- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
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Thank you so much Margaret,During this time of world-wide pandemic turmoil I seek solace in memory to comfort my tattered soul.
Although 10 caminos and more than 450 nights usually in albergues provide limitless recollections for which I am forever grateful, January 24, 2009, at Roncesvalles monastery on the Camino Frances was a very special stop to remember for a lifetime.
I had walked five hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery. Saw few people and no other pilgrims on the route; needed to ring the monastery bell for shelter .
As he opened the monastery door a surprised monk greeted me saying "Senora in weather like this!" When asked if I might stay the night he nodded and suggested I relax on a nearby bench while he would prepare tea.
Protected at last from the bone-chilling snow storm sitting in relative warmth felt euphoric; I would be the only pilgrim in the old winter albergue opposite the cloister entrance.
Sipping our soothing (hot!!) tea the monk and I shared a long philosophic chat pondering the
necessity of both courage and hope to overcome difficulty. He then stamped my Credential and kindly invited me to the traditional evening benediction.
As always it was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silvered sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and called me by name to stand with them at the altar.
In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time.
...May we all sense the courage and hope necessary to overcome the current difficulties and
...Might thankful crowds soon again stand for their blessing at that special altar during this Holy Year.
"...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Romans 5:3-4
Margaret Meredith
Thank you!During this time of world-wide pandemic turmoil I seek solace in memory to comfort my tattered soul.
Although 10 caminos and more than 450 nights usually in albergues provide limitless recollections for which I am forever grateful, January 24, 2009, at Roncesvalles monastery on the Camino Frances was a very special stop to remember for a lifetime.
I had walked five hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery. Saw few people and no other pilgrims on the route; needed to ring the monastery bell for shelter .
As he opened the monastery door a surprised monk greeted me saying "Senora in weather like this!" When asked if I might stay the night he nodded and suggested I relax on a nearby bench while he would prepare tea.
Protected at last from the bone-chilling snow storm sitting in relative warmth felt euphoric; I would be the only pilgrim in the old winter albergue opposite the cloister entrance.
Sipping our soothing (hot!!) tea the monk and I shared a long philosophic chat pondering the
necessity of both courage and hope to overcome difficulty. He then stamped my Credential and kindly invited me to the traditional evening benediction.
As always it was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silvered sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and called me by name to stand with them at the altar.
In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time.
...May we all sense the courage and hope necessary to overcome the current difficulties and
...Might thankful crowds soon again stand for their blessing at that special altar during this Holy Year.
"...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Romans 5:3-4
Margaret Meredith
I also walked in 2009 and stayed in the old monastery at Roncesvalles, but in the Spring. I know you love those winter caminos. One day I may pick your brains and try one! Thank you for this wonderful memory.During this time of world-wide pandemic turmoil I seek solace in memory to comfort my tattered soul.
Although 10 caminos and more than 450 nights usually in albergues provide limitless recollections for which I am forever grateful, January 24, 2009, at Roncesvalles monastery on the Camino Frances was a very special stop to remember for a lifetime.
I had walked five hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery. Saw few people and no other pilgrims on the route; needed to ring the monastery bell for shelter .
As he opened the monastery door a surprised monk greeted me saying "Senora in weather like this!" When asked if I might stay the night he nodded and suggested I relax on a nearby bench while he would prepare tea.
Protected at last from the bone-chilling snow storm sitting in relative warmth felt euphoric; I would be the only pilgrim in the old winter albergue opposite the cloister entrance.
Sipping our soothing (hot!!) tea the monk and I shared a long philosophic chat pondering the
necessity of both courage and hope to overcome difficulty. He then stamped my Credential and kindly invited me to the traditional evening benediction.
As always it was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silvered sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and called me by name to stand with them at the altar.
In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time.
...May we all sense the courage and hope necessary to overcome the current difficulties and
...Might thankful crowds soon again stand for their blessing at that special altar during this Holy Year.
"...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Romans 5:3-4
Margaret Meredith
A wonderful prelude to a book should be in the offing. I hope you will consider it as I would enjoy such a stroll through wonderful memories.During this time of world-wide pandemic turmoil I seek solace in memory to comfort my tattered soul.
Although 10 caminos and more than 450 nights usually in albergues provide limitless recollections for which I am forever grateful, January 24, 2009, at Roncesvalles monastery on the Camino Frances was a very special stop to remember for a lifetime.
I had walked five hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery. Saw few people and no other pilgrims on the route; needed to ring the monastery bell for shelter .
