Mary Leigh Evitt: My Journey as a Pilgrim along the Camino de Santiago

standing in front of the cathedral with my certificate of completion I made it to Santiago de Compostela! Today was a 12 mile walk into the city of Santiago. Yesterday I wasn't sure that I'd make it. I went to bed with a heavy heart and a lot weighing on my mind. But today I woke up renewed and refreshed and ready to face whatever came. I set out early and my knee was sore but not feeling as injured as it did yesterday. The morning was brisk and so I pulled on my sweatshirt and backpack, laced up my hiking boots, and headed for Santiago. I walked slow today and just tried to enjoy the moment. I was purposely in no rush to make it to Santiago. I wasn't sure how long my knee would hold up and so I wanted to treat it with a little kindness and love. I also wanted to soak in the moment because I knew my journey would end today and part of  me would be sad about that. Relieved, but sad. When I made it to Monte do Gozo just outside of Santiago, I felt very excit...

Today I walked part way to Rua. I say part way because I wasn't able to complete my mileage today and it was absolutely devastating. I was supposed to walk 12 miles to my next albergue but 7 miles into my journey on this beautiful day, I had to tap out. I knew I was in trouble almost immediately after setting out this morning around 8:30 am. My sore knee was stiffer than usual and it was interfering with my gait. I trekked on and tried to focus on other things: nature, song birds, crunching of leaves underfoot. It started to become impossible to ignore the pain so I popped in my earbuds and listened to a podcast. That kept my attention for a while but suddenly I realized I wasn't listening to the story-line because I was refocused on my knee pain. On one particular descent on a semi steep incline, I made an audible cry and instinctively grabbed for my knee. White hot pain took the breath out of my chest. I got myself together and attempted to push forward. There...

on the way to Arzua Today I walked 10 miles to Arzua. I woke up this morning feeling rested and renewed. I went down for breakfast and met two lovely women who invited me to breakfast. It was nice to have company while eating. We chatted about our Camino experiences so far and other traveling we've done in the past. It's fun to listen to the reasons people have chosen to walk this journey but I'm still at a loss for why I'm here. Today I even wondered if that burning question will be answered at the end. While walking alone through farmland on my way to Arzua, I decided I will be okay if I never know that answer. I will be okay if that great epiphany never comes. I am now 2 days away from Santiago de Compostela. The fact that I've gotten this far on my own two feet amazes me, especially considering I'd been non-weight bearing on a sprained ankle for 5 entire weeks before coming here. I thought I'd be lucky if I could do a couple miles per day...

en route to Melide  Today I walked 9 miles to Melide. I went to bed last night feeling jazzed about having a shorter walking day and feeling appreciation for a bit of a break. But, I woke up feeling unmotivated, depleted, and in a sour mood. Why? Because it was pouring rain outside and this walk was going to be anything but a break. I ate a healthy breakfast, drank 3 cups of cafe con leche, and hit the Camino around 8:30am. I threw on my poncho and a sun/rain hat from REI and tried to find my pace. 20 minutes into my walk, I still couldn't get into a rhythm and I suddenly felt like I was walking in quick sand and I had cinder blocks tied to my feet. Every step was a struggle. My legs felt heavy and cumbersome. I was clumsy and hurling myself down a wet slippery trail with handfuls of other pilgrims as equally miserable. I just kept telling myself, "9 miles. I can do 9 miles. This is nothing compared to what you've been through. Keep your head down and keep mov...

The beat goes on Today I walked 16 grueling miles from Portomarin to Palas de Rei. I'm currently sitting in my albergue enjoying a terracotta rooftop view, eating an orange and a bag of potato chips while I rest my weary legs and sore feet. View from my albergue in Palas de Rei View walking out of Portomarin this morning I left this morning at 8:30am and set off at a quick pace. I had read the night before that the walk today was mostly uphill and difficult. I wanted to get into a steady rhythm right away. I very quickly made a new friend this morning who made small talk with me and we passed the first 5 miles easily and in conversation. She was from Philly and was a professional development coach. But eventually she needed rest and food and I wanted to keep going. We said goodbye and I pushed ahead. Victory after traversing several mountains -see in background I started to notice that I was passing everyone. People seemed especially slow or in no big...

The walk to Portomarin  I just walked from Sarria to Portomarin, a whopping 14 miles! I'm currently sitting on a balcony overlooking the Muno river., taking in the gorgeous scenery, and thinking about what I just put myself through on the Camino. I arrived in Portomarin exhausted, dizzy, and desperate for rest and food. I just demolished half a prosciutto pizza and a coca cola and now I'm sipping a cappuccino and nursing two extremely tired feet. Well deserved pizza in Portomarin I left Sarria this morning at 8:30am. The morning was crisp and brisk so I pulled on a sweatshirt and joined the pack of other pilgrims, all headed for Portomarin. The first 30-45 minutes of walking were brutal because most of it was uphill and on steep cobblestone inclines. I was keeping up with most of the people around me pretty well though some over-eager folks left me in the dust on those mountains. I paid them no mind and tried to keep a pace I felt comfortable with. I huffed and puffed...

111km Starting point in Sarria, Spain I left the United States yesterday for Spain. The day before my flight, I got this overwhelming sense of panic and dread about this journey and just kept thinking, "What have I signed myself up for?" I couldn't shake the heavy weight in my chest or voice in my head that came with a sudden realization that I'm going across the world completely alone for an adventure I am not sure that I'm actually prepared for. Of course I'm well read and well studied for it. Of course I'm fully prepared in terms of equipment and gear. I have more than I need probably. But am I emotionally and mentally prepared for this? And more importantly, am I physically prepared for this? Five weeks ago, for no reason whatsoever, I fell while walking my dogs on a leisurely stroll around my neighborhood. I didn't trip or slip....I just toppled over while admiring a neighbor's beautiful Japanese Maple tree. Unfortunately, I severely...