Day One - We walked about seven miles through very beautiful country and some ancient villages. It threatened rain but didn't actually do it until we reached our destination in Samos. The oldest monastery in Spain is here, it is Benedictine and over 1000 years old. Sadly, there are only 5 monks left here. I can't imagine how they support and care for such an ancient place. We took a tour, which really challenged my Spanish but fortunately my personal interpreter was with me! When we checked into our lodging, we met a British guy, about 50, at registration. He's been hiking for about a month. When I asked him what inspired him to take on the Camino, he said he often tours Spain on his motorcycle. But on one tour a man rushed over to him, all smiles, and gave him a big hug. When he asked why, the man said he had just finished the Camino and our guy was the first person he saw. The guy at registration said "That man was the happiest person I had ever seen. I offered to trade him the keys to my motorcycle for his hiking poles." I don't think he really gave away his motorcycle, but his next trip to Spain was

walking the Camino.  I have had a couple of good conversations like this so far and find no one is shy about telling me why they are walking The Camino.