25 Miles to Go!

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. I never dreamed I'd be able to walk every last step.

Abandoned hiking boots are everywhere along The Way -ditched by pilgrims trying to lighten their carrying load


It feels so close but I still can't assume that I'll make it. My knee is giving me hell, especially on the inclines. At first it was just painful going down hills. But now, I'm having knee pain on the uphill treks too. I am relatively pain free on the straight aways and I can still live up to my "Speedy" nickname. The unfortunate part is that the Camino consists of having to climb and descend one rolling hill after another. Today it tested my ability to endure pain in a different way. Sure my feet hurt and I'm generally sore all over. But the knee pain is making my journey difficult. There are times when I yelp in pain or groan in agony. The trekking poles are a lifesaver and I don't think I'd be able to continue if I didn't have them to lean on and propel myself off of them.

The walk today was pleasant and peaceful. I finally feel like I'm getting into the routine of getting up, eating a bite, and putting my body through physical hell. Today's scenery was wooded, farmland, and a coupe of tiny hamlets sprinkled in between. Overall, not a lot of places for rest or replenishment. I hobbled along at my own pace and tried to enjoy the views of rolling hills and pastures.




I realized today that while I'm alone on this adventure, I am among many pilgrims on an identical journey, with the same destination. I've smiled to myself as I see them hobbling too, limping in unison, and griping about their own aches and pains. Overall, everyone is starting to slow down considerably.  I stood outside of an ancient church today and talked to two pilgrims sharing tips about how they're treating their knee pain. None of us learned anything new about how to treat it - but we've seen each other several times along the road today and have given each other thumbs up for encouragement. This is what the Camino is all about.




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