Struggle

I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become

Today I completed 31 days of walking and more importantly crossed the 100km threshold to Santiago. 700 km walked so far! I have four days of walking left but what is more exciting for me, in two days Daphne will rejoin me to complete this physical journey. I am really looking forward to her rejoining me, because this journey is as much hers as it is mine and I know that I couldn’t have got as far as I have without her love and support.

I started this morning at Sarria, which is a key point for pelegrinos. Sarria is the starting point for the majority of pelegrinos because 100km is the minimum distance one can walk to be awarded the Compostela, the certificate of completion awarded by the Pilgrims office in Santiago.

When I came down to breakfast after a fairly sleepless night I was greeted by a throng of excited pelegrinos looking to start their journey. In contrast, today was the first day that I have not wanted to walk. I felt really down, lethargic and lacking in energy. I knew in my heart that I could and would walk the stage but unlike other days I had no sense of anticipation. It was if the new arrivals had unwittingly disturbed my rhythm. I discussed this with Bernhard and Brett and they immediately agreed to support me to complete today’s journey. They would walk with me, or leave me alone as I wished, but they were both emphatic that we would complete today’s stage together. And so we did! Along with the other members of my Camino family.

As we went through the day, it became apparent to me that the Camino has a finite amount of energy to provide pelegrinos and any significant departure from the Camino rhythm disturbs that energy field. I felt it acutely this morning. As the day continued, I felt myself regaining my strength, both through the fellowship of my group, but also by greeting my fellow travellers with the standard “Buen Camino” .

I was helped enormously by one of Daphne’s cards. She has written me a number of cards with massages of love and support, to be opened at specific times or when I need encouragement. Today was one of those days. Thank you my darling!

Buen Camino