Kurt Koontz's Blog, page 11

Hope in Hopeless

Venezuela tried a social experiment to spread the wealth.  Hugo’s 35-year old daughter is reported to be worth $4.2 billion and the country is on the verge of collapse with long lines for butter and a currency hardly worth ass wipe.  Syria continues to drop...

Keep Rolling

During most summer weekends, I try to sneak out on my road bike for a long Sunday morning rolling meditation.  Combing the church crowd with those that prefer some extra ZZZs creates an ideal time to crank up the Cannondale and blaze through rejuvenating miles....

Wrong Path

Last Friday night, two Camino veterans hosted an immaculate Spanish dinner at their home.  The local couple served a traditional meal consisting of  mixed ensalada, Paella, and Torta de Santiago.   Seven guests had completed at least one 500-mile walk and three are jonesing to...

Great Expectations

My book and speaking events have put me in touch with many people from all over the world that plan to embark on the Camino.  It is a joy to coach them on lightening their loads or even a few suggestions for some fine tapas....

Yesteryear

I recently booked a Seattle trip to visit an old friend from college.  At the Delta Air checkout, a note popped up informing me that there are only 58 days until the flight. It struck a nerve because I booked the visit for the tail...

Road Lessons

Three planes and twelve hours took me from Boise, Idaho to San Jose Costa Rica on April 20.  While wandering towards my room for some well needed rest, I bumped into Ted from South Dakota. He kindly inquired if I had mastered the seemingly endless...

##it Happens

Last week, I had a very strange day that was plagued by small struggles.  While brushing my teeth, I looked out the window to find that my rented motorcycle was laying on its side in the rock driveway. The massive rain from the previous night...

Clingers

I keep booking long trips with the idea that time will not be an issue.  It is hard to believe that today is the halfway point in my Costa Rican adventure.  The evaporation of time is a constant reminder that all things are temporary. My...

Natural Cleaning

Montezuma Costa Rica is in the midst of a severe dry season.  The locals tell me it is the worst in 20 years.  Upon arrival, the greenness of the jungle was cleverly disguised by a brownish red dust coating everything in sight.  During the past...

Lluvia Púrpura

  On the day I arrived in Montezuma, Dagmar greeted me at the base of her luxury treehouse.  She is my friend, landlord, and extraordinary yoga teacher.  On the way up the stairs she said, “Do you know that Prince died today?”  My suddenly blank...