Mary Leigh's Camino Journey 

2018




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Ready or Not

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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...
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What is the Camino?

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What is the Camino? The Camino de Santiago consists of a network of footpaths all across Western Europe that lead to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where the remains of the apostle Saint James are buried. His remains were discovered in 812 AD in Santiago de Compostela, though he was beheaded in 44 AD in Jerusalem when he became the first of the apostles to die a martyr. After his martyrdom, his body was taken to Spain to be buried at Santiago de Compostela. Since then, walking the Camino has become one of the world’s most popular pilgrimages, dating back to the Middle Ages. Under certain circumstances, the Catholic Church has encouraged pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela and would grant a plenary indulgence to those who made the journey (earning an indulgence allows you a special privilege to reduce the time that you would spend in purgatory after death.) There was a long period of time when the Camino was deserted and forgotten. No on...
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VICTORIOUS!

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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...
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