I can’t begin to count the people we have met. Hundreds. Thousands? Unique all.
Hiking Skirt Lady – Cheerleader Guy – Peter &Jane – Pennsylvania – Crazy Wine Guy – Dan & Louann – Japanese couple – Argentina – Gail from Sequim – Calgary Ladies
It’s another amazing aspect of the journey we are on. You can’t begin to comprehend the array of nationalities, personalities, physical abilities, age and languages you encounter amongst the pilgrims on the Camino.
The Marys – Guy with Dog – Bad Leg Australia – Denver – Super nice Italian Guy – The Brits with the van – Mexican partners – Nebraska
We can’t remember everyone’s names so we give them nicknames. “Hey look there’s little Japanese lady. We haven’t seen her since Burgos.” Or “Was that South Africa #2 we just passed?”
So many conversations. We learn a little bit about a lot of people. Once again it’s astounding how each 
person’s journey is unique.
Sisters from Sisters – Nathan – German tour group – Quebec – Lady/Man? With stuffed Tiger – South Korea – Brazil Guy – Obnoxious Vegetarian American
A woman from Australia told us she hates the Meseta, it reminded her too much of the Outback. So she took a bus and skipped the entire section. What?? That was my favorite! So beautiful.
French boys – Finnish Family – New Zealand – Cute Irish couple – Richmond Virginia – Rogue River – Flower hat lady – Texas Gals
For weeks we have encountered a British group of 
six walking, and one woman driving a van to meet them at the end of each day. Another group of Germans also with a support vehicle following but they stopped at the halfway point. They will return next year to do the second half.
Old Slow Man – Toronto – The Dutch – Big guy with tattoos – Mexico – Catalan Girls – Guy with long hair – Salt Spring Island – Northern Ireland
A conversation with Spanish man who thinks too many tourists on the Camino take away from the “original” purpose – only to find out this guy is riding a bike. Doubtful many original pilgrims had a mountain bike.
Mutt & Jeff – Munich – Maia from Australia – Vancouver – Wilkerson WA – Chain Smoker – Guy in 
my Bunk – Ohio
At the same time we arrived at the Cruz de Ferro the other day two huge tour buses pulled up on the road and out piled at least 100 Korean tourists. We had just walked up to the 5000 foot mark while they came up on a bus. Then they proceeded to walk down the other side making the trail crowded and making me irritated. I was exhausted and they were fresh and fast. This seems wrong to me to see the Camino done this way, but I’m trying hard not to judge. It’s hard though.
Couple celebrating 30th Anniversary – Punk Rocker from Taiwan – Loud Woman on her cell phone – Utah – Munich – Blind Guy with Brother
On our first day we met an older woman from 
Australia and she was walking alone. She said she was slow but could go far. I’ve thought of her every day since. Particularly on the days where I was struggling, when the weather was bad or the trail was tough. I hope she is still out there. I wish I had gotten her contact info. I’m worried for her. This isn’t easy.
Spanish Six – Curly Redhead – Irish Hiking Club – Scotland – Tattoo Girl – Phoenix – Lost Lady
In just a few days we will reach Sarria, 100km from Santiago. We know the Camino will change at this point and we feel sad about it. Here is where we will be joined by hundreds of pilgrims who only walk the final 100km. I know the experience will be different starting here and I expect not as serene. It will also be odd to suddenly be surrounded by fresh new pilgrims we don’t know. I hope our comrades aren’t lost in the shuffle.
Seattle – Grey Couple – Slow Walkers – Coug – Hawks Fan –
What do others call us I wonder?
We all are here for different reasons with different goals, life experiences and expectations. But we all share one name in common;
Pilgrim.
Buen Camino.
Miles walked 375. Miles to go 114.
for loved ones who have died on the trail. It happens more than you might think. So arriving at the iron cross means many things to many people and we certainly felt the healing power there.
wondering if it will include vegetables.
gotta go.
astonishing variety of way-finding.
sometimes humorous and rarely difficult.
that day. But you get used to seeing the signs, so if you’ve made a wrong turn you won’t go along too far before you begin to suspect you’ve done something wrong because the 
yellow arrows have disappeared.
their own unique Camino signage. In Logrono they created a more stylized modern look using stone and metal. In the teeny village of Redecilla Del Camino a long 
yellow stripe in the middle of the road through town bearing the Camino scallop shell guided you on your way.
the look of official highway signs, but still in the familiar blue and gold.
Sometimes you can barely make out the yellow spray paint. Sometimes it’s unclear which way the arrow is actually pointing.
As we climbed out of the valley and above the town of Najera we went through a beautiful section of red rock mountains. The yellow arrows stood out against the red rocks.
I still have close to three weeks to go. No doubt there are still more signs ahead to amaze and amuse. But these are the ones that have guided us along these past weeks. On our journey full of