I am an ‘official’ pilgrim with a ‘credential’ to prove I have completed the requirements AND a ‘compostella’  as my certificate! My goal has been met and I have more satisfaction than I ever imagined.  Planning began about a year ago with determining the time frame, the budget and route. Next came the physical training and spiritual preparation. I have now learned that my camino began long before I ever put a foot on Spanish soil. I have also learned many other lessons.

I have learned this: Stay in the moment, let things happen and it all works out.  I had prepared for heat, sun and rain on the camino. However, I did not fully prepare for all of the elements during one of my training hikes.  Kathryn and I went up to the Lemon Squeezer on the Appalachian Trail on a very hot day early in August. We had hiked about 2 or 3 miles in and were relaxing when we heard thunder start to roll and the big raindrops fell as we raced back to the car.  It was fun to walk in the rain. Kathryn made it much more fun by seeing the positives and laughing at the. I was NOT prepared for rain; hence, everything in my backpack got wet, including my cellphone.  In the end, I got a newer better cellphone for the trip and I learned the value of covering my backpack with its own rain jacket.

I have learned this: A goal is a dream and humans need dreams.  My Camino originally was a “trip” and turned into a dream come true.  It took time and effort to develop as well as help from my family and friends. A dream can become a life change. Let’s see where this one leads….for now, I have walked to more places in Airmont these past 3 months than I have in 30 years.

 

I have learned this:  If you speak from your heart about what is in your heart, magic happens.  (Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Susie!) My dream was just a seed many months ago. It was a thought, a wish, a yearning, and a  hope.  I shared it with my church ladies during one of our weekends and my darling Sharon immediately picked up on it. Thank you Sharon!

I have learned this:The mind, body and spirit connection when balanced is a strong positive force. I was not sure my aging out of shape body could walk 10 to 15 every day for almost 3 weeks. I am nearly 60 years old! I decided I needed to get strong so I hired a personal trainer, my amazing Nina to work on the muscles.  Dorothea hooked me up with her energetic sister, Ursula to train and build stamina hiking in the mountains.  I worked, I planned, I payed and I prayed.  I feel fit, energized and have a new peace in my soul.

May peace prevail on earth…..and I have learned that peace begins with me.

Time to set my next goal….

 

Walking the Camino is a physical endeavor with many rewards. What other trip can you take where people from all over the world walk in the same direction, sleep in dormitories and hang out in pilgrim cafes eating pilgrim meals? The Camino can be a very social experience if you are looking for that type of element. 

As a pilgrim walks, he will often be passed or pass along another pilgrim. It is customary to politely say ‘Hola! Buen Camino!’ as you pass. Speedy pilgrims leave you in the dust. Some start to chat and before you know it, you have walked 2 k and have a new friend.

When you meet someone on the Camino, you know them by first name and home country. Here is John and Kristin from NC, USA. Our paths crossed many times. We had good fun, a meeting of the minds & hearts. They were on a sabbatical as well as to refresh and recharge as new empty nesters. 

This is Elena from Venice, Italy. She was walking her second Camino to find peace in ending a troubled friendship as well as taking time to document what she saw in pen and water colors. What a wonderful way to slow down and to document her experience. 

Here is Tom from New Zealand on the left and Alex from Germany. These two fun loving guys met on the Camino and kept bumping into each other. At some point they sort of stuck together when they realized the Camino was better together. Sharon & I had some great conversations with them several times while on the Camino and they always had such great humor & generous hearts. 

Susie from Melbourne, Australia was our spiritual guide and a  grounding force for us. The time spent with her was especially joyous and enlightening on our journey. Her husband Tony always provided interesting thoughts to ponder about the world and the inner world. Both took such care and time with paying attention to others. 

Elena from Modena, Italy carried a very heavy heart on her journey. She walked with great intention and deliberation. My talks with her reminded me that young people can have such difficult decisions to make and losses to bear. I saw her heart lighten and  healing begin. 

Heidi & Horsht were such a loving couple. They took their time over many years to complete sections of the Camino. Heidi was the planner since this was her dream to walk the Camino. Horsht showed his love by walking along with her. This was to be the section that completed the pilgrimage in Santiago for them. A little bit at a time and the masterpiece of ones life is completed.

So, Jun, Sharon & I became the Trio that stuck together to the end when we found each other again after Cacobellos. Jun used his map app to lead us to an ATM machine the day before. After that, he went off on his way in one direction and we went off in another thinking it was good bye. The next day, Sharon & I took a route less traveled. But we crossed paths yet again. So we decided we had a similar Camino planned and were best off sticking together until the end. We relied on his app ability as well as his gentleman skills along the way. He kept us on time and we helped him learn more English. We learned some Japanese to supplement our Spanish. He was so excited to eat pulpo in Melide. We never would have even thought of eating octopus if it weren’t for his insistence it was legendary. 

