Personalities of Pilgrims...

As we´ve been hiking along, we´ve met many new and interesting people. And while we hate to stereotype, we´ve realized that there are several types of pilgrims, and it is becoming more and more easy to categorize them. Let us enlighten you...

1) Agro-pilgrim...the agro pilgrim is typically seen with a cigarette hanging from the lip while sporting an ever-popular euromullet. This pilgrim is way to joyous on the trail, or they are deep in thought, contemplating all of life´s mysteries.

2) Chic pilgrim...this pilgrim is wearing designer sunglasses, never actually sweats, and manages to look elegant after walking 18 miles. Catie feels she falls into this category.

3) Pseudo-pilgrim...our first experience with these came a few days ago. The pseudopilgrim has gear 3 times nicer than ours, trekking poles and packs. They unload off of their air-conditioned bus, whip out their poles, walk 50 feet to the nearest church, share candies to offset the low blood glucose this activity caused, then turn around and get back on their bus. We´re pretty sure they actually took pictures of us.

4) The real pilgrim...these are rare, but a sight to behold. These are the old men and women who walk with a smile on their face and a warm greeting. They are serene and radiate contentment. One in particular frequently breaks into song with no impetus. We love him.

5) The veteran pilgrim...these are commonly seen in herds and can be known by their sinuous, tanned legs. They are performing their 5th or 6th pilgrimmage and seem to know the ins and outs of it all.

6) The extreme pilgrim...they seem to be bred in Holland, we think they may actually have some sort of extra chromosome that allows them to walk for 65 days straight. They can be seen sucking down Gu packets and waving as they breeze past us. Michael thinks he is one of these.

7) The paraphenalia pilgrim...these people have hats, bracelets, pins, walking poles, shirts...you name it, they wear it. And all of them have the Camino symbol on them.


Those are our deep thoughts for the day. Today was warm and 18 miles, but we did it and felt very strong. Thank you for the prayers, we needed them today! We are in Najera Spain and about to make a spaghetti dinner. Tomorrow is lighter, but supposed to be just as hot...about 90 degrees. Hope all is well! Thanks for the comments. Hi uncle Greg and Patty!!!

Catie and Michael