Author: isawtman

Day 26: Fillobal to Sarria

Had a good night in Fillobal. Got up, packed and headed for the restaurant next door. Had a good breakfast then I was off. The trail went through two towns then made it in to Tricastela, where I visited the mens room. They were amazing cloud shots on the way to Tricastela. Decided to take the route to San Xil. Went up through two towns then to San Xil. Then the route went down. And it kept going down. Stopped to get something from a vending machine at Montan. Sat down and a cat came over to see me. She sat on my lap. Must be the vending machine cat. Kept going down to Aquaida. Seemed to go much farther down than I went up earlier in the day. Flattened out going to Sarria. Went up a big staircase to the Escalinata Cafe and found my backpack. Had an adventure getting Camera cards and money. 21.8 km, 13.5 miles

Day 27: Sarria to Portomarin

Started out by having breakfast at the Escalinata Café where I left my backpack to be picked up. It is a few doors down from the alburgue Ave and right next to the main stairs. Hike through the city past the old church to a spot where they had the name Sarria in big letters. Took a photo there. Went into the darkness rather fast and went downhill and over river on an old bridge. Went under a highway that had a tall bridge and walked over a railroad. Made it to Vilei where I had a snack. Started hiking with stone walls and farm fields on each side of the way. Had some nice views but was cloudy and started raining. At Morgade I stop for prayer at a very little chapel. After Ferrieros there was a spot with the 100 km marker. Stopped for a photo. Started hiking with high school students. I heard there was over 100 of them. Wound around the streets of Vilacha. Headed for Portomarín. A one point the was three choices. I picked the choice with the Steep gulley then we hiked over a bridge and to the Albergue up some old stairs. Ate and went to mass will the High School students. 22 km, 14.1 miles

Day 28: Portomarin to San Xulien

Ate breakfast ate the Albergue with Stacia from Nebraska. Went up to the Correos which people said was open at 7am but wasn’t. Went back to the Albergue and made some last minute adjustments due to the rain then left. The way goes down on the streets in switchback fashion. It crosses a bridge and goes up a hill. Went past a little town called Campos de Mamoa, which isn’t shown on the maps. It kept raining on and off. I went through several small towns and had a second breakfast. One town, Airexe, sounds like a computer file. Went to Lestido and prayed at a small church. Went mainly downhill to Palas del Rei. Got my backpack at the Benito Albergue which was filled with kids from Barcelona. Continued through the streets of Palas del Rei which looks a little run down. It was raining on and off. Head out the other side next to a highway. Then it was one last push through the woods to San Xulien which has an Albergue and bar/cafe. Nice church but didn’t get to go inside. 25 km, 15.9 miles

Day 29, San Xulien to Arzua

Hiked out of San Xulien past an old church. Went through the woods over the Casanova.Continued on and posed at a pilgrims statue in one of the small towns along the way. Came into Melide and ate at a cafe, then went to the post office and mailed some postcards. The trail went up in the city then went down through some small towns. Had a long uphill run coming into Ribadiso. Had a coke and cake at a cafe with Victoria. She wanted to stay there because she was convinced that Arzua was ugly. I kept going and I met a couple from Madison. They are Jim and Deborah who live on the west side. They were doing big miles today. Made it into Arzua. It was nice. I had reserved a bed at Cruce de Camino so I went there. Tacos for supper. Confession and Mass. Fr Joe Felix said I would be a better man because of the Camino. 28.8 km, 16 miles

Day 30. Arzua to Lavacolla

Started out on the streets of Arzua trying to find a place to eat. Found one next to a city park. Then headed out of town darkness came fast hiking through the enchanted forest passed unnamed in little towns. Went through Peroxa then past a memorial for a pilgrim that died on the trail. Went over a highway and through the tows of Salieda and A Rua, towns that actually had name signs. Went to OPedrouso but didn’t go in the town because the Camino skirts around the outside of the town. Called and got a bed for the night at Lavacolla. Relaxed and ate at Amenal. Hiked around the airport. Found a bus for the Barcelona Students and met Fr Joe Felix again. Hiked into Lavacolla and found the Albergue. Took at dip in the creek and walked a ways to the restaurant. Other people were getting pizza delivered. 28.5 km, 17.7 miles

