Office,having a beer, en route,in the Triana district,just below the Punta Isabell II ; lively, with families beginning the evening Paseo. We received a warm welcome in the Pilgrim Office,where we bought the English Guide,badges and de la Plata T-Shirt! All for a good cause…

Walked back, passing Flamenco Boutiques. 

And alleyways giving a grim reminder of the past. 

  After an enjoyable meal,we were thinking of our preparations for the First Stage,given rain was forecast.

However, the next morning was bright and we set off through quiet streets, stopping at a Mural,depicting the Camino, with a 1000 Km sign to Santiago. 

     We walked through quite uninteresting scenery and after an hour and a half were glad of our first coffee stop, plus two of Hannah’s chocolate special cakes.

  We reached Santiponce,once dominated by the San Isidoro del Campo Monastery; then past the Roman site of Italica,the most enjoyable part of the walk,so far. 

 Orange Trees, then fields of young  wheat and Olive Trees before we followed the sign to Guillena; arriving just as the promised rain began to fall,with thunder echoing in the distance. 

   We reached Hostal Bar Frances and got a Pelegrino deal of bed, breakfast and evening meal for €30.00 each!

Ihave lived with shades so long, 
And talked to them so oft, 
Since forth from cot and croft 
I went mankind among, 
   That sometimes they 
   In their dim style 
   Will pause awhile 

   To hear my say;

 Thomas Hardy

Easter Monday and down to Dorset for a break in the Campervan,as the weather was so promising.

An initial scare as there was a fuel leak, which meant a long stop on the M40 verge awaiting a repair.

Eventually reached the campsite, 4 miles out of Poole,with a bus stop at the gate.

Bus stops are very important because the “Bus” can be left and travelling locally is always interesting.

Poole Old Town and Quay were very interesting; a working port as well as the usual trips round the Bay,etc.

We ski enjoyed a riverside picnic and village trail at Wareham; taking the train from Poole.

View from Poole Station:- After a  visit to St Peter’s Finger, the local Pub, it was a BBQ,back at the site.

The next day we walked a 10 mile,self- guided trail, from Poole to the Jurassic coast,returning by the aforementioned local bus,from Swanage. It was with great reluctance we retuned home on Thursday,but at least the journey was uneventful!

The last few days given over to gardening and Allotment work, plus packing and weighing of my rucksack,to keep it below the 10 KG threshold.

On Monday,13th,Barbara & Hannah fly off the the Canary Islands for a week.

On Tuesday, I fly down to Seville , with Mac, to begin our walk along the Camino,Via de la a Plata on Wednesday.

After having to cancel my participation last May,nearly a year on, after surgery,recuperation and training ( of a sort); a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.Thankfull,given the last year, to be going…..Forth, pilgrim, forth! Forth, beast, out of your stall!

Know your country: look up, thank God for all;

Hold the high way, and let your spirit steer,

And truth shall deliver you, have no fear. Chaucer.

And, with Mac for company, we shall not be short of new companions along the way…

“The footprints of those who walked together never vanish”.   “Ultreia” 

If you search “Easter ” on YouTube,you can find  this sequence.The Bunny Song,I mean…

Rabbits,Lambs,Chicks  have managed to obscure and Disneyfy  Easter;making it as palatable as your M & S Easter Egg. Google “LATINOS POST” for some interesting stuff on this!

The most important Feast of the Church Year – bursting out of the tomb, versus the virgin birth – Faith?

Well, I digress,  because I have been waiting for a call to hospital , a telescopic procedure through the Stoma, to check on bottom- end Kidney function – blood test three weeks ago,so presumption is no urgency….No call,yet!

Too late now as a trip,to Dorset is planned from Easter Monday, for three nights in the motorhome.dry,mild weather forecast.

TRAINING :- have been walking regularly, with 80% weight in rucksack – now becoming impatient with the routine and just wanting to get started – not found the carriage a problem, so far, but distances from Seville,plus temperatures will raise the bar!

The minutiae of packing the rucksack is an ongoing saga of ” chuck that ; include that”.over 300 km, a kilogram will make a difference.

Benefits so far have been,using the Pacerpoles bought two months ago – posture , balance and stride.Carrying some weight on the back and listening to the I-Pod.Additional weight of two KG, ie litres of water,minimum,will add to pack weight,but will lessen as the day proceeds.

Less than a fortnight to go- so this Holy Day ( for some  )  Happy Easter 

“Let every man and woman count himself immortal.  Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection.  Let him say not merely, “Christ is risen,” but “I shall rise.”  ~Phillips Brooks – And walk on…

https://youtu.be/jgjK2ITm_eM Neil Young, “Walk On”