Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Day 5: The sun shines on...

I've a quick minute to update...I'll be in Portugal tomorrow and can see from a google map (that I can't print out from the public library computer) that the villages will be less frequent for a pilgrim.

Time is an odd convention.  Once the world generally agreed to standard time for transportation purposes, time became a bit disconnected from the passage of the sun across the sky.  Noon long ago ceased to be defined as the point in time when the sun was directly overhead and shadows were shortest.  Spain chose to be in the Central European time zone, which has logic founded in commerce, but shifts the timeline awkwardly westward.

In these days since I began the walk in the very northwest of Spain, I arise before sunrise, as has always been my pilgrim habit, so that I can be warmed up and mentally present to welcome the rising sun along with the tweeting birds and enjoy the luscious moist fregrance of the vegetation.  Eucalyptus trees abound here.

My southeasterly heading has Orion standing strongly over my right shoulder arrow drawn at the ready; the Big Dipper has toppled its contents out above my left; I walk toward the orange smudge on the horizon until the curtain slowly lifts during the first hour of daylight to reveal the sequential rolling bluish ridges to be climbed and descended all day long.  I leave the albergue at 7.  The sun reaches it height around 2 in the afternoon.

Portugal, staying more true to their place on the globe lies in the Western European time zone.  Though I'll head both south and east tomorrow, the subsequent five days will begin at 6 to get the same hour of the dim light of dawn to myself, only afterward to step back into Central European time and reset my clock.

Next stop in Portugal - who knows what the keyboard will look like!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

When you move away from conventional pilgrim routes, will you sleep as you did in Ukraine etc? Or sleep in church porches etc?

On my coming walk from Valencia to NW Spain, I'll be sleeping outside a lot of the time. Takes away the need to get to a refuge. Stop when you drop, so to speak.

Good trails!

OHMV said...

Congratulations! Best wishes. You are in my heart and prayers!

Sylvia

Seth DeMoor said...

I'm on the phone with Bishop Conley updating him on your progress! He says hello and told me the story about his final blessing to you!

Steve, is trekking the Camino to Santiago, he is about two weeks out from finishing, you can follow along here: http://onebillionstories.com/steve-seguin-camino/blog/

Blessings Ann, can't wait for the next post.

Denver's leaves are just turning yellow now, 49 degrees on Saturday! God Bless

Compostelle 2008 said...

What a wonderful description of the morning on a pilgrimage! I can remember in Spain in June, beginning at 7 a.m. and the sun was not quite yet up. Bueno Camino and thank you for my virtual experience!

Michèle (Ottawa, ON) Canada

gracefilled fool said...

I have read the first three posts and are looking forward to hearing more about your journey. Remember my challenge(s) to you... peace to you and may your dogs quickly silence.

gracefilled fool said...

So glad to hear that you have once again gotten yourself launched on another adventure. Remember the challenge(s) I have posed to you, your dogs quiet down, your travels be safe and the people you meet be blessed. Looking forward to more news as you are able!

Anonymous said...

If you pass the Mor/Alg border there is still fighting along the Libyan coast. This could change in weeks.

Google; LIBYAN VISA: LAW AND PROCEDURE IN LIBYA

Good trails!

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you are on your own way! Yes, it is cold and rainy in Denver, but no complaints other than we miss you. Can't wait to hear from Portugal...take care.