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...
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...
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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