LIVE from the Camino The Nomad Pack - On the move!

[laineylainey]

and isn't it lovely that our replies are also in the same style as Nomad - direct, simple and most of all sincere.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Wow what a day....

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Annette london]

Wow what a day....

Go on then!
Have a beer and a rest first and we'll be waiting!!
I showed the grandchildren the pictures of the animals
Now they want to see more!!

 

[Nomad Pack]

Its very difficult to get them to all line up like that and stay.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Go on then!
Have a beer and a rest first and we'll be waiting!!
I showed the grandchildren the pictures of the animals
Now they want to see more!!

I'm on the second beer now and about to have my first pizza in months
Will write when back in the tent....

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Do you have to share the pizza with all the kids?☺

 

[Nomad Pack]

Do you have to share the pizza with all the kids?☺

Oh no, the pizza didn't make it back to camp, only the cardboard box which Buddha spent half an hour trying to open to get at the bits of cheese stuck there. Its awesome to camp with a pizzeria and bar 50 meters away

 

[Nomad Pack]

Well we made it all the way to comillas. Although for all the hardcore pilgrims you could say I cheated. The day yesterday as I've said was like the great flood and knowing what cantabria is like I knew that anything that wasn't made of stone would sink very quickly, especially a packed donkey. She's actually carrying about 10 kilos less than when we first started as there's no point having the extra food I take for the mountains, too many bars and shops on the Camino. Anyway, we chose to take the road which is I think about 6 or 7 kilometers less than the zig zagging Camino. Vannii was on a mission today, she was walking much faster than normal and was most likely because of the 2 nights at the albergue without exercise. Or because she smelt the bakery 7 kilometers away that was destined to give her more bread than any of us could carry. I spent all last evening on the porch with the animals leaving the 3 pilgrims to dry the clothes and recuperate after their ordeal through that rain. I didn't feel sorry for the couple from Madrid who complained the whole time, what did they expect? The new French guy didnt complain once, he had flew into Santander and started his Camino on the worst day possible. We went to the bar for a drink and I answered all his Camino questions with might just rival the forum here. The bells on the university in comillas just rang for ten o'clock a beautiful melody.
At midnight I snuck in and it was like a furnace inside, they had got an electric halogen heater and covered it with clothes before going to sleep. I took them off and hanged them before the building burnt down which surely would have happened, the hospitalo is a German woman who was in a massive panic when she came an hour late to open the albergue I had already "opened". She spent an hour talking and complaining with the Spanish couple about the days weather and the chaos in town and the rest of cantabria. You could see the fear being worked into the pilgrims whilst I translated for the French guy. I told her several times this was normal in winter here but she thought she knew better after 6 months here... I made sure afterwards the pilgrims had nothing to fear, they wouldn't drown. Just get wet. So... I went into the other room to sleep alone with the window open so nomad could stick his head through to say hello.
I was up at 6am for my last hot shower as I left all the hot water for the other pilgrims that night. And by 9am we stopped at the hotel near the camping for a coffee and for Vanni to get some much needed breakfast. We started along the road ignoring the Camino sign's wanting to make up some distance for the days hiding. Vanni was in turbo mode, even the dogs were surprised by her unusual eagerness. It made sense after 7 kilometers, in this distance was quite a bit of smoke and this faint burnt bread smell, as I got closer I could see lots of smoke coming out of the chimney but it looked like it was coming out the windows as well. A big sign outside said pandarie with a few people stood outside so I pulled over and after asking I'd it was open I went into a large antigue open room and a giant fired bread oven a man was feeding wood into. Stacks of fresh bread were everywhere and I asked for one loaf for me and two banquettes for mi burros. The baker got a big paper bag and filled it with a selection of 15 breads all still warm from the oven. I told him it was too much weight and just a few would make me happy. He then wanted to give me a second bag saying now it balance on the donkey. Hahaha, well yes it would balance, but 20 kilos of bread is not healthy for a donkey. I thanked him and stuck to my one bag of 15 still wondering what I was going to do with it all. Well vannii and nomad spent the next 30 minutes munching through half of it and I split the rest between Vanni and me. I'll skip to the end for now as I'm about to fall asleep. I'm camped in the gardens of the hotel comillas, it looks very posh but like every other hotel here it is closed for some reason. I don't think they ever had in mind to cater for campers but I gave them little choice, I must be the first person to camp in their garden, plus the donkeys. Nobody has bothered me so they either haven't noticed or don't care. But the rest of the town knew I was here. And the bar inhabitants congratulated me for going to Santiago with my donkeys even though I told them otherwise. Goodnight for now

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[igailfh]

Marvellous! I can see more of the photos tonight. How is the foal coping with the long walk?

