John William Boyle was a classmate of Jim’s from 10th grade through medical school. They roomed together the first year of medical school and have remained friends through the years. Bill was the smart one, valedictorian and awards, while Jim has always been the practical grounded one. Karen planned our Camino trip as she and Bill were meant to be the anchor couple for that walk but a number of factors prevented them from joining us on that adventure. We have visited their home in Pine CO and have done a few hikes together. We were just delighted when they accepted our invitation to come to San Miguel de Allende.
These Colorado folks look ready to enjoy some much needed sunshine. 
The stair climbing was easy for them as they live at an even higher altitude than SMA, they are over 8,000 ft. 
Per usual the girls are at the head of the pack. Actually Bill was nice to take it easy for Jim. 
Start of the second set of stairs and she is still smiling 
The top of the stairs photo 
They enjoyed the murals. 
Clever Bill posed like he was painting this unfinished mural 
We are stronger than our fears. 
Love Birds we are. 
Sweet picture also. 
This is such a beautiful walk down from the top of the stairs but Sandy hates it because it is so steep. 
We brought them to one of our favorite roof top restaurants for dumpling and curry and Sandy’s favorite Passion fruit Margarita 
The Parroquia at night. 
One of the highlights of their stay was a performance by this extremely talented 27 year old American classical pianist at St Pauls Church .We later learned he was born in Newton Mass.
Here is a YouTube link to his scintillating show in San Miguel.
SMA rewards us with so many beautiful sunsets at the end of our day. 
They enjoyed a trip to the Mercado and Artisanal markets. 
Nice morning breakfast at a nearby hotel roof top restaurant . 
Fabrica La Aurora is an Art Venue housed in a 100 year old Textile factory. The galleries and shops are wonderful and so diverse with so many talented artists working there. It is a lovely space to spend the day and we enjoy the walk there and back, about 3 miles round trip. 
Karen was a trooper as we dragged her to various restaurants despite having a GI bug which started on her first full day in SMA. 
We were excited to see the inside of this church on our Sunday morning stair climb. It is usually closed but we came by while they were having a service and we peaked in the open doorway. the beautiful church bells are rung by hand . 
Karen really liked wandering the streets and enjoyed the various door knockers and these decorative rain water spouts 
Back to the snow they go.
This was a very special week for us as it was Jim and Bill’s first opportunity to spend any extended time together in 48 years. Karen and Sandy are also very compatible and similarly active. We had been anticipating over a month together on the Camino and had been very disappointed when they were unable to accompany us there. We are hoping that they will be able to visit us again somewhere in the world.
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