Karen, Marianthe and I arrived in Las Herrerias about an hour ago. Hunter is taking the Alto Dragonte route so I’ll be waiting for him here while the girls go onward toward O’Cebreiro. He may be exhausted and choose to stay here, I’m happy to take a break and patiently await his arrival as there are many animals for me to observe and write about in this town. I’ve been enjoying learning about the systems of animal agriculture, wildlife reservations/refuges and animal shelters in this country. It is often sad to realize the fate of many of these creatures but unfortunately that is the way that the world and the food chain operates. I constantly want to reach out and help the many feral cats and dogs, the cows and sheep and goats, motivating me to further my education into veterinary science. Humans may be a more “intellegent” species in certain regards than farm animals and such, but we all have an equal right to prosper on this earth. Habitat fragmentation due to farmland, roads and cities etc., has significantly affected the necessary migratory patterns of almost all species worldwide and I hope to learn how to work with this common problem as well. Times have changed and as populations grow dramatically it becomes unrealistic to expect unity between wild animals and “civilized” societies and towns, so if we intend to save many of these diminishing species we must learn to find more effective ways to protect them from hunting while maintaining their natural migratory patterns to the furthest possible extent. This is being exemplified in Seattle currently by the proposal to build a “land bridge” over the highway in order to promote migration for land mammals as well as create a protected landscape that offers alternative habitation opportunities. I learned less than a year ago that 1/3 of the existing species of birds from the last 100 years (which are an excellent global signifier of environmental health) are either extinct or endangered. Since traveling the Camino and mulling this concept over in my head repeatedly, I realize more and more every day how seriously the use of pesticides, habitat fragmentation and lack of biodiversity in many places could also be harming humans. I’ve firmly believed my entire life that animals worldwide should be treated more respectfully and responsibly, but now my dedication to studying them has showed significant evidence that humans aren’t treating one another respectfully and responsibly either. When or how can this cyclical pattern of self-harm and the harm of others end? Is it possible, or has the modern conception of self-importance (such as owning your own home, having your own biological children, owning your own business, etc) doomed us all? I’m not trying to be cynical, I’m genuinely curious as to how we can change on more than just a personal level. How can we teach one another to truly respect and love each other? I  will forever stand by the golden rule, always treat others as you wish to be treated. Others, in this context, include the earth, the plants, the people, the animals and everything else!

Some food for thought.

Buenos dias y Buen Camino!