Day 31. Lavacolla to Santiago

Started hiking at 7:10. Brodie started at 6:30 and would be catching up to me. Foggy day. I hiked over to Villamaior where I stopped for breakfast. Somehow after the breakfast I started hiking and got on the complementary route. But I kept hiking. Went buy some commercial buildings including a radio compound. Connected with the other route at a campground near San Marcos. Went to Monto de Gozo an started looking for the famous statue. In one of the buildings I saw Fr Joe and the Barcelona School Group. Finally found the spot the Statue used to be. It has been taken away. Santiago was fogged in so I couldn’t see the cathedral. Went down a nice ramp that should have had a great view of the Cathedral. Crossed a river and stopped for a photo at the famous Santiago de Compestella sign.  Hiked through the streets of Santiago.  Stopped at a Cafe and ate.  Waited for Brodie who I had arranged to walk to the Cathedral with. Met Brodie and we hiked into the Cathedral Plaza.  Just took it all in for a  while, saw some other people we knew, then went to the pilgrims office.  There was nobody there so I went right in and got my compestella.  Ate Lunch and went to the hotel.  Went to mass later on.  10 km, 6.2 miles.

Day 21, Hospital de Orbigo to Santa Catalina

Went to the end of Hospital de Orbigo and had to decide between two routes. Since it was dark, I decided to take the less scenic road route. It eventually got to the highway and stayed next to it. Eventually it got to a road where I was going to cut over and join the other route, but a guy came along and said go straight, and there was an official sign and arrow pointing straight. So I went that way. Kept going next to the road. So going this way I managed to miss two towns that might have had breakfast. This route kept going along the road then it veered to the right and connected with the other route at a cross. This was above San Justo so I hiked down into the city and had breakfast. Hiked to the beginning of Astoria where the two Brazilian sisters caught up with me at the big green bridge going over the rail line. We walked together up into the old part of the city, but their Albergue was first thing so we separated there. I bought postcards and went to the library and wrote them. Then I went and toured the Gaudi Palace. Then I left town and the way started an uphill run. It had great view of Astoria. Couldn’t find any ice cream bars in Murias. Kept going and the trail went downhill right before Santa Catalina. Stayed at the hippy hostel that had a steep stairs. 26.2 km, 16.25 miles

Day 22, Santa Catalina to Riojas de Ambros

Ate a little breakfast at the Albergue La Boheme then set off with the 3 kids. Headed in the dark to El Ganso where there was no cafe open. Headed to Rabanal where I ate something. The way starts going up in the town where you reach a convent and a church that was open. Got a sello at the convent gift shop. The way continues to go up after the town. It goes up along a ridge where a bicyclist took a photo of me. It was getting more windy and cold when I got to Foncebadon, where there is a cross in the middle of the street. Headed up to Cruz de Ferro where my emotions were high when I placed a geode there. I obtained the geode during my time with Greybeard earlier this summer. Started going down and part of it was treacherous. Went to Manjrin which isn’t much of a town but has a food trailer. Continued down an right before El Acebo there was a place I had to slide down on my butt. Found my backpack at the second location of an Albergue. They have a location at each end of town. Kept going to an Albergue in Rioja de Ambros where I met up with Jonas and Mie. After the pilgrims supper we went to a bar for Wi-Fi. This would be the last night we would be together because they are going to start doing big miles. 31.2 km 19.4 miles be

