September 26th, 2016

Extraordinary

Oh, I enjoyed the last two days immensely! Yesterday, after a free breakfast, we left S. Teotonio and its sweet old-school hotel with the tile hallways. Just out of town we passed a farm where a little boy sailed past us on his tiny bike, legs pumping like mad. "Ciao!" he shouted cheerily, waving.
Since then we've hiked about 45 k, stopping last night in Odemira. There, we walked into town and met up again, by chance, with Susanna from Amsterdam, for a beer. (We'd met her on the trail several days ago.)

Last night in Odemira

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This morning, we left before the sun came up, along with men heading to work with their sack lunches. Russ and I were soon trekking through cork, eucalyptus and pine, as well as pastures of cows, sheep and goats, along creeks and slow rivers.

These were long hikes, for us, to do with packs. My left pinkie toe has been swollen and blistered, so I taped it well and hoped for the best. And, it was the best.
Walking allows me to drop into what is happening in the moment. What is that sweet aroma? Sticky Monkey Flower? Feeling the rising sun melt the chill from my skin. Listening to the welcoming chorus when we enter another town: cows, goats, chickens, dogs and doves. Plucking berries and figs along the way and popping them into our mouths. Watching a praying mantis dine on a grasshopper. It's very much like holding space for someone on the table. It's one moment at a time, with curiosity and openness. Life, unfolding. Extra-ordinary.