Paul

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Arrived Madrid in one piece with 20 hours of being awake and exhausted. Still had 4 hours to wait for my bus and 4 hour ride to Pamplona . Regardless the spirit is high and it's a great adventure. While at the airport Madrid waiting for my bus I met a guy by the name of Paul who was wating for the same bus and who I have to say is probably the most interesting Pilgrim a person could ever meet.

Here's a brief synopsis of Paul. He is 63 years old has never hiked in his life, is borderline diabetic and his feet have very little feeling which is good I guess because he intends to walk the Camino barefoot. The most interesting part yet about Paul is that he makes no plans at all . He figures that God will send him where he needs him and weill take care of him on Camino. He figures he will spend most of his nights sleeping outside. . Yeah you have to hand it to him as it takes real Cahoonies to travel this way. Paul is one of the most unique people I have ever met.
While we were waiting a woman came up to us and wished us a Buen Camino. She told us she was headed to St Jean Pied du Port France (start of the Camino) to begin her Camino with her mother who is 80 years old!! She mentioned that she knew nothing about the Camino that her mother asked her to accompany her . I was going to tell her that the first day is 18 miles over the Pyrenees 12 of those miles uphill ..but held off saying anything figuring she will realize it once she looks at the mountains.

Im in Pamplona writing this will right more later. One thing once Im outside the city I wont have phone reception . Not much in the way of cell towers here about.
Later

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Comments

[Cheri]

Paul is right
:) Sending prayers for a wonderful journey! XOXO - Cheri

[DeadFred]

Paul is Righr
Haven't reach his level of oneness yet :) .Thank you Cheri. .:)

[DeadFred]

Paul is Righr
Haven't reach his level of oneness yet :) .Thank you Cheri. .:)

[Home and Away]

I hear that the Camino is very crowded this year...
you may be joining Paul sleeping outside. You might want to join the American Pilgrims on the Camino (APOC) Facebook page, where pilgrims reach out to each other, if you haven't already done so. Buen Camino!!!

[DeadFred]

Crowed
I am hearing mixed comments on crowding. Most that I have talked to say that they havent had any trouble . On the other hand I hear on the forums that there is crowded hostels I guess I'll find it out as I go. Thank you for the heads up.

[skauthen]

...
That's pretty hardcore, man... I love meeting fellow walkers on the path. We met this one in Greece who was traveling alone and we tried to befriend him but, nope, he was totally about being alone :)

[DeadFred]

Paul
Exactly.Met a couple others too who had the same attitude as Paul (but wore shoes). Some REALLY interesting peeps on the Camino.