Day 23. Riojas de Ambros to Pieros

I headed out of Riojas and immediately it was downhill, rocky and treacherous. I was making really slow progress and I was watching every foot fall. This was made worse because it was dark and I was using my headlamp. It would become better from time to time then it would get worse again. I finally got down to Molilesca, crossed over the bridge and had breakfast. I’ve finally gotten to a spot at the end of town where I had to make a decision whether to take the more scenic route or the road route. I took the more scenic route. But it wasn’t all that scenic. It went through the town of Campo and once it got to Ponferada it went over an old bridge. I finally got into Ponferada and there was an old fortress and church. I didn’t tour either of them but ate food at a cafe. On the route out of town I stopped at a grocery store and got some candy bars for Sunday, because all the stores are closed then. Went through the suburban of Columbriano where some locals gave me grapes they were harvesting. Went to a bar in Nuevas Fuentes and ordered a coke. I finished off the sandwich I got in Ponferada. Sonne from Germany was there. Columbranos turned out to be a long town. So was Camponaya. Hiked over to Cacabelos and found out the Municipal was closed. Sonne called Pieros and we went over there. 29.7 km, 18.5 miles

Day 24. Pieros to Los Herrerias

After Pieros you have to decide between two routes, the more scenic route or the road route. I chose the shorter road route. It went past the little town of Valtuille Which isn’t listed on most maps. After that the route takes a right on the gravel road. This is where there is a house With a vineyard That is photographed quite often. The two routes came together and I though I was hihing to a town that I saw. But that town turned out to be on the left of the trail and VillaFranca de Bierzo appeared ahead when I went over a hill. When I finally got there a pilgrim took a photo of me at the fortress then I had breakfast. Went through town and they were other old buildings including a church which I went to see if it was open. It wasn’t. I hiked out of town and the trail kept going up through a cool valley then I got to the spot where there was a freeway coming out of a tunnel. I hiked under the highway and next to the river Valvarce for the rest of the day. At Pereje I stopped for a soda. Kept going up through Trabedelo, La Portelo, Ambastmedtus and Vega de Valcarce. In Vega there was a highway bridge way up above the city. Same thing with the town of Ruitlain. Finally I made it to Las Herrerias where I stayed at the Casa Lixi. Here the river Valcarce is just a creek. 26.5 km. 16.4 miles.

Day 25, Las Herrerias to Fillobal

After Las Herrerias the way goes up fast. Got to La Faba and had a snack at Tito’s. I had breakfast earlier at Casa Lixi where I spent the night. Went up past Lagona but didn’t stop. Kept going up and up along a ridge with a cloud coming over the mountain. Kept going up with spectacular views. Made it to the monument where you cross over to Galicia, then made it into O Cebrairo. It’s a magical place. Took a photo sitting on the famous stone fence. Prayed in the church and lit a prayer candle. Took a photo with the Fr. Valine monument. Then I kept hiking, going up to San Rouge where there is a statue of a pilgrim holding his hat on in the wind. Easy hiking past Hospital but a steep uphill stretch before Alto Poio. Then easy hiking again through Fonfria, Biduedo to Fillobal. It is a small town with a good Albergue and restaurant. Plus a statue of a caveman a was a great place to see the sunset. 25.3 km 15.75 miles

Day 16, Carrion de los Condes to Terradillos de los Templarios

First 17 km without a town. First went along the road then between farm fields. A whole lot of harvested hay fields. It did have two food trucks along the way. Finally got to Calzadilla and had a banana and coke. Hiked over to Ledigos where I got confused and just started hiking the road to reconnect with the trail. The Albergue at the beginning of town had beds but my pack was at the Jacques Molly Albergue. Ended up sleeping on a mat on the floor there. Church was open before supper and had a diarama of Bethlehem. Town seemed empty. 28.6 km, 16.6 miles

Day 17. Terridillos to Bercianos de Real Camino

Hiked through farm fields over to Moratinos where I didn’t make a turn in the dark. I walked straight fo 1/4 mile until I figured it out. Walked over to St Nicolas where I had a snack in a cafe. Hiked next to a road and a four lane highway until the way takes a right and went to a church and the half way monument. Kept hiking into Sahagun and we all had food at a cafe. Tried to find a spot that sells camera cards, but that was impossible because it was Sunday. Had to film with the iPhone. Hiked out of Sahagun and stopped at a park. Hiked all the way to Bercianos next to a road but there was zero traffic. Got in at a church Albergue. Led the group in singing “We will rock you” at dinner. 25.5 km, 14.6 miles

