#roncevalles

One of those ethnic neighborhoods you used to find all over the place in Toronto. Wherever you were you knew where you were just by the smells and overall vibe.

Deep Salt Water by Marianne Apostolides is being featured in the window @anotherstorybookshop in Toronto, along with two limited edition giclee prints of two nine of my collages featured in the book. "Anemone" and "Whips" photographed by @melaniegordonphotography Thank you Eric, Bruce and of course Sheila. I used to work in this book store about 7 years ago now ... So lovely and awesome to now have my work on display. I also left with a small stack of books for #leotheboss from their stellar kids book selection. #roncevalles #deepsaltwater #bestbookshop #anotherstorybookshop #grateful #happyfriday

There’s always something to see and do in Roncesvalles. Roncy is a community filled with thinkers, doers and daydream believers. Sometimes people watching is all the entertainment you could ask for. 

Mornings have been early, and cold, and beautiful. There has been incredible scenery & wonderful company, serendipitous meetings and excellent conversation. Time to reflect, to connect, and explore. As usual, I’m thinking about practice and what this repetitive ritual of packing my bag in a precise way, donning layers, tying my shoes tight and taking one step after another after another is all about. There seem to be as many reasons to walk this way as there are people walking - and most of them distill to the same thing. #TandMCamino #Mel #roncevalles #morningstar (at Albergue De Peregrinos Real Colegiata De Roncesvalles)

Roomates in the shadow

We are staying in the city of Pamplona for a couple of days at a cushy hotel. It feels great to sleep in a little and not have to wear sandals in the shower or earplugs as we do in the pilgrim albergues (hostels only open to pilgrims). We've met some great people along the way. Many people are just looking to disconnect from the modern world a little while doing a physical challenge that allows them to put life in perspective. most people also want to soak up some of the very interesting and varied Spanish culture. The Camino itself is tough but every step you take is invigorating. We have been walking an average of 15 miles a day. We start as the sun is rising and we usually arrive at the town/village we will be staying at shortly after lunch. The first day to Roncevalles was physically the hardest as we had to traverse very steep terrain. The second day was easier on paper but, with aching bodies and tired minds, we struggled a little more. Along the way, as we encountered streams, we took off our shoes and put our aching tootsies in the cold mountain water. Miraculously, the water rejuvenated our feet. Michelle and I have not had any blisters to speak of which is a huge blessing. Some pilgrims hobble around with giant blisters and appear to be in some agony. I'm sure they will soon have calluses soon and their path will be more pleasant. The camino is beautiful and we have met so many interesting people from all walks of life and countries of the world. We are loving the challenge and the rewards of a demanding, but fruitful, journey.