Rabanal to El Acebo, June 13, 2026.
Dear Followers, Friends, Family, and Christine.
As we left Rabanal, a spiritually rich village, Charlie waxed poetic, contemplating aloud the journey of Jesus from village to village 2000 years ago. Charlie remarked, “We are walking at the speed of Jesus.“
I was thunderstruck. What a brilliant way to capture the moment. I stopped to write it in my phone and committed that those words would be the title of today’s post.
Today was an iconic day with our ascent to the Cruz de Farro.
It is a place of serious contemplation for many pilgrims, the highest point on the Camino.
Tradition calls upon us to leave a stone at the Cross to symbolically represent the release of some burden and a prayer asking strength and forgiveness from the Creator.
I had forgotten just how much strength would be required for the downward descent to our next town, El Acebo. The path was steep, rock strewn, and treacherous. We and our hiking companion, Tara from Switzerland, relied heavily upon our trekking poles.
Often times they were the difference between stability and a near fall. The distance might have been 19 km but it felt more like 30.
Christine, I am thinking of you. In two days you will bid goodbye to three of your traveling companion grandchildren. I know what a wonderful experience this has been for you and them. I also know how sad the parting will be. Love, Me
Peace, Everyone and Buen Camino. Pete.
Here are other pictures from the day:
PS. On April 28, 2026, a dear friend and mentor, Edward “Ned” Coulson, passed from this life.
In 1980 I was fresh out of law school and seeking employment as a new attorney. Ned invited me to his office and offered me a small space, the use of his secretary and supplies. The cost, $350 a month. When I went home to tell Christine that I had a position at $350 a month she first wondered how we could possibly support our growing family on such a meager a salary. The look on her face was priceless when I explained it was not how much I would be earning but how much I would have to pay.
Ned assured me that I would never want for business and that my success as an attorney was all but guaranteed. He gave me confidence to go forward and the rest is history.
Ned‘s obituary was published today:
Ned Coulson- Parkville, MO 04.28.2026