Day 18. Bercianos to Puente Villarente

Hiking along a not very busy road over to El Burgo Ranero where I had breakfast at a cafe. Kept hiking next to a not very busy road. The Brierly guidebook shows 2 rest areas along this section but there are more like 5. So at one point I thought I was further along than I was. It was 13 km of nothing, not even a food truck. Went under the rail line and into Reliegos. Stopped at the Cantina Teddy for a sandwich. Some people were staying there because Mansilla was full. I pressed on still hiking next to a road. Got to Mansilla and found out there indeed was no beds. The Municipal Albergue is still shut down causing a bed crunch. Was going to take a bus into Leon but found out the Michigan couple got beds in Villarente. Called and got a bed, too. Hiked along a road a saw a bunch of tractors protesting the water supply. The San Pelayo Albergue is a real gem. 32 km, 20.25 miles

Day 19. Puente Villarente to Leon.

Short day into Leon. Had breakfast at the cafe in Villarente. Jonas, Mie and Emily where there. As I hiked it turns into a modern city, but there is an old Roman bridge at the beginning of the town. Hiked up to Archueja and Valdefuente which has lots of industrial buildings. Met up with Brody and the two sisters from Brazil heading into Leon. You hike over a hill and the city unfolds before you. Then you see the Cathedral off to the right. Hiked to the Albergue with the sisters. Since it was a short day I did a bunch of stuff. Went to the Cathedral, bank and post office. A bunch of us went out to the Plaza Torres Omanis for Tapas. 12 km, 7.5 miles

Day 20. Leon to Hospital de Orbison

Started out skipping the Cathedral because I did that yesterday. Hiked past the old walls of Leon. On the west side of town I hiked by an old Palace that is now a Parador. Went over a river and had breakfast at a cafe. The suburban landscape continues through several towns including La Virgin del Camino, Valvalde de la Virgin and San Miquel. I was always hiking next to a busy highway. Had food at Villadangos before proceeding to San Martin. Decided to proceed to Hospital de Orbison even though Jonas texted me it was hot with no shade. Arrived to find a great medieval bridge. Staying At a nice parochial Albergue. 32.1 km, 20 miles

Day 11, Belorado toAtapuerca

Hiked through Belorado with lots of murals. Went through a couple small towns before there was food in Espinosa. Hiked to Villafranca de Mont Oca where all hell broke lose with a hard climb. Went to a spot where there was a monument for the hundreds of people executed at that spot during the Spanish Civil War. Stacia from Nebraska wanted to take a photo there, so we took a solemn photo. Stopped by at the church I San Juan de Ortega. Went through Ages and to my Albergue in Atapuerca. Then I realized I left something in Belorado and was driven back to get it. 30.6 km, 19 miles

Day 12, Atapuerca to Burgos

Started out then I realized I left my hiking poles back at the Albergue. Went back and retrieved them and luckily there were still some pilgrims there because I had forgotten the code. Hiked up and over the Sierra de Atapuerca in the dark. Had to watch every step because it was rocky. Once I got up to the top it went on a gravel road which was easier. Saw the lights of Burgos off in the distance. Was light out when I got to Cardunella for breakfast. Hiked past the airport which took forever and was annoying. Took the River route which was nice but also took forever. Bought a usb charger to replace the one I lost. Had lunch and toured the Cathedral with Win. Stay at the modern Burgos Municipal Albergue. 20.6 km, 12.8 miles

Day 13. Burgos to Hontanas

Started out on the city streets then took a straight sidewalk through a park, this was all in the dark. Headed through an area with lots of highways and the railroad track on the way to Tardajos. Went up over hill And could see Hornillos out in the distance but it took a long time getting there. There was an uphill stretch then the way went down to Sanbol. The wind was fierce and it started raining hard. But it start before I reached Hontanas. Went sharply downhill into Hontanas. I really liked the cute little church in town. 32.7 km, 19.7 miles

