Due to climate change, the frequency and impact of droughts are expected to increase and worsen the already difficult situation for millions of farmers worldwide, including many along the Camino de Santiago. Add to this man-made problem the natural phenomenon of El Nino, and there is a lot of bad news about extreme weather events to be expected this year and in 2024.
A very moving and heartfelt writing. Replete with deeply intimate reflections and realizations as in the passage ‘the bond between man and land that has sustained us the through the ages’. The bonding among fellow pilgrims is also a memory to treasure.
Always aware of the ominous climate changes that threaten the planet as well as the pristine images of nature along the trails, of course, these thoughts would invade the peaceful scenes and your environmental awareness.
But your memory of the weary pilgrim who wore his peace and inspiration on his face is a beguiling evocation of the impact that stayed with you for years. I love that part.
Thank you for this lovely writing and gorgeous photos.
This makes me think, Climate Pilgrim versus Climate Refugee. Nice to hear the intonation of your voice so well paced with the walking. I remember in one of my favorite books, The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin, he talked about how the pace of language emerged from walking. I feel that in this writing.
"You are that which you are seeking." I feel to make this pilgrimage and not be changed would be sad. You would be a nomad. But to journey and be transformed by the journey is to be a real pilgrim. And what is real is sacred.
How nice that you had the idea eight years ago and finally got to do it last year. I think we all have things like that, things that we are drawn to for some reason. I can really feel that sense of community from your description. In today’s world that gets lost more and more. The pandemic didn’t help of course. I’m glad you found your Camino family. Not sure how I feel about smelly feet while eating 😉
Stunning pictures! I love all the old stone bridges and that city wall in Pamplona is just amazing. Looks like that area is pretty diverse in terms of landscape as well.
It makes me sad that we are destroying the planet the way we are. It’s often said that taking the appropriate measures is too expensive. The cost of doing nothing is clearly much higher. I’m glad you partnered up with Swiss Re who have. I wish more insurance companies or maybe even banks did their part in ensuring a better climate future.
As I type this, my train just passed a field of sunflowers. Made me smile. Thank you for sharing your Camino experience. Buon Camino and stay safe.
P.S.: now wondering if there is a significance to the color yellow being used to guide the way. Same here in Switzerland for regular hiking routes. Will investigate later.
Another read now when fresh and back to routine. This post is AMAZING. I adore especially the photo of the flower boxes with such variety and plants in a reamed out log? All so pretty 🤩. Wouldn’t I love to care for them, an old hobby, indoors in my case in a second floor apartment with a balcony just perfect for incoming sun, an indoor garden quite large and time consuming to trim the spent leaves, 💦 water, mist, replant as needed, offer fertilizer. And just breathe the fresh air inside. Also noted the yellow imprint of the shell on a post? Such joy in those memories. Your writing is exquisite! Believe you have ambitions of writing a book or more one day? If this is a sample, the Camino is inspiring your talent as it grows! Just beautiful prose. On with your walk. I’ll be here virtually walking beside you along with your other fellow virtual travelers and the pilgrims you are embracing, more this year than last, I believe. Later! 😍
Beautiful piece Alex!!! Can I have your permission to paint the second photograph, please? The composition is perfect. The patch of yellowish field on the right that pushes the viewer on the path and the mystery/expectations of what is behind the curve, are simply fantastic. It feels like nature is encouraging you to keep on going.
Your words and photos leave me much to study and digest when not in catch up mode. I’m satisfied that you are on the journey of a lifetime; making essential observations and new diverse friends along the way. Enjoy and take the time you need to enrich the self you know you are. We’re walking with you! 😘🐶😽😽🇺🇸🌎🕊️
From a weather forecast July 7: Extraordinary heat event forecast next week for Spain. Widespread 43C-45C with 47C (116.6F) in numerous places currently being forecast. Records will fall. The heat will approach Spain's all-time record of 47.4C set in 2021. Brutal, deadly heat.
🌻
Gathering? Is his your stash for later (-:
Sea Shells🐚 or Snails?🐌
It's pretty unique to find shells high up in the mountains . . .