 

[laineylainey]

View attachment 51333

very photogenic and great pose!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

View attachment 51333

This picture of Buddha is so cute I could pinch his cheeks! Do you think he'd let me?

 

[Annette london]

This picture of Buddha is so cute I could pinch his cheeks! Do you think he'd let me?

DOGS HAVE MASTERS
CATS HAVE SLAVES!
Our cat certainly does.....this is her house....we just live here!

And the way Buddas looking down his nose at the rest of us definitely confirms this.
Kind of a haughty look and as laineylainey said...what poise
He is gorgeous

 

[Theatregal]

I'm enjoying your photos and following along with your journey so much! Thank you Nomad Pack for sharing your adventure with us all!

 

[Nomad Pack]

So here come the photos, took loads today for you guys especially of Buddha, tonight we are under the church roof of la acebosa just past San vincente. Too much to write about so will try and be brief so you have photos before the battery dies, but you will get a full "story" when I'm at the house next week. I came into San vincente along the beach and as we approached back onto the road there was a cow market in process, loads of market stands selling all the animal things I like but so many people I only tried to pass by. The police stopped the cars for me and directed me along the edge of the market, we stopped quickly to get some churos at a stand and people were crowding round with the cameras, I put puppy's muzzle on just in case someone got too close and lost their hand... Things happen as I write, an elderly couple just came with hot soup, bread and a Spanish omellet just cooked. So have to be even briefer right now, the priest came and the church had a service as normal on Saturday 6pm. I'm sleeping right outside the door so I attended the service with the 5 elderly people there. Two of them just bought me the food, I feel overwhelmed each time this happens, its very rare or just simply becuase I'm rarely in populated places.... Wish I could keep telling you about it but this is hot food
I'm adding the photos as I eat, first up the meal they just bought me...

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

So I'll try and keep them in order

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Purky]

Enjoy your meal!

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

He's been running free most of the day and loved his first time on the beach, wouldn't stop rolling in the sand then galloping up and down whilst the rest of us walked

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

Was difficult to take photos with all the people and trying to stop both donkeys eating the cakes on the stand whilst I got a brown bag of hot churos

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

I walked all the way along the road and across the bridge into San vincente between the groups of cows and horses, we were part of the parade by accidental timing. 100s of cars were trailing behind us all and I'm probably in the local news aswell now by all the pictures taken of us.

 

[laineylainey]

So here come the photos, took loads today for you guys especially of Buddha, tonight we are under the church roof of la acebosa just past San vincente. Too much to write about so will try and be brief so you have photos before the battery dies, but you will get a full "story" when I'm at the house next week. I came into San vincente along the beach and as we approached back onto the road there was a cow market in process, loads of market stands selling all the animal things I like but so many people I only tried to pass by. The police stopped the cars for me and directed me along the edge of the market, we stopped quickly to get some churos at a stand and people were crowding round with the cameras, I put puppy's muzzle on just in case someone got too close and lost their hand... Things happen as I write, an elderly couple just came with hot soup, bread and a Spanish omellet just cooked. So have to be even briefer right now, the priest came and the church had a service as normal on Saturday 6pm. I'm sleeping right outside the door so I attended the service with the 5 elderly people there. Two of them just bought me the food, I feel overwhelmed each time this happens, its very rare or just simply becuase I'm rarely in populated places.... Wish I could keep telling you about it but this is hot food
I'm adding the photos as I eat, first up the meal they just bought me...

Just receive Nomad, just receive. Great story.

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

I'm always the last to rest... Enjoy the photos, heavy rain tomorrow morning so doubt I'll be able to take many. Were gonna push through it even if it means getting soaked, roofs are so easy to find now.... And as I'm writing this I've just been bought desert in the form of a hot spungy cake from a man and his boy who came to feed the donkeys bread just as the church service ended... Wow wow what another day. Its a shame it has to rain tomorrow. I'm feeling so much love and gratitude towards these people. Now Buddha is trying to steal the cake... He had tuna and cat cookies so no chances , sorry Buddha.