Day 14, Hontanas to Boadillos

Hiked in the dark past the San Anton ruins. It was spooky. Got into Castrojriz for breakfast. Took a while to hike through town because it is strung out over a mile. Then headed up Alto Mostelares. It wasn’t as bad as some other hills I have hiked up because it had a good road going to the top. Celebrated reaching the top with Maddie, Jonas and Mie. Then at the top there is a flat plane of farmland for about a half mile. Then you get to another incredible view going to the west. Hike down to San Nicholas where Francesca had me try Italian coffee. I didn’t like it. Hiked through Itero de Vega which had a great mural. Climbed up a hill and saw Boadilla out in the distance but it took forever to get there. Stayed in the attic of the hotel. This town is a spanish ghost town with very few people compared to how many buildings there are. Church wasn’t open. 29 km, 18 miles

Day 15. Boadillos to Carrion de los Condes

Hiked along a canal in the dark to get to Fromista. Ate breakfast at a bar café with Maddie. Said goodbye to Lama who was hiking with Marcelo and Andrea. Left Fromista crossing over a 4 lane highway. Then the way traveled next to a two lane highway for the remainder of the day. I went through 4 small towns and had ice cream in Villamentero at the Albergue with the tipis. Continued hiking next to the highway all the way to Carrion de los Condes. Didn’t get into the Albergue with the singing nuns, but managed to catch the performance. Mass afterwards with a great pilgrims blessing by the priests and nuns. 25.4 km, 15.25 miles

Day 6: Ayegui to Torres del Rio

I went to the wine fountain again in the morning and there was more people and wine. A great Way to start the day. Started hiking and had a break at the little town of Azqueta. I met up with the disCammino guys who were helping a person in the wheelchair do the Camino. Went through los Arcos and continued on. I could see Sansol and Torres del Rio for miles before I got there. The Albergue Mariola had lots of stairs and shared the pool with another hotel. The pool was cold. Nice Peregrino meal. 28 km 17.4 miles

Day 7: Torres del Rio to Logrono

Hiked up to the modern city of Viana, then started to descent. Went around a hill and there was a Logroño spread out all around. Headed into the city and went to the Apple store, well, it’s Spain’s version of an Apple Store. There was a long wait and I managed to get a new case for my iPhone before they close for siesta time. Then I met up with Mie and Jonas Who led me to the municipal Alburgue where They still had bed available. Met up with Larry and his sister from Ireland and Doug and his wife from Oregon. We went to church first where they had a pilgrims blessing then we went out for tapas. 20.5 km, 12.75 miles

Day 8, Logrono to Najera

Started hiking in the city in the dark. Went past the famous pilgrim statue in the dark. Headed out of town. Went to a park area where there is a damned up lake. Started meeting pilgrims hiking the other way that we’re doing the Camino Ignaciano. There were eight of them in different batches. Kept taking through the wine vineyards until we got to the unassuming outskirts of Najera. Walk down to the river and made it to the Alburgue with the help of Brody. Went out for pizza. 28.7 KM, 17.8 miles

Day 9, Najera to Granon

Hiked past many farm fields. Went up to the golf community of Corunna where I had a sandwich. Win was there and we met up with the discamino people. Went through Santo Domingo and headed out to the small town of Granon where I participated in the communal meal. 28.7 km, 17.8 miles

Day 10. Granon to Belorado

Everybody planned a short day because of the heat. Ate at Redicillo del Camino whereI met up with the Milwaukee guy and we took a photo. Stopped at the Albergue right when you come into town. The pool was frigid. Hiked down to the church for some reflection. 16 km, 10 miles

As I wrote previously, I haven’t been able to blog very much. But now I will give you a summary of each day

Day 1, St Jean Pied de Port to Burguette. Pure hell, then when I got to Ronsevalles the didn’t have any beds. Hiked on and got the last bed in Burguette. 27.9 km, 17.3 miles Casa Rural Pedrosa

Day 2. Burguette to Zubiri . Short Day. Stopped at Zubiri because they had beds. 18.7 km, 11.6 miles. Zubiri Municipal Albergue

Day 3. Zubiri to Pamplona. Coming into the city, then explored the downtown during the evening. Got into the Cathedral. 20.9 km, 13 miles. Jesus y Mary Albergue. Had bag transported.

