Day 25: Astorga to Foncebadon

Miles Day/Total/To Go: 16.9/354.2/160.5
Weather: Sunny Cool then Warm

Mountains are again part of the Camino today's 16.9 mile walk brought us from 900m to 1400m, a 500m ascent most of which occured in the last 6 miles. It was a physically challenging walk rewarded with stunning vistas as I reached higher ekevations.

Today my thoughts and prayers focused on my Brother Fred. Fred was a late pregnancy for my Mom (he is 8 years my junior) and consequently, I suspect his childhood was very different from the rest of us. I believe he missed out on the worst of my Dad's dark side, he also missed out on many of the very interesting vacations. I am very envious of some of the connections he had with my Dad that were possible after I had left for college. I am sure it was weird for him having us leave the nest when he was still very much in the nest. When he was born I was so happy to have a brother after being out numbered by my sisters for so many years. As I was going through high school I am sorry that my attitude changed and he became the annoying little brother; I was a typical teenager, but I regret to this day that I was not a better big brother to him at that stage in my life.

Once I left for college then I really lost touch him as with my sister Karen. After high school Fred signed up with the USAF and devoted 20 years of his life to serving our country. I am immensely proud of him for his service. Fred, unlike Karen, has made some of the big mistakes that really set you back. He has always recovered and now has a great family in Port St. Joe, Fl. He's got some issues with a daughter in Japan and his son Derrick, both from previous marriages.  I pray that those situations improve.

Fred recently moved to Florida and Kathy and I visit I with them several times a year, it has been great to visit with him and get to know him all over again.

Big day tomorrow with the Cruz de Ferro and a big long challenging downhill walk into Molinasca/Ponferadda.