Tuesday May 21, O’ Cebreiro
Today was 25 % fun & 75 % work. The fun part was when we met up with John & Jan McCann in Ruitlan . A small remote pueblo situated at the base of the mountain we climbed today (the work part). They drove from Lyon to meet us.
We met John & Jan around 10:30 am at a local bar. Here we all are enjoying great conversation. John & I are having a “power breakfast ”
***WARNING ADVISORY***
CHILDREN: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME
John, fortified by his power breakfast, proceeded to “run with the cows” Pamplona style.
After John regained his composure, he & Jan took to the poles for their 5 meter walk back to their Mercedes.
We had such a great time together. They then left for Santiago de Compostella for a few days.
Now, the work began. We had a 2100 foot climb over 6 miles. According to our map guide, this was the toughest climb to date and pretty much the last tough climb that we will encounter. Here is what it looked like when we reached the top after over 6 hours of climbing.
Here are some photos we took on the way up
This Pueblo is at the very top of the mountain ….It’s quaint and very remote. It is also steeped in history. Here is the oldest church directly associated with the Pilgrim way. Dated early 9th century Iglesia de Santa Maria Real.
This whole village has the same stone type architecture that was part of the monastic settlement here in the 11th century. Queen Isabella stayed here in 1486 on her pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella!
Ah….tomorrow a nice and level 12 mile walk to Tricastella. A wonderful walk in the neighborhood… will you be my neighbor? See you then.
Mike & Angie On The Camino de Santiago 
Looks and sounds like you all had a great time together. I’m happy to hear you have a nice level walk ahead of you , your legs need a little rest about now! Love, Mom
May 21, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Is that a beer??? Now I’m really impressed !!! 2100 foot climb after lunch and a beer??? I would just want to take a nap.
Looks like the weather has improved.
By my count, your 40 days down with 10 days to go.
May 21, 2013 at 7:40 pm
Love the flora and fauna…spring has sprung. I can’t believe you climbed for 6 hours. I can’t even drink for 6 hours. The McGann’s look fit, but you must have made them feel like total wieners. You are AMAZING! Maribel says “hi”, she can’t find the entry I left on her behalf, but she’s still enjoying your trip vicariously and praying for you two.
May 21, 2013 at 9:50 pm
Hi Di: The McCanns’ are very fit. Jan walks everyday in the hills above the El Encanto and John swims in the ocean every day. I won’t mention their weekly yoga workouts & Jan’s health meals! Two better fit people will be hard to find. We were joking about how far they had to go to their car! Which, by the way was an Audi not a Mercedes! So we said “take our sticks. It was a photo operation we could not pass up! Mike & Angie
“Mike & Angie
May 22, 2013 at 7:44 am
“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am”
~Psalm 139:1-3
Thank you once again for sharing the Camino with us. The pictures are amazing. Angie you look wonderful, your eyes are twinkling and you look rested. This venture is food for health. Keep sending the remarkable photos. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you enter the last part of your journey. With our Love
May 21, 2013 at 10:17 pm
WOW, loving every minute of your journey, thank you, thank you. Pamela
May 21, 2013 at 11:36 pm
Hi mike and Angie thanks for the updates and beautiful photos.Ken is still in ICU and is finally beginning to turn the corner I hope .
God Bless
Father O’Mahony
May 22, 2013 at 4:41 am
Those are some scary cows. Why do they stare like that? What do they know that we don’t know?
May 22, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Weather is getting much better and it is going to be gorgeous weather for you in Santiago de Compostela. God is with you and you shall be rewarded, plus all your many ‘rewards’ along the way.
Yes , that was one heck of a climb after a beer! Easy stuff now…and wonderful photos and historical tidbits!!!!
We can hardly wait to share stories in SB! Is it June 4 that you fly home??
Love and buen camino, Debbie & Alex
May 22, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Dear Ones…..Everything looks so healthy ! What fun to see Janet and John ! She told me you all were going to meet ! …I need one of those “Power breakfasts” ! What fun !….xx Jane
May 22, 2013 at 6:03 pm
Hi Jane,
It was great to see Jan & John. We are having a wonderful experience and we can’t wait to share our stories. We miss everyone.
Angie
May 24, 2013 at 7:38 am
Kerry and I feel so energized by following you on the Camino, we truely feel we’ve been with you the whole time. I think this might be the only way I’ll ever experience this incredible journey. Your both our new HEROS. Love You, be safe,and hurry home
Geonine and kerry
May 24, 2013 at 5:35 am
Hi, Angie & Mike –
How wonderful to hear from you this morning. Too bad the connection was remi= niscent of the early space age days where there was a five to six second del= ay. It reminded me of Richard Nixon’s telephone call to Neil, Buzz and Mike,= where the trio was in lunar orbit!
Anyway, so glad to know that your marriage has survived the 500 miles of bli= sters, flurries, rocks and dust. We’re looking forward to having you both ba= ck safely in Santa Barbara and to hearing your journey’s stories.
Here’s Marge and Wayne’s telephone number: (805) 969-2054
Miss you and looking forward to seeing you very soon.
Love,
Gina & Marty
Sent from my iPad
May 27, 2013 at 6:36 pm
Ha ha….Thanks Marty, see you soon, Mike
“Mike & Angie
May 27, 2013 at 8:10 pm