 

[Annette london]

I'm always the last to rest... Enjoy the photos, heavy rain tomorrow morning so doubt I'll be able to take many. Were gonna push through it even if it means getting soaked, roofs are so easy to find now.... And as I'm writing this I've just been bought desert in the form of a hot spungy cake from a man and his boy who came to feed the donkeys bread just as the church service ended... Wow wow what another day. Its a shame it has to rain tomorrow. I'm feeling so much love and gratitude towards these people. Now Buddha is trying to steal the cake... He had tuna and cat cookies so no chances , sorry Buddha.

Thank you so much for such great photos
You are surrounded by so many kind people ...and the animals and yourself look so happy
Am so pleased for you
And I can't stop chuckling at Buddha the cat
My husband said "That is SOME cat"

Also this is getting ridiculous......I've never watched a thread so much.......nor posted so many replies .....I need to get some housework done and clean up the joint!
Annette

 

[Nomad Pack]

Its a bit like that poisonous snake you must have survived, sometimes it gets you and Buddha has his moods.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Marvellous! I can see more of the photos tonight. How is the foal coping with the long walk?

Donkeys naturally will walk long distances everyday in search of food but to be more specific well, he's doing more than perfect. He is free when the road is quiet so he can run and explore but also so he can graze along the way. He goes from favourite pant to another and when he realises were 100 meters down the road he'll come galloping to catch up. Even though he is 8 months he is still drinking milk from vannii, its up to her when to stop feeding him, but its good as the extra milk just increases his vitality. Normally donkeys are weaned at 4-6 months, at least in Spain.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

View attachment 51364

Is this a photo of you, Nomad? I always envisioned you as a rather big guy, managing all those animals, but guess I was wrong!

 

[Nomad Pack]

Is this a photo of you, Nomad? I always envisioned you as a rather big guy, managing all those animals, but guess I was wrong!

Only me or my partner can stand next to puppy, anyone else will have a hand removed. The strength with animals is all in the mind.

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

The hospitality of people is amazing, today has been cut short......

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The hospitality of people is amazing, today has been cut short......

I'll say, the hospitality has been amazing! In the USA a cat would never be allowed on the table at a cafe!

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[Nomad Pack]

Who can guess where were hiding?

 

[Nomad Pack]

I'll say, the hospitality has been amazing! In the USA a cat would never be allowed on the table at a cafe!

Buddha doesn't ask permission and that's what I love about Spain.
I always wanted to live in North America since travelling around Canada, we may have the history in Europa but not the abundance of truly wild nature, but I never thought the rules you seem to have there are so strict, what happened? Land of the free?
Seems like the nomad pack is needed across the pond.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Baissier getting dry after practically swimming our short 5km walk. Now only 30km left.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Hiding from the storm

 

[Nomad Pack]

 

[laineylainey]

Can't get the photos the last couple of days...??

 

[laineylainey]

Oh here they come!

 

[anivid]

Just lo-o-ove this thread
am a cat person - and would like to ask, do cats have to be trained from kittens to be following you like that ??
All the Best to yourself and your loyal crew

 

[Nomad Pack]

Oh here they come!

The thread is getting slow for me as well without the 4g signal

 

[laineylainey]

View attachment 51435

what a cat does best -a luxurious snooze - love it

 

[laineylainey]

View attachment 51440
Baissier getting dry after practically swimming our short 5km walk. Now only 30km left.

what a good looking dog.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Just lo-o-ove this thread
am a cat person - and would like to ask, do cats have to be trained from kittens to be following you like that ??
All the Best to yourself and your loyal crew

