The Journey Begins

This is a short note to clear up some confusion generated in my last post. Yes, the wheels came off, but if there is one thing I have learned in this life, it is how to put the wheels back on. To make a long — and boring — story short, do not plan to stay in Poladura de los Tercios on the Camino San Salvador on a Sunday. The waters I muddied will run clear soon enough.

But not here in Minneapolis where I sit drinking a beer and watching the rain pouring down. My flight to Paris, already delayed, will hopefully get me to Charles de Gaulle in time to catch my final leg to Biarritz.

By my side is my backpack with all the earthly goods I will bring with me on my Hybrid Camino. It all weighs in under 15 pounds, including my trademark trash can liner rain jacket (which would be ineffective in this Minnesota rainstorm). Juliette cut the head and arm holes in the bag last night.

It also includes a book I brought along. I had been debating whether to bring St Augustine’s Confessions or Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Although I have started each one, I decided to read a random sample of each one and let that be the decider.

I opened Confessions to Augustine’s discussion of time. Auspicious, given the title of my last post, and definitely a subject I love to think about. I couldn’t get a vibe from a few random samplings of Pilgrim, but given its title and my upcoming role, I selected that book. Augustine can be a bit heavy and more suited to sedentary reading and pondering. I can read a bit of Annie and contemplate while on the go.

So…sorry for any confusion. Rain is clearing up. I will be boarding soon. Next post from the Camino!

Ultreia et suseia!