Surprisingly, we woke up today a little sore and stiff from yesterday’s “warmup” run. While only 33 km, we climbed 2,500 feet which is some thing we are not used to, especially with our mud caked running shoes.

Our $14 per night hotel was no boutique hotel but adequate for our needs - we were thrilled that it had a working air conditioner. Back out on the trail it rained in the morning and we had a break as we left but knew it would probably be like yesterdays on and off storms.

We made quick work of the first 20km and made a quick pitstop in the little town of Itirapua. At the only padaria or bakery in town we met Dada and Marcella who was nine years old. We ate our favorite - toasted white roll with butter and cheese, strong coffee and sweet buns.. Marcella served us and was thirsty for conversation - especially Amy as they spoke to each other in different languages seemingly understanding exactly what each was saying. As the rain pounded outside and we finished our snack, Alan rose up and sang a Christmas hymn for us and it felt like we were in our own church. A few minutes later the rain stopped for us and we took a group photo with Dada and Marcella and before heading out for our last 30km toward Sao Tomas Aquino’s our final destination, we gave Dada and Marcella a $20 tip which made them very happy. The people of the Camino are part of the magic of this trail. Everyone has a unique story and they want to connect to us even though they know we probably don’t speak the language. Regardless, a smile makes lifts the spirits, an act of kindness warms the heart and in making these connections, we affect both the people we touch and ourselves for a lifetime..

As we were leaving the town a gentleman pulled up in a car and we chatted a bit in broken Portuguese. I learned his name was Nilton and at the edge of town at a shrine to Mother Mary he pulled over and asked to take a picture together. Three hours later on a muddy dirt road, Nilton reappeared with Laura and Oweder in the car with supplies for us - local candy that reminded us of a peanut butter cup, water and a local drink which tasted like water with lime. After we left town, Nilton went and found Laura who is a local English teacher and asked her to join him to find us so they could talk to us more deeply and give us stamps for our pilgrims passport. We all met up and Alan did an interview with them in Portuguese which I posted below.

After we broke camp, the rain became torrential. We stopped with 10km to go and took shelter at the top of a mountain. Amy and I left to make our way to the final town while Alan and Caique would go ahead and lock down hotel and research restaurant. They never passed us on the muddy, slippery road down. After an hour when i had cell coverage I learned the suv slid off the road and was stuck. I let them know there was nothing ahead so Alan contacted our friend Dada from the bakery and an hour later the troops arrived including Oweder and his father with Giliard who owned a tractor.

Meanwhile, Amy and I arrived in Sao Tomas Aquinas covered in mud and soaked to find only 1 posada at the square and we managed to secure rooms from Patricia the owner of the house/posada. Not far behind, Alan and Caique arrived and all of us celebrated the days success with beers in the plaza. I have learned that in adversity, we learn the most about each other and I can honestly say this group of four thrived in that moment.

We ate at the only restaurant in town - a pizzaria where the owner built and actual wood burning stove and enjoyed ice cold beers, solid pizza and each other’s company to end our day.

Thank you all for the support.

Cheers,

David.