Well my partner says I have a "don con animales"
To me, its just about learning their language and the natural way they behave. Cats are naturally solitary, especially full males like Buddha. But yes, your certainly right, if you observe how kittens behave, how they follow Mama or stay and hide in one spot, you can take advantage of this when they are young. Most kittens will look to the human as protector and teacher when taken from their mother. In the wild, kittens stay with mama much longer than the short 8 weeks humans decide is enough. So having 8 week old Buddha come with us hiking sitting on my shoulder or walking, naturally he does this. We actually left him by accident once near Madrid in a desolate farmers field, I had driven half way back to Valencia when we realised he wasn't in the car. I knew it would be alright and after 2 hours going back the moment will pulled up to where we had slept, Buddha meowed then hopped out of the tree. I've never had a cat without it being a kitten first so no experience but I would think its possible if you make a strong bond, but having an animal from a baby is the strongest bond you can make.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Buenas tardes peregrinos, my mind has gone fuzzy, the days are blurred together and it seems like forever since we left the house. The past few days have been crazy, vannii being in turbo mode has meant we are ahead of schedule, not that we have one. I've given her and the harness a full check to make sure it wasn't something disturbing her, but no. She is perfect and nothing is rubbing or poking her. Donkeys are notoriously tough and show very little signs of distress when in pain so you have to look for other possible sign's. I think its because she's in heat, this happens about every 25 days. So I think I said I'd carry on writing from some point but I'm too tired right now but I'll do today's short walk as nothing much happened, then I'm walking to the bar, perdona no espanol is all I'm saying tonight as otherwise they won't stop talking to me, plus its always interesting to know what they say when they think I don't understand. We rose at 9am this morning, the wind had been high since about 3am with some rain but nothing touched us. I put one of the bracelets I make as a thank you into the tupperware of the soup from the elderly couple and then after waiting for dry spot in the clouds we set of covered in our waterproofs. Buddha was more than happy to be undercover, he had spent most of the night inside the sleeping bags as the wind coming off the snow capped Pico's was icey. Within 5 minutes we were soaked, then the hail stones started flying and vannii doesn't like being hit in the head by ice so we turned our backs to the wind and stood there on the road for half an hour protecting our heads with the umbrella. After we carried on and 5km later we floated into serdio. The priest from last night came to the church just as I arrived and told me after the service he would leave me the key for the metal gates so I could sleep under the roof. The bar is opposite the church so I put the donkeys in the park to eat, tied the dogs under some cover and me and Buddha went to the bar for our late morning cafe. Which turned into the meal of the day 5 minutes later when I smelt the soup. I had just started eating my beans when a lady came and sat down at my table. She told me everything had been prepared for my arrival and that she knew I was coming since comillas. She expected me the night before and discovered I'd chosen the church instead. She runs the albergue muni here and told me its all open and she had put the heating on for me this morning so it was warm when I arrived. The donkey's have free range in the garden, the gate was fixed yesterday for me. The dogs are welcome to sleep with me although puppy remains downstairs behind the metal gate until I go to bed. Don't want a pilgrim opening the door up stairs to find puppy on the other side, they wouldn't make it to Santiago if that happened, so behind the gate he can keep an eye on the donkeys and nobody can come in unless I'm here.
In this village seems the dogs are all loose. I've counted 8 different dogs being chased away by vannii this afternoon.
So I've been lucky to avoid the heavy rain today, if not for the lady coming to find me I would have carried on to columbres and we'd be looking for a roof. And its good for you guys too, its only around 30km to Llanes but now I've added an extra night to the trip.
Going to the bar now, I'll answer any questions for the next couple of hours then once the pack is settled I can finally sleep.

 

[laineylainey]

I agree this is not only a great human experience story but for me a great educational thread about animals and our relationship with them, thanks.

 

[laineylainey]

As Annette has said before, this is more than a journal, it's a book that people will be inspired by to walk el Camino verdad (imo!)

 

[Nomad Pack]

I'm glad to be of service, although I hope anyone who is inspired to walk with a donkey will contact me first, I'll take anyone interested on a short Camino with the donkeys so they can understand what's involved. I guess I make it sound easy but that's only after much experience. 80% of my time when not walking is taking care of the animals, this isn't something neasily possible unless you also have a lot of experience camping etc. Even if I go to a bar I'm often running back to check the animals are OK and not being disturbed. I've only been able to stay in these two munis because its winter, otherwise there would be too many pilgrims pestering the donkeys. But for me, to do the Camino or any other walking without the pack seems sooooo boring. Without all the extra things I have to do everyday and the constant companionship it wouldn't be interesting. And it would be very lonely, the pack gives me more than any person can, bar one

 

[laineylainey]

It seems to me you are connected to all things and because of that you never walk alone.

 

[Annette london]

I'm glad to be of service, although I hope anyone who is inspired to walk with a donkey will contact me first, I'll take anyone interested on a short Camino with the donkeys so they can understand what's involved. I guess I make it sound easy but that's only after much experience. 80% of my time when not walking is taking care of the animals, this isn't something neasily possible unless you also have a lot of experience camping etc. Even if I go to a bar I'm often running back to check the animals are OK and not being disturbed. I've only been able to stay in these two munis because its winter, otherwise there would be too many pilgrims pestering the donkeys. But for me, to do the Camino or any other walking without the pack seems sooooo boring. Without all the extra things I have to do everyday and the constant companionship it wouldn't be interesting. And it would be very lonely, the pack gives me more than any person can, bar one

Hi NP
When you lived in the abandoned house on the Picos...which you described earlier ...were you very isolated, or were there nearby villages?
Did you live there during the winter also?
How did your wife cope with the isolation and did she help you with minding the cows .....Also how do you both envisage the future, including your long term future?

