It would appear that our plan yesterday worked out the way we had hoped. Walking the extra 6 kms set us up nicely to head off early this morning without massed peregrinos and allowed us to relax and just enjoy the walk. We both found ourselves happily walking along and it became quite meditative as we moved onwards. Funny, I spent some time looking for information on meditative walking at home without much success. There is information out there, but not what I needed. Come here, walk day after day, and it just happens. Going forward it will just happen naturally when we return home.
It was highly entertaining to watch the "race for a bed" take place...almost placed a bet on two old guys, but couldn't find a punter! Some folks are in a huge hurry to get to the Albergue of their choice and find a bed. As a result, we saw several older folks literally running when they saw us coming up behind them...in the process of putting on rain gear, but dropped everything when they saw us coming along...preferred to get wet rather than be passed. We were seen as 'bed competition'...perhaps we need to put a sign around our necks..."have no fear...our bed is already booked". It must be a terrible way to walk your Camino always looking over your shoulder in fear that someone will pass you. Fear being such a basic emotion, would never allow one the pure pleasure of stopping to walk through a small village church, take a photo, exchange greetings with locals and other peregrinos or stop for a break in a bar to visit with others. Essentially, little point in walking, but that would be judgmental on my part...something I'm working on...oops!
Last night at the Casa was great...the only distraction from being here in the moment were two enjoyable skypes with the children units. They are all doing well and we are looking forward to connecting soon. Caitlin is on her way on her own long term travel shortly so it will be a quick hi, good-bye as she heads off just a few days after our return. Dinner was pretty special with a tasty mushroom soup followed by a very nicely prepared piece of cod. Sampled the best of Galician vino blanco, something that I had planned to introduce to Annemarie...so I did!
A short, but pleasant break from the grind...now 12 days without a break and we are both feeling it. I was just saying to Annemarie that if we still had a long way to walk that we would be taking a couple of days off as by the time we complete we will have only taken one day off in 23 days. You have to break to recover...your body shrinks and it begins to munch on itself. Then your body weight to pack weight ratio gets out of balance...not a good thing. I'm going to toss some things after we finish lunch...but for sure we will eat the chocolate!! I'll carry even less water and will ditch Annemarie's boot...wonder what she'll say when we get home?
We met up with a Scotsman, Stewart, in a bar today...complete with a walking kilt. Been retired for two years and has already walked numerous Caminos through Spain and Portugal. Something about a hefty payout as he left his job and off he went with no regrets. Sounds pleasing! He told that once you have walked one Camino and enjoyed it...you will return because you're hooked. Couldn't argue with him...pretty sure the time will come again to pull on the boots, the pack and head off...I have permission:) A year to do whatever I want is just around the corner!! Ideas abound!!
Photos from a wet, windy day....
Two lovely days of walking to go. We try not to think of the end of this walk...we know it will be emotional and we are looking to connect in Santiago with as many people as we can before we depart to decompress in Madrid. I fear it won't be a very easy process...
Buen Camino.
Hi, Your blog was recommended by a friend of your cousin, Diana, in Calgary. As my friend and I are planning a May 2014 camino I have really enjoyed your stories. I live on Vancouver Island also and hope to be able to get together with you for a walk and hear more, once you are back home. Enjoy the final days and thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi both of you. We are missing you so much and have daily opened your blog to enjoy yet another day on the Camino. You look great and I hope that your time in Madrid will give you a chance to begin to come to terms with your El Camino experience. Not to worry we will kill the fatted calf when you get home and have your balance back in tune in no time.
ReplyDeleteMinh love M&D