Day 4. Pamplona to Puente la Reina. Going over Alto Perdone (the mountain of forgiveness) was difficult, windy and rocky. Just barely made it into the Santiago Apostal Albergue

Day 5. Puente la Reina to Ayegui. Hiking up and thru the cute little hilltop town of Cirauqui then a strenuous hike up to Lorca. Then hiking in the old town part of Estella then the modern city to the suburb of Ayegui. Hiked out to the Irache Winery in the evening so my friends in the states could see me on the wine cam. 29.3 km, 18.1 miles. San Cipriano Albergue in a Sports Arena. Surprisingly, the Albergue wasn’t full.

I’m just not getting the time or energy to blog much. However I do post photos every day on Facebook

The last post I did ended when I was in Madrid. I stayed at the OXYGEN Hostel which has all these cubicles That you sleep in. Seems like a nice concept, but I didn’t hardly get any sleep that night. And that was following not getting much sleep on the airplane.

I got up the next morning and went to the train station. Made the the trip to Pamplona. Then a bunch of pilgrims got together and figured out we needed to get to the bus station which means taking a city bus We made the bus station where a pilgrim named Joe from Nebraska gave me a mobile hot spot to open my ticket pdf.

So I get on the bus and a gal named Denise sits next to me. It was such a curvy and up and down hike that she started puking coming down the mountain to St Jean. Luckily someone close by had a bag

We gets to St. John Pied de Port and I help get Denise out of the bus. Then I headed to the pilgrims office and there wasn’t much of a line so I decided to wait there to get my Pilgrims credentials. The person at the office told me the municipal Albergue Would be opening soon and I should go there for a bed. I did. It’s a nice place on top of the streets next to the old fortress. I did the normal stuff like go to the store, Explore the fortress and walk around town. Then I went to bed.

The next morning I got up and cook some toast. That was the breakfast they provided. I had some other stuff too. Then I headed out. I went down the street to the spot where the Camino started and took off. This would be the most strenuous day of my hiking career.

I was all packed up. I took a photo with my mom because she commented on my haircut. I had just gotten a haircut. It was one of the last things I did Here and Wisconsin. So I can have my stuff And walked I half a block down to the bus stop and out about 12:09 Pm The city bus came and picked me up and I had a Downtown. First the bus stops at the south transfer point. Then I transferred to the 4 bus and was dropped off near the Gordon Commons. And There I boarded the van Galder bus to O’Hare. That went Without a hitch except I thought I was going to the international Terminal. Then I noticed on the way that I actually was going to terminal three. I received a notice from American Airlines.

That’s where the trouble started. I was waiting there for hours and the plane did not show up. Turns out they had to do some extra maintenance stuff to the plane so we got off to a late start. We are supposed to get to Heathrow two hours before My flight to Madrid. So the delay would be cutting into that.

So we finally got the Heathrow and the funniest thing happened. Instead of parking at a gate they park the plane away from the gate. Then there was a bunch of buses That came and picked us up. That took much longer than I expected. Then when I get inside the term I found out That I Missed something in my bag got sent for further inspection. But that didn’t take too long. Then I had to find my plan. I went to the spot where gate 10 is supposed to be and I found out there is no Gate 10. It went right from gate nine to gate 11. Then I saw some who Work at the airport and he Lucked on the list of departures and figured it out

So I went to gate 7 and everyone had already boarded. I said I needed to get on that plane. They asked me if I was on the Chicago plane and I said yes. They took me aboard, whew. The plane waited a few more minutes then took off

When I got to Madrid I was walking around the airport trying to find a bathroom. It was getting to the point where I needed it really bad, so I finally found someone to ask. He said you go down this hallway then take the third Hallway on the left. No wonder I couldnt find the bathroom.

