We were back in the saddle after two days of mostly walking around Leon and Astorga, taking in the sights and partying. There was no more time off, no more breaks from the stages as we needed to follow the guidebook to the end if we were to make it to Santiago de Compostella by Oct 2. The walk at first glance appeared to be an easy one, with a gradual 200 m climb over the 21 km. we had been walking enough to know that there would be some steep ups and downs, but overall, should have been easy.
As with a lot of the sections, there were long stretches where there were limited facilities for a decent meal, though you can always count on a cafe somewhere. Our group, which was down one with Will walking the two skipped sections, was loaded with water and snacks. The route for most of the way was either on the local road, or a path that ran along side of it. This often makes for some boring scenery, but that wasn't the case today with the mountains in sight.
Over the past few days I had a number of chats with Nick, about life in general of course, but got a lot of information on his background and work experience. He is an interesting guy. Nick started off in the Marines, and later the Reserves, in his teens as a PFC machine gunner. He was convinced the experience toughened up an otherwise passive individual. After leaving the Marines he entered the public service in child protection then ultimately the New York penal system. He had stories of his experiences there, and I couldn't help but wonder how someone with that background could end up so compassionate and unassuming. Nick also along the way developed an interest in the clergy and over the years while working full time got his Masters of Divinity, and became a Deacon in the Catholic Church. A couple of strange bedfellows we were. A devout Christian and a non believer striking up a quick friendship, feeling like they have known each other for a long time.
After my chats with Nick, I took a little alone time to walk, and began tying our discussions into some things I had been chewing over for quite some time. Heroes. I have always admired people like Nick, those who went after something and achieved it. Like to think I do that myself. But I have wondered for some time now why when people talk about their heroes, I really can never come up with that person or people who I called my hero, or heroes. Growing up my parents were heroes, as they are for many: and my big brother Mike because, well, that's what big brothers are for; and of course Davey Keon because he brought my beloved Leafs their last Stanley Cup. But as I grew, so I grew out of heroes. Why was that? Was it arrogance, disinterest, cynicism... And then my discussions with Nick brought it all into focus. I don't need " no big hero". They are all around my life. People like Nick. Friends and family who fight through debilitating illness or personal issues, a son and daughter that chased their dreams like they were taught, a wife who went back to school in her forties to get a second degree and then a Masters Degree, a sister in law who decided she wanted to be a professional golfer in her late twenties then became one, the blind man who works down the street from me who crosses three busy city streets each day on his way to work, friends who have made hard life choices and fought their way through the fallout. To paraphrase Al Pacino in "Any GivenSunday" , " the heroes you need are right there in front of your face". And I am good with that.
As is the case on many days, heat was the enemy. We dragged ourselves into Rabanal del Camino mid afternoon, up hill in 93 degree cloudless skies. There was always beer of course, but the walk drained us of energy. Turned out to be a cool little town, like many on the trip but with enough differences to make it unique in some ways.
The big deal for most of the pilgrims was the evening Vespers service at the church. Essentially, it is monks or nuns singing the Entire service. Everyone was pumped to attend, and like I said early on, I'd go along for the ride. While catching up on news, blog and FB at a local pub that had WIFI, we had our introductions to an very nice, very unique Australian family of six. I'll leave it at that for now, but they would become a regular part of our Camino over the following days.
Oh, and by the way. If you get a chance to see Vespers, take it. I will add that to my list of once in a lifetime things.
No comments:
Post a Comment