Walking the Camino (Part 2)
The Journey Begins: 800 Kilometres of Commitment
One year ago today I returned from Spain after completing my Camino on Sept 19, 2024. I walked 800 km from Saint Jean Pied-de-Port (France) to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). It had taken me 31, averaging 26km per day. Some days had been longer, 35km, and these had been tough days, with significant pain in the feet, knees and hips. Some days had been easier, just 15 km or so.
Pushing Through: Pain, Pace, and Perseverance
In those 31 days I had climbed up mountains and navigated the tricky downhills, I had walked in heat and cold, and had been caught in treacherous rain, thunder and lightening. I had dealt with blisters, peed behind trees and rocks and even a deserted house in a city. I got lost a few times and helped others find their way. I met young people and old, fast walkers and slow. I walked alone as much as I could, allowing my thoughts to run wild. I sang, laughed, cried and experienced a joy that comes only from being completely present in the moment. I walked with strangers who became friends, shared intimate stories, built connections or simply shared a moment. I ate for sustenance, sometimes alone, and sometimes in a joyful room with many other pilgrims. I witnessed Spanish sunrises, over and over, and delighted in the endless fields of sunflowers.
Presence in Motion: Finding Joy Along the Way
There were unexpected delights along the way. Misty mornings. Spectacular views on mountain tops. Musicians by the side of the path, fruit and snack stands, children selling lemonade or homemade bracelets, albergues that felt like on oasis. A sudden herd of cows, or sheep, or horses. The smells of flowers along the Spanish paths. Along with the beauty, there were long even tedious days walking through the ugly outskirts of cities and towns, crossing busy streets and highways. Most of the local people were an absolute delight, always wishing us a “Buen Camino”. And there were some less than welcoming locals, but very few of these.
Finding My Camino Family
Within the first week I had found my “Camino Family”. Sometimes I would walk for hours with Garry, or Suzan, or Mike, or Christian or John…lots of time to talk about real things, even share some tears. These are forever friends, and being a part of them provided a sense of security and belonging. I had other parts of my Camino family…supporters back home who were so interested in my journey, a cousin who followed me online every day. These special people in my life held me up and gave me courage.
Arriving in Santiago: A Complex Finish Line
I arrived with eager anticipation to Santiago de Compostela. I walked into the square, having seen photos of people doing the same before me. Yet the feelings were unexpected. Not fully joyful, but somehow confusing, somehow a let down. Not that the destination was anything less than beautiful, but maybe I just knew that the journey was over, and this was somehow sad, even though it was a relief. I could now go home and hug the ones I love and miss, but things would feel off for a while. After a pleasant journey home stopping in Madrid for a couple of visits with special people, I was back in my little house and I was disoriented. At gatherings with friends I wanted to run away and find solitude. How do I go back to my old life when it just doesn’t seem right any more? It took a month or so but I eventually settled in back home. I kept walking in the mornings, and continued to read and write in my journal that had kept me company throughout my Camino.
Carrying the Camino Forward, One Step at a Time
Memories are always front and present. Lessons continue to pop up. I didn’t come home fixed or different, but clarity continues to strengthen, and I am moving forward with small changes in my life to live with intention, joy, peace and generosity. I still make mistakes and bump into old familiar pangs of sadness and frustration, and I sense that my Camino memories are with me, helping me to navigate. Mostly, I am grateful. Grateful to have stumbled upon the stories of other people’s Camino’s and to have been able to experience my own. Thank-you Camino!
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