Bercianos del Real Camino – Mansilla de las Mulas
16.63 | 287.91 miles
+ 608 |-772 feet
The moon lit the way this morning. I didn’t need my flashlight, it illuminated the path so well. This is the second full moon of September, so an extra gift. I didn’t think I would be able to walk with it as it’s been visible in the evening. But there she was this morning.
Like any good relationship, it was at its best when the moon walked beside me rather than in front of me. Before me, its brightness limited my night vision.
The moon was setting in front of me as the sun rose behind me.
and lay your hand upon me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light around me become night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you. – Psalm 139:5, 11-12
As it neared the horizon, the moon kept growing larger until it was almost like a harvest moon, as if to say, “I’m still here!”
I didn’t turn around to look at the sunrise as often today because I was so captivated by the moonset. The moon set with humility – passing the horizon at the same time as the sun. However, today, the moon was the star.
Yesterday, two to three miles into Bercianos, there were trees along the path. This is the only shade to be had. You can see they were intentionally planted for the Camino. As we left town, the trees continued – the entire 16 miles to Mansilla.
Many years ago, someone planted these trees. Now they’re mature enough to offer shade. I think it’s rare to do something intentionally, requiring much effort now when it won’t fulfill its purpose for many years. Often, we act with (demand?) a much shorter time frame. It was hot today; I was thankful someone planted these trees.
Buen Camino
