"Heaven in a wildflower..."


In the past few days, we have joined the Camino Frances in Melide and are now staying in a small pension 10 km from  Santiago de Compostela. We have planned for a short walk tomorrow so that we don't  arrive in Santiago too exhausted! 


Despite reading about the change in atmosphere when one gets within 100km of Santiago, I don't think any of us were prepared for the mental adjustment required. From weeks of walking in nature in relative solitude, the sudden crowds of pilgrims on the last stages are quite overwhelming. Many people do the last 100km as this is the minimum distance required to get the official Compostela. It is definitely easy to feel judgemental and superior when one sees big tour groups and people shipping their giant suitcases between albergues and lots of shiny, little- used technical clothing! However, there is also a  degree of excitement as everyone gets closer to Santiago and the mood is quite infectious. The path has become much easier with less steep inclines and descents and we now can easily do 20km in a morning, whereas the same distance in the Asturian section of the Primitivo took the better part of a day.  The vegetation has changed too - now more Mediterranean with grapes and lavender and the air thick with jasmine.

For Douglas Adams fans...



The children remain grounding and their laughter when I am getting decidedly impatient with people on the path helps keep things in perspective. Even when faced with a dusty crowded path, they still find excitement and wonder in little things. Nicky noticing the different shades of green in the cypress lining the road, Christopher hunting for salamanders and newts, Sophie pointing out bracken fronds shaped like a heart. They all use the Seek app to identify plants and animals, and were utterly delighted to identify " Dog Vomit Slime Mould" growing on the edge of the path.

"Dog Vomit Slime Mould" !!!!!


One of the best parts of this whole experience has been the simple act of slowing down and seeing the world from a walking pace.  Just a few words which have surfaced in my mind as we notice the little things:


"To see a World in a Grain of Sand

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower 

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand 

And Eternity in an hour…"

   

                     William Blake


Tomorrow ….Santiago de Compostela! 


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