Last night the ocean dreamed me. I was sailing over the surface of a dark sea and could taste the salt spray carried on the wind. It felt like flying.

I woke up late today. The church bells I usually hear at eight were lost over the roar of the deep, I figured ... must have needed the sleep. It has been well over a month of getting up early to meet the carpenter, the sound of power tools and lots of dust. This morning all was silent, seems the hard part is over. Except for a hole or two in the ceiling - It has been well over a month of getting up early to meet the carpenter, the sound of power tools and lots of dust. This morning all was silent, seems the hard part is over. Except for a hole or two in the ceiling - crafted just right for that beautiful wood stove gifted by Freddy, guitar maker and founder of caminoartes.org, - it is a wrap ... time to clean, patch, paint and put the beds together.

First things first. Today I have turned fifty. Contemplating this, I sip strong coffee while feasting my eyes on this little pilgrim kitchen taking shape before me through the generosity of many angels and helping hands. Be Bold! is what Fernando the carpenter told me at the start of all of this. I look forward to revealing the big picture to you in the coming days.

*Favorite mug from the ferretería (Spanish hardware store).*

I finish my coffee and decide it is a good day for a drive. Over the country roads I go ... through blooming fields ... to see what I can see. The little truck putts on through a handful of small villages - most without a soul to be seen. I park and find myself at the giant wooden door of an antique shop, stepping inside - I think I found a clue to last nights dream ...

*The tiniest ships figurehead I have ever seen ... Was I her in my dream last night?*

*Only mystery allows us to live, only mystery. - Federico García Lorca, Spanish poet*

It is hard to explain Camino Magic, the mystery of this Land, and this journey. I do my best to remember to live these days, letting them unfold with a natural rhythm and timing. When I try to rush, push or force, it is like trying to sail directly into the wind. The sails begin to luff and I find myself in irons. I get nowhere.

Recently, I asked a Seer-friend of mine … what it is exactly that I am doing here on this mysterious Holy Road? She said simply, Kim, you are here to create a life.

…….

I was born on Father’s Day, 1968. My dad is one of the kindest, generous and authentic beings that I know, and has encouraged me my entire fifty years on this earth. Never a discouraging word to my dreams, always gifting with his time, a lucky hat, or treasures - including the Lorca book that has traveled far and wide with me.

*The Rainbow Bench on the Camino just after the Cruz de Ferro.*

On the way back to Rabanal, I pass the Rainbow Bench, just after the Cruz de Ferro. I think of my dad every time I see it. The simple graffiti an inspired pilgrim left behind reminds me of that time I entered a 24-hour skate-a-thon at the Rainbow Roller Rink on the Western slope of Colorado. I was about nine and determined to take on this challenge … alone, of course. Somewhere about 8 hours in I lost steam and called on dad to come and pick me up. I give up, I simply can’t do it, I say. I am just too tired. ... But, when I saw him come through those doors in a swift rescue, I suddenly caught my second wind and was whipping around the rink. He asked if he should stay and I said no, that I could continue - I felt strong! He said okay! You can do it! … I would end up calling him back in the middle of the night from the payphone by the popcorn machine. He drove back to the Rainbow Rink and stayed with me until I finished my Quest. I can remember he even took me for an egg mcmuffin reward afterwards. And in the years since, always supportive and reminding me that all things are possible … that the adventure, life experiences, and people that we meet along the way are the most valuable of all treasures … love, kindness and a little mystery here and there is Gold.

So, I send out this little sketch of my day ... a thank you for following along on the journey of The Stone Boat, the kindness and support that has been flowed my direction, and a message to say happy Father’s Day, Dad. I am fifty and finding my second wind …

Go Bravely!
Kim