This is Brian from Portland, Oregon. He was the last pilgrim we met out in Muxia and he had just extended his Camino out to the Penninsula as Sharon and I had. We all so excited to see each other at the pension and had to share time & wine as we reflected on the aspects of the Camino experience. It was a perfect way to spend our last night in Spain and prepare to move on back into the ‘real world’ after experiencing the Camino Magic. 

Pilgrims were always happy to see other pilgrims and start a conversation. Some chats were short and others went on for many k. Or many days. There is a kinship of knowing and understanding the Camino amongst pilgrims. There is a giving, sharing and affection toward each other. Lessons learned, burdens released and wanderlust quenched together. Why don’t you come join us one day and see how a pilgrim can become a very special friend? 

There is a flow of energy and a pace of life quite unique for a pilgrim. There is no mistaking a pilgrim when you see one either! 

Oh, yes, there is that pilgrim look even when you do not have a backpack on and are wandering about a village or city. Fannypack, hiking sandals and pants with a gazillion pockets are the evening wear. If it turns chilly then add a fleecy (aka fleece jacket) and socks to those scrappy sandals to complete the look. 

I have come to love alburgues. Those days where we had no reservation and trolled around the village to find something for the night were a tad stressful. Having a reservation alleviated some worry. I became excited to see the new alburgue each night and especially eager to see who the other pilgrims were.  I loved the smaller dormitories however sleeping in a co-Ed dorm with 56 people was a very enriching experience. I am guessing it is akin to an army barrack? It was my first time sleeping in a top bunk and the sleeping noise was like a symphony of snoring. Getting everyone settled in before lights out was full of laughs… 

 Pilgrim meals were  offered in many cafes. The best part of a pilgrims breakfast was the cafe con leche. And you get a first breakfast and then a second one! Two cafe con leche each day and you get to sit at a divine cafe twice to socialize with all your new friends you’ve made.

Traveling with so many people all to the same destination for many days on the same path is the most remarkable part of the Camino. You eat, drink, walk, talk, wash and sleep with this crowd of people that come from every corner of the world. The depth of the conversations with these people crosses a wide range and a multitude of topics. 

Pilgrims become bonded forever in a special way. There is nothing else like this…I am so grateful to be a part of this crowd. 

I am feeling a bit lost in time and space….not sure what day it is , the date or the town I am in at the moment. However,what I do know is my blistered feet have brought me over 100 miles across Spain in 8 days. We are in the magical land of Knights Templar and Marqessas and have passed several castles and modern day Knights along the way. Some villages have lovingly maintained their mideval buildings yet some are in decay. While others are a mix of modern with old. Above is the classic 12th century Knight Templar castle. Below is a village past its prime. 

On the Camino Sharon & I have met many like-minded people with the same goal. I feel I have been initiated into The Camino de Santiago Culture. As with life, there are advantages and disadvantages. 

First treat in Camino Culture is the Spanish people. These feet have brought me close to many aquaintances in beautiful small villages and on the roads of Spain. Many local people welcome us pilgrims with a cheerful, warm ‘Hola! Buen Camino!’  Some stop to chat and acknowledge our presence or intention. In the villages, there are store and alberge owners that are willing to help you. Some people leave out bottles of water for us pilgrims. 

The second pleasure is getting to know our fellow pilgrims. We all greet each other on the trail. Sometimes conversations start, some are short and others go on for miles. We are getting better with our pilgrim sighting. It is easy on the trail to identify a pilgrim by their large backpack and/or walking sticks. In the afternoon & evenings, pilgrims wear walking sandals with socks, wear a fanny pack or small messenger bag and walk with a slight hobble.

I’d like to think that I do not have a hobble but after sitting or lounging for a bit those muscles start to go into walking withdrawal. That is another issue of the Camino Club, your body. You are always aware of a hot spot and trying to decide what to do and when to do it. Is it a NOW problem or a IT CAN WAIT UNTIL LATER problem.

Then there are the sleeping decisions. We’ve seen cities and villages of all sorts with multitudes of choices. We’ve stayed in a Parador, a hotel for business travelers, alburgues, and hostels. Largest dorm I slept in had 18 beds…coed. It was a rainbow of sheets, blankets and pillows. We are starting to see advertisements for sheets as optional.  (Hmmmm…anything to save a euro or two! ) The alburgue in Acebo below was new and had a pool with cabanas and bars ….like a resort. This was at the top of a mountain with a million dollar view. There were more spaniards there than pilgrims. 

Each night we plan the next day’s route. There are choices of paths…traditional, scenic or remote. We also need to decide which clothes to wear, where to sleep, what time to leave, etc. We’ve had days near 100 degrees with blazing sun and days of cold hard rain.  But onward we must go to Santiago. We have a goal date but it is getting harder to focus on it due to the previously discussed Camino Culture issues. 

We are in the middle of our journey now…I THINK! Time for me to enjoy some siesta time. Zzzzzzzz! 👣👣🌻💗🌻👣👣

I have seen many clear blue skies and farm fields on the flat hot plains of Spain this past week. Today was a day of fluffy cloud filled skies and a change of plant life.

