15 May 2008

Day 13 Walking

Hello everyone.

Today we rose and left Castrojeriz by 6:05. In the first hour we went up a BIG hill to the top of the meseta. Who needs coffee when you have hills to get your heartrate going? Then down the other side, and across the meseta. God continues to bless us with good weather today as crossing the meseta in driving wind and rain would have been miserable. But today we had dark cloudy skies, a breeze, and walking across the meseta today was just beautiful. The last hour or so we walked next to a large canal.

We´re now in Fromista. We had to adjust the walking schedule due to a very small alberque in the town where we planned to stop. So tomorrow will be a long day - about 24 miles. So if anyone wants to walk from Dubuque to Dyersville in solidarity with us, go for it!

Shortly before 11 am, a small, old man, "amigo de los peregrinos" came walking towards us. He carried a small notebook and wanted us to write something in it. Then we got our picture taken with him. (We´ll post it when we find a computer that has a port.) Before leaving us, he wanted the women to give him a kiss on the cheek. As they say, when in Spain, do as the Spaniards do. So he got three kisses from us.

Tonight we plan on trying a restaurant known for its Castillian food, then Mass is at 8:00. We´ll go to bed early as tomorrow is a long day.

We continue to pray for you daily. Please keep praying for us.

The pilgrims.

15 Comments:

Blogger Reese said...

You all are amazing!! I have enjoyed your blogging. It means a lot to those of us who are home watching and praying. May God Bless you as you continue. - Lorice

15 May, 2008 09:56  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bill,
It seems to be that you are a day a head of us here in Iowa- atleast based on the posting dates.

So in Spain today is your Birthday,
Happy Birthday!! Hope the weather is great today for you Birthday.

MaDonna

15 May, 2008 11:14  
Blogger Kevin said...

Happy Birthday, Bill!
Kevin (McD)

15 May, 2008 11:43  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bill!! Hope that you are are all doing very well and god gives you nice weather in your travels! None of that rain stuff we have had enough of that here in Iowa for all of you! Rob(my husband) and I were at mass last saturday in Peosta, IA and Father Kuhn & the parish said a special prayer for all of you so you know that many poeple are wishing you well and praying for you safe travels. Hope that you are having a GREAT time and we are looking foward to hear about your travels in person!

Best Wishes and again HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL !!!!!

Tina S. - Prudential

15 May, 2008 13:21  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bill. I put my balloon on your desk along with some candy but I am sure it won't still be there. I hope your birthday if full of beautiful weather, peace and joy. I say a prayer for you everyday. I can't imagine the wonderful things that you are all seeing.
I am sure that Colleen is just making sure your knees stay clean so that is why she isn't rinsing your pants all the way. Be glad it is only your knee area. HA HA!
Have a wonderful birthday and see you soon.

Jenny Jensen (Prudential Friend)

15 May, 2008 13:36  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hello pilgrims, today we are sending prayers to all of you for good weather and strong muscles to continue. We will lift you all up tonight in prayer at the St. Viator Baccalaureate Mass. love and blessings, julia and the gang

15 May, 2008 13:36  
Anonymous Laura said...

According to one of the Crossroads Walkers (they walk across the US for the unborn) "it doesn't hurt after 2 weeks" Hope he's right. Happy Birthday, Bill. May God continue to keep you healthy and safe as you press on. Anyone bring sheet music with lyrics? Love you all, Laura and family

15 May, 2008 14:34  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I pray each morning & evening for all of you. I am now here at Conaghan's for Kathleen's graduation ---a wonderful weekend but emotional for me---she is quite a special girl as I think all the girls are---what a blessing! I'm sooo proud of each of you. God Bless & sooo much love Mary Alice

15 May, 2008 15:52  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bill! It's been great seeing all your pictures and I'm sure you're have a great time leading the choir. You sure seem to have a great variety of songs here at work. Take care and enjoy your time, Tracey Gruhn

15 May, 2008 17:11  
Anonymous Jerry said...

Hey Tom, the Boy Scouts don't offer a 500 mile merit badge but maybe they'll give you 10 of the 50 mile badges! Prayerful best wishes to the pilgrims from the Koppes Family at the halfway point.

15 May, 2008 17:14  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

So many people praying for the Pilgrims, you are all truly loved by so many. We are watching your progression and praying for your safety and health. What a great accomplishment already, Ruth we are all so proud of you. Love you, Rita

15 May, 2008 19:32  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ruth I forgot to ask, did you say a prayer for me on my birthday, and for Mom today on her birthday? Don't forget us when your drinking that good Spanish wine. Love you Rita

15 May, 2008 19:34  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bill!
Tool Man here wishing you a great Birthday and hoping that all is well. I can see you are sure getting plenty of road miles out of those shoes of yours. So the question I have is when you return will you be selling your vehicles and just walking everywhere (since you'll be used to that) or should I look for one of those little 3 wheeled scooters (rascals) because you'll be shorter and sick of walking? Just kidding. Enjoy your trek and know we are all thinking of you and the other fellow pilgrims.

16 May, 2008 09:10  
Blogger Bruce Wayne said...

Happy Birthday Bill! Melissa and I have been praying for you and Colleen and the rest of God's crew with you. Since it is Friday here, here is you lyric

All right stop collaborate and listen
Ice is back with my brand new invention
Something grabs a hold of me tightly
Flow like a harpoon daily and nightly
Will it ever stop yo I don't know
Turn off the lights and I'll glow

16 May, 2008 10:45  
Anonymous brotherpeter said...

Pilgrims:

Who wa sthe first to say, "Its all down hill from here"?

Bill, hope your birthday was fun and restful. I had a few beers in solidarity with you, Matthew had a root beer!

We are praying for all of you each day. Since bringing home any trinkets from Spain is out of the question due to added weight restrictions, I ask that you include a prayer for us in your daily devotions. We are praying that your backpacks getr lighter and your joints reamin limber.

Peter

19 May, 2008 06:14  

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