Oh and by the way, is your wife reading all this???

Questions...questions ...looks like laineylainey is right......us Irish are nosey...but interested too!!
Your lives are so different from the rest of us..and although hard at times I guess, there is a fulfilment that most people never experience.
And in all my years working, I never heard anyone say at the end "I wish I'd spent more time in the office"!!
Mostly, it was regret for not enjoying life a little bit more
So Good for you and your family.
Annette

 

[Finisterre]

I love the way people want to be helpful.
It's an inspiring thread. So positive.
Thank you for keeping it coming.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Can't get the photos the last couple of days...??

Me neither!

 

[Anamiri]

I'll say, the hospitality has been amazing! In the USA a cat would never be allowed on the table at a cafe!

In the suburb we live in it has a very beachy/holiday feel with cafes facing the beach - flipflops and barefeet are the norm. It seems everyone has a dog, and all cafes allow them at the outside tables, one also allows them inside, and has hitching hooks for people to pop the leads over. All the cafes give out dog treats, and most tables will have a dog relaxing after a swim or walk at the beach. I love that casualness. Cross the bridge into the city and its very different. We sometimes take our cat down for breakfast. We put her in a carry bag to keep her safe from all the dogs, she just pokes her head out and watches, and almost no-one notices her. Then sits on our knees while we eat, and gets a bit of bacon from the waiter. She is a ragdoll and we've taken her with us since a kitten, and there are shops we have to go into for regular visits and cuddles. But she would absolutely NOT ride on a donkey.
I dont even know how my dogs would react to a donkey, they're rather unsure about horses.
What a wonderful life you have.

 

[Anamiri]

Me neither!

I found if I right click they will open in a separate tab.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi Annette, I have all the same questions, too, but am not Irish! I love this thread, and thank you, NP for documenting your travels for all of us to enjoy. Don't stress over it however, no apologies needed when it doesn't work out to post.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I found if I right click they will open in a separate tab.

The photos finally showed up on their own, but thank you for the tip!

 

[jsalt]

I guess I make it sound easy but that's only after much experience.

I am so enjoying your thread and the photos, thank you for posting. Much respect .
Jill

 

[anivid]

Donkeys ?? - I met a couple with very sweet donkeys here in the neighborhood of Andorra - they were preparing for a walk in Finland, and were building a sort of sleigh (what the finnish are calling a 'pulk') for the donkeys to pull in the snow.
Sorry, not much to do with the camino, however nevertheless parallel

 

[donalomahony]

Thank you, NP, this thread is shortening my Winter.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Hi NP
When you lived in the abandoned house on the Picos...which you described earlier ...were you very isolated, or were there nearby villages?
Did you live there during the winter also?
How did your wife cope with the isolation and did she help you with minding the cows .....Also how do you both envisage the future, including your long term future?

Oh and by the way, is your wife reading all this???

Questions...questions ...looks like laineylainey is right......us Irish are nosey...but interested too!!
Your lives are so different from the rest of us..and although hard at times I guess, there is a fulfilment that most people never experience.
And in all my years working, I never heard anyone say at the end "I wish I'd spent more time in the office"!!
Mostly, it was regret for not enjoying life a little bit more
So Good for you and your family.
Annette

Hi Annette,
So the abandoned house we were living in was near Laredo, we found it during our trip from Andorra when we wanted a good rest and we ended up staying. The village was only 2km along the river past a farm, the house was solitary next to the river and a gravel track going up into the mountain's. There was a stream going along the bottom of the land so our drinking water was always natural. Its was bonito. But I always remain isolated, its how I am. I've lived there during the winter alone whilst my partner was with her mama down south. She's just like me and much prefers the isolation.
So I'm moving to my friends house so I'm closer to the Pico's, next door in fact. It will be easier to cement myself as a shepherd there and get a permanent contract for the ongoing summers. I want more experience and I hope to find a pastor who can continue to teach me before I start work in May/June. I have to keep building trust with the local farmers as their cows are worth a lot of money and they can and do die in the mountains. Whether by illness or wolves, the Shepherd must try to bring them all back down safe and well at the end of the season. My partner is doing a mountain guide course right now so hopefully when she's finished in June she can get a job in the Pico's too. Then for once in our lives earning money won't be such a struggle. (I hate money, its the cause of all of the problems humanity has, and I think we can find a better way to trade and prosper)
I don't think my partner is reading this, she thinks I should stay "under the radar" but I'm not that bothered by people knowing what I do, I only have to turn off my tablet to disconnect from the world. I just want to earn money to make a better life for my family, but I can't work with other people trying to direct me, its just not possible and causes me great stress as I find my own and usually better way of doing things. Maybe I get rich writing a book haha

