Today we began phase 2 of the experiment “Walk as if there were no tomorrow”, marked by the arrival of the second wave of pilgrims. We proudly proclaim that they have all passed the test with flying colours! They’re a bit tired, but their nap brought them back to life. No doubt in a couple of days they’ll be as broken in as if they had started walking in Finland.
Today’s stage went through a variety of landscapes: first, a good stretch along the banks of the Guadiana, with the resulting mosquito bites and scratches from a billion plants. Then we came up against an unexpected obstacle: a concrete bridge blocking our way. Some were already about to lay siege to it with climbing ropes, but luckily the Sherpas found a footpath and everything was sorted. The last stretch was along the road, in single file, so the new ones got to try out the tarmac and now have the full experience.
On several stretches of the route we were accompanied by the unsettling presence of a drone. Don’t worry, it’s not that some international spy agency has spotted us. The drone belongs to a friend of Fr Ferran and we use it to film aerial shots of our walking, as a kind of documentary. We’ll send them to you; the truth is it’s impressive to see the very long line that we almost 90 pilgrims make.
Today’s destination was Valdelacalzada, a very sweet settlers’ village, with all its little houses painted white. We’re staying in the sports centre; when we arrived, a lovely councillor from the Town Council came to welcome us.
In the afternoon we had our time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Today the theme of the meditation was the Commandments. Fr Toni helped us go deeper into the idea that they are not rules that constrain us, but that set us free, because they make us more able to love.
Late in the day we had a delicious macaroni bolognese for dinner (thank you, logistics team!) and sang for a good while with the guitars. We were joined by Don Francisco, the parish priest here, who also presided at the Eucharist. We thank him a million times for his welcome and affection, and we are adding him to the list of people we pray for along the way, him and his parish.
Now the tidying up by teams begins. What synchronisation, you have to see it: washing dishes and pots, cleaning toilets, loading the van; all quick and efficient. As soon as we finish, everyone to bed, to dream of little angels. Good night, parents!