Take for instance my Uncle Allan and Aunt Judy. I wrote about them a while back. They are a couple of love birds who went together in their teens, broke up, married other people, then after forty years got back together again. They are so thankful to get a second chance! You can read about their love story here.
This is their wedding picture taken at a seaside resort in California. Aren't they a handsome couple?
So what makes this couple so extraordinary? Well, they are making up for lost time; traveling the world and just enjoying being together. They are loving life and squeezing every bit of joy they can from it!
Over the past year, they have been hiking trails and gearing up for their adventure in Spain. Part of the year was spent at their home in New Brunswick, Canada, hiking the mountains and trails and the other half was spent at their home in Florida where they live during the winter months. Their hiking continued while down south.
And they are at this very moment, walking the infamous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage also known as The Way of St. James which begins in St Jean de Port in France and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, about 780 km. long. Legend has it that St. James is buried in the cathedral there.
The Camino de Santiago - The French Way / Camino Frances is the most traditional of all the pilgrims’ ways to Santiago and the best known internationally. The route, which was established in the late 11th century, crosses the North of the Iberian Peninsula, through the Basque Country, Navarra, La Rioja, Castilla y Leon and Galicia regions of Spain.
Starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foothills of the French Pyrenees, the French Way runs through Northern Spain, from East to West, all the way to Santiago de Compostela, in the Northwestern corner of the country.
They have already walked a fair distance and as of right now, they have walked 330 km. which is more than a third of the way. Here they are ready for the challenge.
This is Basque countryside. Isn't it beautiful?
This is Aunt J coming down The Hill of Forgiveness. She has had some trouble with blisters on her feet but she's a real trooper.
This is Basque countryside. Isn't it beautiful?
This is Aunt J coming down The Hill of Forgiveness. She has had some trouble with blisters on her feet but she's a real trooper.
Poppies at Puente del Reina
UPDATES:
May 22 Update: They are now at the half way point in Albergue
Los Templarios. They have walked 395 km and Aunt Judy's left leg is bothering her. Hopefully a day of rest will help!
June 10 Update: They have reached a Eucalyptus forest and taking refuge from the rain in this photo. They are not far from Santiago now. They figure they will be there tomorrow.
June 11: They made it!
The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
It is an understatement to say that these two people are very adventurous and young at heart!
This is a map of the French Way which they followed.
They are now just taking it easy after walking over 800 kilometers. They are resting up and enjoying the beautiful scenery such as the lighthouse at Muxia, Spain.
Uncle A who is my mother's baby brother, is six months younger than my favourite former Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney, and is the epitome of McCartney's song, "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive." Whenever I hear this song, I cannot help but think of my uncle.
So, here's to you, Uncle A and Aunt J! My hat is off to you both; you're amazing! God be with you on this incredible journey!
NOTE: All photos are courtesy of my uncle.
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi
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