 

[Nomad Pack]

Donkeys ?? - I met a couple with very sweet donkeys here in the neighborhood of Andorra - they were preparing for a walk in Finland, and were building a sort of sleigh (what the finnish are calling a 'pulk') for the donkeys to pull in the snow.
Sorry, not much to do with the camino, however nevertheless parallel View attachment 51468

That sounds fun, don't worry I'm not much to do with the Camino either, for me all paths are the same.

 

[Nomad Pack]

Thank you, NP, this thread is shortening my Winter.

No problem, enjoy the winters we have, for our world will change dramatically sooner or later.
https://cometresearchgroup.org

 

[laineylainey]

The photos finally showed up on their own, but thank you for the tip!

same for me!

 

[Annette london]

Hi Annette,
So the abandoned house we were living in was near Laredo, we found it during our trip from Andorra when we wanted a good rest and we ended up staying. The village was only 2km along the river past a farm, the house was solitary next to the river and a gravel track going up into the mountain's. There was a stream going along the bottom of the land so our drinking water was always natural. Its was bonito. But I always remain isolated, its how I am. I've lived there during the winter alone whilst my partner was with her mama down south. She's just like me and much prefers the isolation.
So I'm moving to my friends house so I'm closer to the Pico's, next door in fact. It will be easier to cement myself as a shepherd there and get a permanent contract for the ongoing summers. I want more experience and I hope to find a pastor who can continue to teach me before I start work in May/June. I have to keep building trust with the local farmers as their cows are worth a lot of money and they can and do die in the mountains. Whether by illness or wolves, the Shepherd must try to bring them all back down safe and well at the end of the season. My partner is doing a mountain guide course right now so hopefully when she's finished in June she can get a job in the Pico's too. Then for once in our lives earning money won't be such a struggle. (I hate money, its the cause of all of the problems humanity has, and I think we can find a better way to trade and prosper)
I don't think my partner is reading this, she thinks I should stay "under the radar" but I'm not that bothered by people knowing what I do, I only have to turn off my tablet to disconnect from the world. I just want to earn money to make a better life for my family, but I can't work with other people trying to direct me, its just not possible and causes me great stress as I find my own and usually better way of doing things. Maybe I get rich writing a book haha

Thank you so much for your reply
And yes, you are right about the money
And I could add materialism and the celebrity culture to that!
"Need! Vs "Want"

I think that this is one of the reasons that so many love walking the Camino ..a simpler existence for a time and carrying everything that they need in one bag!

Interestingly, I heard recently that the number of people entering contemplative religious orders has greatly increased in the last few years.

I hope that yourself and your family will enjoy the Picos now for a time.
A beautiful place indeed

We hiked there a few years ago around a long circuit including Vega de Ario and Cain..some hard walking but not sure if we could still manage it now.
And who knows, you just might make a bob or two with the book!!
And why not!
All the best
Annette

 

[Unie]

Thanks for the compliment about Ireland. I live in Fermanagh on the border with Eire and I love being Irish, most days. However one of the reasons I believe the rest of the world experience the Irish as friendly is due to our downright "nosiness" about other people!

laineylainey,
Again...you're spot on
We're the nosiness people in the world
My daughters go mad at me.....
Questions, questions ...stop asking people so many questions

However I do think also that's it's because we are actually interested in other people and where they come from etc etc
Then again....it might be just plain nosiness!!!

We went for a long walk today and every time I thought about this thread ...the storytelling and the animals, my face just lit up with a big smile ....

I've actually forwarded it to some family and friends ....
It's just too good to keep to ourselves!!!

We are a nosy bunch indeed, I’m sure it’s because we are tribal and have to slot you in and see where you fit, we always know someone you know and if not in the first 10 minutes then we’ll keep going until we do.....we sort of interrogate rather than ask subtle questions.

As a mad animal lover I love your connection with the animals Nomad.
May you all travel safe and find food and comfort wherever you are.