This morning, for lack of adequate waymarkers, I missed a turn and by the time I discovered it, it was easier just to press on. The road I was traveling would get me where I wanted to go, probably quicker than the trails. The big problem: it was dangerous. it was hilly and curvy and there was precious little shoulder on the country road. Speeders and bad drivers made life interesting for about 5 km. The lack of waymarking has been very frustrating for the first 2 days. In Spain, they take thus Camino stuff pretty seriously and signs marking the way are huge and plentiful. I saw on clear waymarker on day one and it was smaller than my hand on trunk of a tree. On day 2 I saw more. Fortunately, I had good maps and directions that kept me moving in the right direction. This morning I had a confluence if tragic circumstances that contributed to a dangerous situation for me: No map or directions, no waymarkers, no internet connection and a missed turn. A nice man in one town gave me great directions to the next town and there, everything turned around. Just as I was mentally working up a post about  bad waymarking on the French Camino, I apparently entered a new zone or something. Because all of a sudden, everything was clearly marked. And remained so for the rest of the day. Both systems, the international red and white waymarkers for hikers, and the blue and yellow scallop-shell markets were abundant and accurate. Every intersection and junction was clear - and it is a good thing, because I was on backroads and country trails. 

I did not make it as far yesterday as I intended to for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the quarter size blister on the ball of my foot. I don't want to be overly dramatic, but I thought the name of the road that I was walking about 2/3 of my walk today was appropriate given the foot pain. it also reminded me that some suffering is part of the Camino and that my suffering is tiny compared to HIS. Not sure how far I will get today, but I am grateful for the walk. At this pace I should be in Santiago de Compostela by June - of 2018. ;)

The Religious of Betharram run a huge retreat house and a pilgrim hostel at their massive monastery.

Yesterday's prayers were for the intentions of Mary Beth Andrews, Margarita Rivera, Nancy Rich and Lorena Para Howard.

Today for the Intentions of Janet Heva, Gail McWilliams, and Tuesday Ray.

I first came to Lourdes in the Summer of 1996 when  I was  Deacon studying French in Paris. I was brought here by my dear friend and mentor Fr. Bill Lowery who loved this place dearly. It has subsequently become very  special to me (This is my 5th time here). I have long thought that any pilgrimage to Santiago for me would begin here. Today has been perfect. I had nothing to do today but to pray and to make some final spiritual preparations. Tonight I went to the Candlelight Rosary Procession. I was thinking of Bill and how delighted he was to bring me to my first Lourdes Procession. I was thinking of the 40 young people I introduced to Lourdes in 2000. And I was asking the Queen of Heaven to watch over all pilgrims on the Camino. I'm ready. Tomorrow I walk.