Cadence of the Camino

Walking throug Spain in spring is absolutely gorgeous. Brilliant wildflowers like red poppies and yellow mustard line our path for miles. The gentle wind blows waves of green across the wheat fields. Perfectly lined vineyards reach up and over the hills we climb. Orchards of olive and almond trees scatter across the farmland. A shepherd and his dog guide sheep right down the Camino path.  Every single day we are in awe of the beauty of northern Spain. 

John and I talk much about everything and much about nothing while following the yellow Camino arrows. Then there are times when we hike in silence. When my head clears of nonsensical thoughts, I focus on the sound of my steps and hiking poles. Its rhythm soothes me like music. My feet move like quarter notes; one, two, three, four; one, two, three, four. My sticks click in half notes; one and two and one and two. When I climb a steep hill, my sticks become an extra pair of legs creating a syncopated beat with my feet. Often a hiker moving at a faster beat than me quickly approaches and passes. His poles make clicking noises like eighth notes. Walking the Camino is like being in tune with myself and the world around me.