The "Backpack" video by 6'10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KBx7rQyT1k&feature=youtu.be

A new song

 It's been awhile since I've posted anything.  I have a half dozen not finished posts sitting here from right after my Camino, summarizing the trip, and maybe someday I'll post them.

This fall I got to go to a bonfire with some friends to hear some new (and older) songs from the guys from Flatfoot 56 and 6'10.  We were treated to an acoustic concert.  One song really hit me, and as they were singing it, my mind kept being brought back to the Camino.  When I told them this after they were done, one of the guys said that they had heard of it and it was in their mind when they wrote it.  Very cool.  Click the link below to hear Backpack.

Listen to Backpack by 6'10

Backpack

We built our home of glass next to a gravel road

Just to show the strength we were made of

Our past a different time we sold, only till it came between us

Hear the rumble the crumble, the crash of dreams

Man I hope the grass was greener

O this life is just not what it seems,

But for grace these times would be meaner

I found the grace of the lonely road

I have found the peace of the lonely road

We walk alone!! Fighting the fragrance of pain

Finding home!!! Just a backpack that calling my name

No freedom found in the mistakes that others have made

But by grace I remember the price was paid

Forgiveness marks the start of this long long road

A daily fight of a creature with no legs of its own.

This experience has painted, painted a picture for me

Kill my pride so that my blinded eyes can see

I'm not defines by the actions of another mans fear

Only known by the heart of the son right here.

Pilgrims Mass

Our farmhouse hotel

Casa De Casal is a beautiful oasis away from the busy city of Santiago. Its been nice to go there every night and relax. We are about 16k outside the city in a renovated farmhouse that is owned by a family that still lives on the property and is run by Patricia the daughter. She drives us to the bus stop each morning and picks us up each evening. Since the bus is only 1€ its really a great deal.

Cassie gets greeted by the pets of the place every time she goes outside. She is still a magnet for all furry creatures.

Reunions with other pilgrims

Its been wonderful each day seeing my Camino friends come into the city. We have coffee,  talk, tell our stories of what happened since we last walked together and kind of debrief as we try to comprehend what we just accomplished together.

My baby girl!!!

Cassie arrived Tuesday afternoon. I was so happy to see my baby girl I cried. I'm so glad to share this next week and a half with her.

The dress

The dress I bought my first day in Santiago. I just wanted to look like a girl again after all that.

Santiago!!!

We started out much happier than the day before, probably from the excitement of being so close. Betzabe met us on the way and it was so good to see one more of my original Camino family. We walked together, the three of us rather slowly, catching up on everything we could about the time we walked separately. Beginning and end.

I still hadn't made up my mind about whether to go straight into Santiago or not but to let God lead the way on that one. By the time we got to Monte Gozo I knew I was going to sleep in Santiago. It was rainy and the place looked like big warehouses for housing people. Not a place for reflection at all.

Walking into the city was not what anyone expects. It just another city with industry and businesses. We had to walk about another hour before we got to the cathedral. It was beautiful. There is a bag piper playing in the tunnel going to the cathedral and I started crying. We were all very emotional. Since we missed Pilgrim's mass at noon I'm going today after I meet with Nate and faith, two missionaries starting a welcome center near the cathedral.

We took pictures and hugged friends from the Way and then stood in line for our Compostela at the Pilgrims Office. Its official and I have the certificate to prove it.

After, we dropped our packs off at an albergue and headed out for lunch with some of Betzabes friends. Since on is from the area she ordered for us and we shared a delicious sea food meal filled with things I never thought I'd try. 

Then us girls went shopping. After looking around a bit I found a dress and accessories. I have been dreaming for weeks now about looking feminine again. Its hard to explain but I just needed that little boost after days and days of walking and hurting.

We went out last night and had a drink with a show. The entire bowl was set on fire for about twenty minutes before we could drink it. Fun and delicious.

Today after meeting the Nate and Faith and greeting other friends at the cathedral,  I get to pick up my baby girl from the airport. I'm so excited to see her. Its going to be an emotional day.

Burn Camino!!