After that I found the express bus to Atocha, went to Decathlon to buy some hiking poles, then found my hostel for the night. After that I went to the train station and got my ticket printed off go the next morning, then I went to the Museum of Queen Sofia to see Picasso’s Guernica painting. That’s a very moving piece of art.

That’s all for now. It should be noted that I am having trouble adding photos to this blog and my phone is having trouble getting data so I have to use the Wi-Fi where I am staying

I am hiking the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) starting in just a few days.
This hike is going to have a different component compared to other hikes I have done.
It’s a religious component.  The Way of St James is a pilgrimage.  I will be passing through
several ancient towns a day, and many of these towns have pilgrim masses that I will attend.
I do consider myself a christian, even though I am not the most regular attending church goer.

Since there is a religious component, I have decided to pray for some people.  Some of them
have passed, so I will be praying for their souls, and praying for their loved ones.
Some of these are special people in need of healing, or need safe passage.

Prayers for the deceased and their families

My Brother Craig McMahon

My Brother died at age 36 from a brain tumor. The first photo was taken when my brother
was around 19. You can see the difference in the lower photo that was taken when he was 35.
Craig’s head swelled up because of the brain stem tumor.  And since it was a brain stem tumor,
surgery might not have helped.

Dan “the griz” Wilshire

Dan was a veteran, backpacker and great trail volunteer.  But he smoked.
And that’s what led to his death.  At the end, he came up for one last
Heritage Chapter work weekend.  He was in bad shape that weekend and
had trouble breathing.  He died a few weeks later, but at least he got to be out
on the trail one last time, even though he couldn’t actually do any trail work.
I prefer to remember him standing on a beaver dam with his backpack on.

Chris Schmidt

Back in the 1990s I was Scoutmaster of a Troop in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.
During my tenure, 5 boys became Eagle Scouts.  Chris Schmidt was one of them.
I had not heard anything about Chris for many years, then one day a few years
ago I heard that he died.  I wore my Scout Uniform to his funeral didn’t really
know what happened.  It was kidney failure and one person told me it was caused
by alcohol.

Darlene Strassman

Darlene was a great karaoke audience member. She would come
just to listen to the singers and to cheer them on.  She loved the Packers too.
She had a retirement party, but wound up in the hospital instead.  She had cancer.
She died in just a few months after that.  She didn’t have a very good retirement.
That’s why I am hiking the Camino de Santiago. I want to start off my retirement
with an adventure I will treasure.

Layla

My only Great Grand Niece died at age 6.  She went to sleep one night and she never woke up.
She had a brain aneurysm, and nobody even knew there was a problem until it was too late.
It was a couple days of hell until the coroner released the findings. Maybe this would be a case
for having more people scanned more often.  Perhaps in 5 to 10 year increments.  This is every parent’s
nightmare.  I’m just hoping the best for Lucas and Christina

Prayer for Healing

David Dyer

I was shocked recently when I found out that David Dyer is very sick.  He has been
a regular on the Karaoke Scene here in Madison for many years.  He’s a guy
that loves singing and sings very well.  I was told that David has a terminal disease
and who knows how long he has.  So, I am praying for David to be healed.

Prayer for Safe Travels

I pray that Greybeard and his companions safely make it to the salt water of the Mississippi River
Delta.  They are only days away from completing the Journey.  September 8 is the target date.  Then
the trip will be 87 days and Graybeard at age 87 will be the oldest person to paddle the Mississippi River.
So, good luck to Greybeard, Matt Taylor, Dan Faust, Matt Briggs and of course the dog Meadow.

How about some safe travel prayers for me, too.

Below is a photo of me from over two years ago.  I have been working out in the gym or taking
a 5 mile hikeor 10 mile bike hike every day for 2 years. I have lost over 30 pounds. I’m hoping
I can handle the rigors of this hike.

Other Prayers

For my mom, may she be well when I am gone.
For Melina, may her wrist heal.