The Camino - Your Way is The Way

“It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters, in the end”    Ernest Hemingway. 

My senses were heightened. More people, more poles clicking along, different dialects and languages, more cafes and bars open early hours. This is not the same Camino del Norte we have been experiences over the last 13 days of trekking. In Arzua, Galicia, Spain, the Frances Camino met ours (Camino del Norte) and it couldn’t be more evident that the crowds are gaining, and the days are nearing when we are to arrive in Santiago where these unfamiliar faces will all be heading as well. Coming from our previous stages where you would likely see the same dozen or so of folks you’ve been seeing throughout the days, to nearly feeling lost when looking at the steady stream of people entering felt different. Not bad, just different. How blessed have we been to have the ability to be more clear in our own thoughts, making connections with people who have had beautiful energy and who have shared some of their deepest darkest places and the triumphs they have come to. This morning, it was clear these final stages, would just be different. 

With more crowded paths, I was worried my mind would struggle finding the peaceful scenery nurturing, revitalizing, and damper my connection with nature and within myself. Yet, as the steps continued, and people still remained busily hustling around, the peace remained. Knowing my body is finally recovered from the flu, and everyone’s feet are likely sore, blistered, bruised, or pained to some degree as mine, we all continue along, at our own pace, our own Camino. 

Much like when I giddily wonder what everyone is doing at the airport (but have you ever really thought about how diverse and interesting the people are there?!), my wonder drifted to consider these new faces we are seeing along the Camino. I wonder why everyone is there, what prompted them to start, and question what their stories look like. It doesn’t matter how old, young, burned, blistered, slow or fast you might be, the Camino has a way for you. And through the journey, as with every opportunity in life, there is growth. All challenges and growth may not be comfortable, but that is their essence. As I continue reflecting and digesting all this journey has continued to bring me, I look forward to sharing more.

*This photo, I had not appreciated as much at the time. I was a bit distracted with the steady mist, chills, and stomach flu that quickly came and fortunately went. This marker encapsulated so much triumph even to that point in time. We began just past Aviles, Asturias, Spain. Though not completely sure the tally of our mileage, I know it has ranged from 12 miles on a light day, to a really challenging 20+ mile day. How lucky are we to have the ability to taken for granted. Simply walking. 

Buen Camino! Chow for now