Day 42 -800kms later-

The lights came out from their cosy shelter. First we saw the familiar twinkle of the stars, then a slither of moon and soon after, the fire in the sky, walking mostly through long, misty rainforest pathways, forming a glorious umbrella that we did not need. This meant I was advertising again and two Spanish girls took the cue: “Why are you walking with Parkinsons on your back”? “To raise some funds and get people talking about it” I said, “Like  me” she said, took a photo then the girl from Madrid continued to sing.

We had heard about this lad walking in thongs and bare feet and because of his enquiring mind, we met him as well. “Has someone in the family got Parkinsons”? We chatted for a while about it, he took a photo and then he left us an hour later still no wiser about what to do with the rest of his life.

Then I was asked by a group if they could take a photo of me, but after putting an expression on my Parkinson gaze they took a photo of my back.

We then did our final lap through the once familiar tall thin streets of Santiago’s old city to the Cathedral where controversially lie the bones of St James. For most this is neither here nor there but for the devout, the symbolism is clear and rich

We then caught up with two other Aussies, mum and daughter from Japan, our friends from New Zealand and a young New Yorker who we walked with some days ago and who is very thankful for Sandy’s help in locating her bag!!

We’ll celebrate by letting the sun rise before us, walking around Santiago, repairing my feet while Corrie will do exactly what she wants

Back tomorrow

A  sonnet

I’ve got the disease but she feels it as well

It’s simply not something that keeps to itself

Past trauma can’t hide and reactions swell

Work needs to be done not left on the shelf

She holds on to me when I seem unsteady

She’s patient with me when I get a bit slow

She likes to sleep in but she’s quick to get ready

When she knows all I want is to get up and go

She helps with the blog when I can’t get it right

When I press the wrong button and can’t get it back

She transfers our bags and books rooms each night

She builds rapport in an instant so we don’t go off track

She’s my wife and she lives with Parkinsons too

I’m so lucky and know I’m not one of a few