Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Feb 10, 2015: Montserrat to Manresa 23.7 K

Our final day on this Camino dawned clear and crisp, with spectacular views unfolding as the dawn pushed back the night. The view from our hotel window captivated us to the point that we just sat and watched as the day came to life. Finally the church bells calling the monks to prayer at 7:00 (I am making a guess here as there was some serious bell ringing going on) got us moving and down to breakfast at 8:00. As we walked about 4 K of today's walk yesterday coming into Montserrat we opted  to start out this morning from Cristòfol. It was a beautiful day with the rising sun offering promise of a milder day ahead. We walked along rural paths and roads for most of the day, with one exception. This was a guardrail hugging sprint for about 500 meters that caused us to slam our butts into the rail (add a big inhale) when trucks were forced our way by oncoming traffic. We were delivered and released a huge sigh of relief as we turned left onto a gravel road that was mercifully devoid of traffic. This same road led us upward in a prolonged moderate climb that eventually opened up a distant view of Manresa below us. We carried on enjoying the warm early afternoon air, gradually peeling away unnecessary gear as the temperature rose.

We dropped slowly down and into the rural suburbs of Manresa. Here we followed narrow paths through fields and along stone walls until we came upon the Torre Santa Caterina, an old watchtower that overlooks the city. Here we could see Manresa spread out before us and La Cova (The Cave) complex dead ahead. We started a slow steep descent down a tricky and rocky path, crossing the Old Bridge that St. Ignatius would have crossed as well. We had no idea where we were going except to the La Cova complex to find someone who could direct us to the Pilgrim Office. That someone turned out to be the receptionist at the Jesuit Retreat House, the only office we found open. She kindly explained that pilgrim affairs were handled in the church office that would open at 3:00, one hour from now. We opted to find our lodging for the night, and return later. This we did, after a quick bite to eat as well. We did our best pilgrim shuffle back to the church, where you enter to visit The Cave, and presented ourselves to the lady manning a desk in the sacristy. She spoke little English, but we communicated who we were (pilgrims from Loyola) and what we needed (credentials stamped and completion certificates), and she got to work. We shortly had our documents and were officially entered into the database. She did tell us one other person had arrived from Zaragoza a couple of days before us, but we were the first pilgrims to arrive this year from Loyola. We never saw a single pilgrim along this route in 27 days of walking (other than 12 bound for Santiago, on the Camino Frances in Logroño).

Our arrival today was expected to be different from a Santiago arrival simply because there are so few pilgrims that little fanfare is warranted. Once we received our documents we were told that we could not visit The Cave as repairs were currently underway. So, it was a bit of a strange arrival, and yes a bit of a let down. In fairness, after such a such a great experience in Montserrat, it would be hard to improve on that. But, we offered our prayers of thanksgiving in the church and slipped out the door as more construction workers slipped in.

Our plan was to spend two days here, but that has now changed. We will break camp tomorrow and head for Barcelona a day earlier (things could be worse). The train station is just down the road, and our host here in Manresa told us that the trains to Barcelona leave about every 30 minutes (6 euros). For now we are back in our apartment undergoing the transformation from pilgrim to turista. Our work here is done and it is time to start thinking of home and things to come. This Camino has touched Robin and I in a way we did not expect. In many ways we both agree that this was the best Camino we have walked, not because of anything other than how it moved the needle on our faith journey. It just seemed to have a life of its own, that happened to include us (if that makes any sense). But, I think I will let the roots of this journey sink a little deeper before saying anything more. 

Thanks to all of you who shared this remarkable journey with us. Reading encouraging comments, that seem to arrive just when you need them most, is always a blessing. Robin and I will post some follow up comments once we get home. 

Peace and blessings from Manresa,

John and Robin





















13 comments:

  1. Congratulations you two. We're envious of your journey, although we are more warmer weather pilgrims. Glad you made it safe and sound. Thanks again for your daily blogs. We really enjoy following your journeys. Once again your photos were spectacular and prose descriptive and enlightening. Karen and I will fly home from Barcelona after our Caminho Portuguese this spring so we're looking forward to hearing about Barcelona. Thanks again. Dayton and Karen

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    1. Hi Dayton and Karen, Robin and I always enjoy reading your comments. Good luck on your next Camino.

      John

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing this incredible journey. You two are so inspiring.

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  3. I can imagine this was the most memorable pilgrimage you have walked. Your writing and photos have brought it alive for us at home. We are envious of your achievement. Stu and Joan

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    1. Hi Stu, and Joan. Glad we could give you a glimpse of what this pilgrimage was like. Thanks as always for your friendship, and encouragement.

      John

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  4. Congratulations on another successful and inspiring journey. It is a true pleasure to be able to 'walk' along with you. Enjoy Barcelona and safe travel home. Duke

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    1. Thanks, Duke. It was great to have you along with us.

      John

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  5. Congratulations John & Robin - well done! We are amazed at your courage in fighting the elements to reach your goal.Nice commentary and the pictures are spectacular.
    Best, Alain & Janet

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  6. Hi Alain and Janet, What a pleasure it was to hear from you again. Hope this finds you both well.

    John

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  7. Thank you so much for the blog. I know how difficult it can be to write every day. This will help my wife and I greatly as we follow in your footsteps next month. One thing I am hoping for is to meet at least another pilgrim or two walking in the same direction at the same time but either way, I feel more prepared for this Camino now. Thanks again! ~Michael (Singapore)

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    1. Hi Michael, You will have a wonderful experience. Please let me know if you will be blogging so I can follow along with you and your wife. Safe journey.

      John

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  8. Thank you both for sharing this journey with us. The writing was inspired and captured the spirit of the camino, and the photos let us all see this amazing landscape. You have certainly put another journey on our horizon. Best wishes on your future endeavours. Cheryl and Sam

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  9. Hi Cheryl and Sam, wishing you safe travels wherever your next journey takes you. Thank you for following along with us on the Camino Ignaciano.

    John

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