I’ve seen more sunrises here in Spain this week than I’ve seen in the past year at home. We were slow in waking as we had a private room in a house. As we were getting ready to leave we saw the sunrise from our bedroom window. I love hearing the roosters crow as we begin our morning Camino. 

We left the flat land behind and headed to the wind turbine topped mountains. It reminded me of Din Quiote….the mountains we climbed today were filled with cows, heather and evergreen trees. Many mountains were covered with trees and the trails were rocky. The mountains seemed to open up to more mountains. At one point it seemed as if we were on the edge of the earth just before headed down the other side of the mountain.

Each day is filled with new discoveries…depth of new friendships….and lessons to learn. I am seeing that even though we may not speak the same language, our hearts & spirits want the same things. Anita and Marcus have also become Pilgrims for Peace. 

The Cruz de Ferro was a transitional point for Sharon and I. We left our burdens of the past, prayers & hopes for the future there . 

I am feeling a new sense of pace and time. Taking more time to air out my feet and not paying attention to what day of the week it is…and stopping to enjoy the views as often as I want since there is no place I must  be until October 1. 

Looking at the clouds from a mountain top, a sunrise and sunset today make me realize again that attitude and point of view can and does change. My peace prayer and message is transforming… Happiness is over rated. Peace in ones heart is golden…I wish you peace mis amigos…

Sharon and I had decided we would be a little wiser about how to manage our trek after being on The Camino after 2 days. Thus far  I have learned: 

1. Plans can and do change. Trust that you are where you are supposed to be.
2. You can walk far on just a little bit of food but must have a lot of water.
3. Cafe con leche gets you up that last hill. 
4. Snails are all over the Spanish countryside and look so pretty on the plants when clustered together. 
5. SLUGS are out in the fields and on the road …..they are ugly! 
6. Storks build huge nests.
7. I must wear sock liners when I walk the Camino. 
8. Stop to smell (and photograph) the roses, lavender, wildflowers, etc.
9. There is a bed somewhere… Maybe in the next room, on the next street or next town. 
10. There are new friends out there too. Meet Heidi and Hourst.
11. Praying helps. 
12. Peace begins with a smile. 

I look forward to some new wisdom tomorrow. 

Leon is where we met our first Camino Angels!  One was at the Parador on our first evening in Leon. He was at the concierge desk and became very animated when he heard we were doing the The Camino. he pulled out his phone and showed us a photo that Martin Sheen signed for him. Martin Sheen used the Parador to film a few scenes of the movie.  The concierge showed us on his computer the scenes that were filmed here. it was so exciting to realize that we were walking where many other pilgrims have walked.  It was such a great experience for Sharon and I to meet a person with such warmth and excitement of the Camino. 

Today we met a second Angel. Sharon and I were wandering around the old town trying to find the arrows for the Camino. Sharon noticed some lion statues near an old church. we wandered closer and Sharon got pooped on by a bird! she wanted to go inside the church to rinse the bird poop off her hand in the holy water…not the best way to take care of things but it was an option. 

We sat down in the church to say a prayer and there was a docent a man that brought over a pamphlet to explain the history of the church when we got up to leave he came over to us and another couple and invited us into the back chapel when we walked into this back chapel it was small little room. it was breathtaking when we first saw the murals painted on the walls and on the ceiling. 

The man took my phone and showed me how to get the best picture of the ceiling and we stopped to take other pictures and we continued to have a conversation with this man. he really couldn’t speak much English at all and we spoke extremely little English but it was so wonderful how we were communicating.  he we told him we were starting the Camino tomorrow. The warmth and the sentiment from this man was so touching. he kissed us three times on each cheek. he wished us well in Spanish & using hand signals that showed his heart reaching out to our hearts. we felt such joy and love from this man. We felt today the sense of community the Pilgrims share. 

There is such magic  once you start speaking to people about the Camino here in Spain. Shannon and I feel that this was the perfect start and tomorrow with our backpacks on, as we leave this lovely city of Leon we will look forward to what is to come. 

May peace prevail on earth and with you!

Madrid is a truly wonderful city and has been the perfect start to our journey. We have been welcomed by helpful warm Madrilenos and we are learning about the food and language. Mercado de San Miguel has wonderful foods & wines. 

 We toured Toledo where three different religions lived in harmony for hundreds of years. I wish the world could find a way to live in harmony today. 

In beautiful Parque Retiro there were men posing in a most challenging fashion. They burned incense and offered a printed scroll which said: Peace begins with a smile. 

How perfect is that? 

Finally packed and I am feeling peace begin to prevail in me! 

I have had quite a challenge with finding peace with so many details to keep track of and decisions to make. 

I have a little piece of everyone I love with me. Cross is from Steph, my ring from Mom….and I mhave your scallop shell Dorothy! 

It is very hard to pack lightly…true for you? This may be the first Camino lesson I will learn. 

Off to the airport this afternoon so May Peace Prevail on Earth….👣🙏🙏🏻🙏👣