As he opened the monastery door a surprised monk greeted me saying "Senora in weather like this!" When asked if I might stay the night he nodded and suggested I relax on a nearby bench while he would prepare tea.
Protected at last from the bone-chilling snow storm sitting in relative warmth felt euphoric; I would be the only pilgrim in the old winter albergue opposite the cloister entrance.
Sipping our soothing (hot!!) tea the monk and I shared a long philosophic chat pondering the
necessity of both courage and hope to overcome difficulty. He then stamped my Credential and kindly invited me to the traditional evening benediction.
As always it was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silvered sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and called me by name to stand with them at the altar.
In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time.
...May we all sense the courage and hope necessary to overcome the current difficulties and
...Might thankful crowds soon again stand for their blessing at that special altar during this Holy Year.
"...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Romans 5:3-4
Margaret Meredith
Thank you!Anyone with the courage, interest, or penchant for rye humor interested enough...you can search out my earlier posts (2007-2011). Soon it will become apparent, I am a Marine, have little patience with sob stories, sudden revelations of "seeing the light", or endless complaints about bed bugs, snoring Germans, or poor planning. When I am right, I crow. When wrong, I crow longer and louder until you give in just so I will stop.
I have, in recent years, come to the realization that hubris is a two edged-sword. On one hand, a bloated expression of one's invincibility and/or accomplishments often masks a deeper insecurity.
I've had a career folks would find hard to believe and it's somewhat exposed in my factional novel "Merchant's List" (author A.N.Caird). All that said, I've come to appreciate, as mspath so elegantly recounts, the many simple and relatable little things that the Camino places before us. On the Appalachian Trail they're called "Trail Angels", on the Camino...well, maybe not angels but a singular event that strikes a cord so resoundingly beautiful that it's life changing, or at least life enhancing.
I walk today deeply changed and satisfied that in my previous life where I squandered so many opportunities, I know, more is in store and the best is yet to come.
Walking the Camino, or any path that instills a sense of well-being, satisfies a long-standing goal, or introduces you to others of a like mind, is the right Way for you.
Regrets are past opportunities missed. Each day in the future is a new opportunity to explore.
Buen Camino
Arn
Thank you for sharing this memory. In the end all we have are our memories.During this time of world-wide pandemic turmoil I seek solace in memory to comfort my tattered soul.
Although 10 caminos and more than 450 nights usually in albergues provide limitless recollections for which I am forever grateful, January 24, 2009, at Roncesvalles monastery on the Camino Frances was a very special stop to remember for a lifetime.
I had walked five hours through strong wind, heavy rain, sleet and eventually dense snow up the Valcarlos road to the almost mythic monastery. Saw few people and no other pilgrims on the route; needed to ring the monastery bell for shelter .
As he opened the monastery door a surprised monk greeted me saying "Senora in weather like this!" When asked if I might stay the night he nodded and suggested I relax on a nearby bench while he would prepare tea.
Protected at last from the bone-chilling snow storm sitting in relative warmth felt euphoric; I would be the only pilgrim in the old winter albergue opposite the cloister entrance.
Sipping our soothing (hot!!) tea the monk and I shared a long philosophic chat pondering the
necessity of both courage and hope to overcome difficulty. He then stamped my Credential and kindly invited me to the traditional evening benediction.
As always it was lovely. The service was held in the ancient Romanesque church (wonderfully heated!!) in front of the magnificent silvered sculpture of the Virgin. Three monks assisted and called me by name to stand with them at the altar.
In retrospect how special it was that snowy night to be the single pilgrim where crowds have stood throughout time.
...May we all sense the courage and hope necessary to overcome the current difficulties and
...Might thankful crowds soon again stand for their blessing at that special altar during this Holy Year.
"...but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Romans 5:3-4
Margaret Meredith
What an apt discription of memory. Be it the recall of hot tea on a cold day, or the warmth of fellowship around an alter, both are gems.I have found that my memory is found behind a locked door at times. It must be poked and jogged like a thief does to open a safe before it yields its jewels.
Often I sense that I have forgotten so much, but then as the mist dissolves as the sun rises over the mountain and my memories come back and pluck at my old heartstrings.
At other times, my memories are not of particular events on a given day from times long past, but they are wrapped in the feelings I once felt as I walked a road now lost to me. Faces come and go, but my feelings remain clear and oh, how they are cherished and beloved.
Our hearts are many chambered things and we each have spaces that are empty except for the memories of past days, places, and people most dear.
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