It’s finally raining! There’s not been a day since I started that has been less than 95 degrees, so this is welcome indeed. I’d even be happy to walk in the rain at this point.

I’m slowing down my mileage a little bit so that I can truly enjoy being here instead of cranking out the kilometers just to get done each day. The video below will explain more.

I’m thankful that at one week in that I have no signs of blisters…I’ve really dialed in my footwear and blister prevention routine. No significant joint pain either….a right hip and right knee that are stiffer than they need to be, but it’s workable.

One of my favorite things on the Camino is stopping into churches along the way. They’re almost always open for pilgrims to just walk in and say a prayer. I stopped in one in the little town of Puente La Reina this morning, and felt such a peaceful, encouraging Presence. I’ve not been involved in organized religion in any meaningful way for the past six years. Prior to that, nearly two decades of serving as a church musician under a choir director who treated me very poorly had me burnt out on the whole thing. I remain open to what insights the Camino will provide in this area…