El Camino – Day 1

Rachel, a graduate assistant, poses at one of the Camino markers. Scallop shells lead the way to Saint James in Santiago.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EL Camino – Day 1

By Jean

Past the grand cathedral of Leon, down city streets, and eventually to a dirt road, Day 1 of our Camino trek commenced at daylight. Twelve miles later, we arrived at the small village of Mezarife. Just outside of our destination, I took advantage of a welcoming water stop. The others, thrilled to see our aubergue, went ahead. I changed to sandals, sprawled across an inviting bench, closed my eyes, and mulled over the day. Moments later I was delightfully surprised by a farmer on a burro, leading a large herd of sheep across the Camino – shades of Plantation Road!