Snails, they came out to have a look after a minute or so
🌻 Ah, those colors in the photos. I wonder how old that stone structure (house) with the yellow arrows is? Reading📜 and drifting🚶along.
Thank you, Alexander 🎒
Your eloquent prose brings tears. So well-written, you brought us there. Thank you.
Thank you Rena!
A very moving and heartfelt writing. Replete with deeply intimate reflections and realizations as in the passage ‘the bond between man and land that has sustained us the through the ages’. The bonding among fellow pilgrims is also a memory to treasure.
Always aware of the ominous climate changes that threaten the planet as well as the pristine images of nature along the trails, of course, these thoughts would invade the peaceful scenes and your environmental awareness.
But your memory of the weary pilgrim who wore his peace and inspiration on his face is a beguiling evocation of the impact that stayed with you for years. I love that part.
Thank you for this lovely writing and gorgeous photos.
This makes me think, Climate Pilgrim versus Climate Refugee. Nice to hear the intonation of your voice so well paced with the walking. I remember in one of my favorite books, The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin, he talked about how the pace of language emerged from walking. I feel that in this writing.
Thank you, I remember how I enjoyed reading his In Patagonia
"You are that which you are seeking." I feel to make this pilgrimage and not be changed would be sad. You would be a nomad. But to journey and be transformed by the journey is to be a real pilgrim. And what is real is sacred.
La vida es bella.
How nice that you had the idea eight years ago and finally got to do it last year. I think we all have things like that, things that we are drawn to for some reason. I can really feel that sense of community from your description. In today’s world that gets lost more and more. The pandemic didn’t help of course. I’m glad you found your Camino family. Not sure how I feel about smelly feet while eating 😉
Stunning pictures! I love all the old stone bridges and that city wall in Pamplona is just amazing. Looks like that area is pretty diverse in terms of landscape as well.
It makes me sad that we are destroying the planet the way we are. It’s often said that taking the appropriate measures is too expensive. The cost of doing nothing is clearly much higher. I’m glad you partnered up with Swiss Re who have. I wish more insurance companies or maybe even banks did their part in ensuring a better climate future.
As I type this, my train just passed a field of sunflowers. Made me smile. Thank you for sharing your Camino experience. Buon Camino and stay safe.
P.S.: now wondering if there is a significance to the color yellow being used to guide the way. Same here in Switzerland for regular hiking routes. Will investigate later.
Another read now when fresh and back to routine. This post is AMAZING. I adore especially the photo of the flower boxes with such variety and plants in a reamed out log? All so pretty 🤩. Wouldn’t I love to care for them, an old hobby, indoors in my case in a second floor apartment with a balcony just perfect for incoming sun, an indoor garden quite large and time consuming to trim the spent leaves, 💦 water, mist, replant as needed, offer fertilizer. And just breathe the fresh air inside. Also noted the yellow imprint of the shell on a post? Such joy in those memories. Your writing is exquisite! Believe you have ambitions of writing a book or more one day? If this is a sample, the Camino is inspiring your talent as it grows! Just beautiful prose. On with your walk. I’ll be here virtually walking beside you along with your other fellow virtual travelers and the pilgrims you are embracing, more this year than last, I believe. Later! 😍
Beautiful piece Alex!!! Can I have your permission to paint the second photograph, please? The composition is perfect. The patch of yellowish field on the right that pushes the viewer on the path and the mystery/expectations of what is behind the curve, are simply fantastic. It feels like nature is encouraging you to keep on going.
Of course you have it, Rita. I'm honored :-)
Your words and photos leave me much to study and digest when not in catch up mode. I’m satisfied that you are on the journey of a lifetime; making essential observations and new diverse friends along the way. Enjoy and take the time you need to enrich the self you know you are. We’re walking with you! 😘🐶😽😽🇺🇸🌎🕊️
Take care of yourself next week!
From a weather forecast July 7: Extraordinary heat event forecast next week for Spain. Widespread 43C-45C with 47C (116.6F) in numerous places currently being forecast. Records will fall. The heat will approach Spain's all-time record of 47.4C set in 2021. Brutal, deadly heat.