Sept 27- Rest day-Vilar de Cas

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” — Mark Black

Today was a true day of rest and renewal…a pause my body and spirit deeply craved after ten days of climbing up and down relentless, steep grades. Nestled in this tiny, quiet village, surrounded by the embrace of woods and the gentle rhythm of stillness, I felt the weight of fatigue lift. The calm, unhurried hours were a gift, exactly what was needed to restore our strength and prepare us to continue the long journey of what’s left of the Camino Primitivo.

Kathleen and I spent the afternoon wandering through the quiet village where our accommodations are located. The atmosphere was calm and beautiful, and it wasn’t until we allowed ourselves to pause that we realized just how much our bodies had been asking for this rest. Our albergue, A Pucina de Muñiz, has been the most welcoming and comfortable place we’ve stayed so far. In the evening, we gathered around a family-style table with pilgrims from all over the world, sharing stories and laughter. Moments like these remind me that the Camino is not only about the miles walked, but also about the community that gives the journey its meaning.

My thoughts: Such a relaxing and restorative day. Slowing down to wander the village, to sit in quiet moments of reflection, and to share conversations and laughter with fellow pilgrims felt like a gift I hadn’t realized I needed. The Camino has a way of reminding me that rest is as important as hiking , and that joy is often found in the simplest moments like a shared meal, a kind word, or a pause to breathe deeply. Once again, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunities this journey continues to unfold, both in the landscapes I walk through and in the people I meet along the way. Feeling blessed!