Day 42 my thoughts about finishing the camino tomorrow

I am sitting here on Saturday night wondering how I am going to feel tomorrow. Happy? Yes I'm sure. A little melancholy? Maybe. Relief? Yes definitely. Ready to come home? Absolutely.

I have been gone from home a long time,a really long time. It's been so good for me, in a personal growth type of way, although I have certainly pushed my body to its limits. This trip was not just difficult physically, but mentally it has been overwhelming in so many ways. I am not a quitter, this I have always known about myself. I am also a really hard worker, who once committed to a project doesn't give up.
There were many days during this trip that I wondered why am I doing this? What constitutes me putting myself through this?
For many the camino is invigorating, an adventure vacation, and so many here truly love each day. Did I enjoy each day? I must say the answer is yes,mostly.

Somedays though I had such physical aches and pains that when I quit walking for the day, it wasn't always pleasant. I also missed having a walking partner like John. The people walking in couples and groups seemed much happier. Although, on the flip side of this is that I think I have become a much stronger, self reliant person to have done this alone. John and I have talked about this and I think it's true. Also, to do this with another person, it has to be someone who is really committed to working together as a team. I saw many friendships not doing well here, because one person was stronger than the other and the weaker one was pushing to keep up. The weaker person has to be the one to set the pace.

When I set out to do this the reasons were many.

I wanted to do a true pilgrimage for God. Something that was a commitment that really was one of true physical and mental suffering.... I spent much time praying and chanting and singing prayers as I walked. Thanking God for everything so wonderful in my life. I prayed for all of my family, and friends. All of you, yes, I had time to think about all of you and pray for you.

I wanted to have meditation time to figure out if I am happy with my life as it is, and who I am. ... The answer to this is yes.

I wanted to see if this Florida girl could rise to the fitness challenge of doing this. It's been crazy hard, but I've succeeded.

Just some thoughts before I walk tomorrow. Please keep praying for me that I get this done... Who knows what the last 10 miles will bring?
Hopefully I will arrive in Santiago safe and well, both mentally, physically, and spiritually. Ultraia. Onward.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Day 42 Arzua to Arca June 15th

Km walked about 20 (12.6 miles)
Elevation change, hilly, up and down nothing major.

I left this morning at 7 am, a bit earlier than I have these last couple of short days. It's been sunny and warm, and I wanted to get the walk in before it got too hot. So with a couple of stops, I made it in 5 hours. Pretty good.
My chest cold and cough have settled down. I did see a doctor yesterday, and she gave me a Rx for albuterol. The visit was brief and free.
So that was pretty good.

As I started out early this morning, the sun was just coming up, and it was really pretty out. As I looked down the trail and into the misty fog, there was a baby deer standing there looking at me. It was pretty cool, and I thought to myself that it was kind of like a patronus..... From Harry Potter...
A good omen for the day.






After a while I stopped at a roadside cafe. There are many along the the
Road, and had one of my favorite breakfasts while I've been here in Spain. Pan chocolate and also called a Neapolitan. Yummy! With some orange juice, for the cold.


Saw lots of dogs and cats today, also saw sheep....who obliged nicely for a picture...



And passed this on my way into Arca. Only 20 km left. Very, very good.



Tomorrow, I will leave really early for Santiago. Probably around 6 to 6:30. There is a mass on Sunday at noon, where they swing the big incense burner, and if I can make it, I would like to. I also have heard that it swings most days due to tourist donations. So if I don't make it tomorrow it is ok.
Although cool to see, it's not the most important part of my day tomorrow. Just arriving is.
So excited. Mission completed... Almost.

Day 41 Melide to Arzua June 14th

14 km (8.6 miles) traveled. Elevation climbed about 100 meters (300 feet) up and down and up again..

First of all, I would just like to say that I can hardly believe that I only have 2 days of walking left. I am very, very happy. My body is telling me that it has had enough. The walking itself has gotton easier, and easier, but the toll over all has been in many ways good and bad.
The good is that I am feeling really fit. I can climb up big hills easily. Well maybe not easily, but easier... My body has changed. I have no idea how much weight I have lost, but my pants are bigger on me. I don't think it's been so much as weight loss, but shape change. My German thighs are ever present. Thanks Grandma Dolly!

The bad is that my feet are in pretty bad shape. I will probably lose at least 2 more nails. My blisters on my heels are now dried and scabbed. I was extremely careful on the downhills today to avoid toe jam. Criss crossed all the way down.
Each day is a progression for me. Each day is a challenge. Each day I am a stronger woman who realizes that I can get through pretty much anything, moment by moment, day by day. This is how life is. We continue on, and learn how to get through trials each and every day. Sometimes little things, sometimes big ones.

Mentally, I am in a good place. Tired and starting to feel relief that this pilgrimage is almost over. I am sure all pilgrims who have sacrificed have this same feeling. I will miss the simpleness of life on the camino. I am excited to get home to John and my own bed.

Yesterday I walked with a guy Norman who has walked from Sarria with his 79 year old mom Thelma. They are both nurses. He does occupational health, and she was an instructor. They are from Arizona. They are following about the same plan I am, only their day is longer. We will be at the same place tomorrow night. A hotel for my last night before finishing.

Last night some other pilgrims and I went out for dinner at about 6. Melide is famous for octopus. We couldn't find a restaurant that was open to serve until 9:30. We ended up going for chicken...which was really ok with me.
On the way, we passed this car. The men made a big deal out of it, so here is a pic. It's called a Citroen.






Spanish customs take a lot to get used to.
Everything closes at 1 to about 4:30 each afternoon for siesta.
They work really long hours then because of it. Most people work until 8 or 9 and they eat at 10 pm. So very different from us in the U.S.

This was the first thing I saw as I came out of town this am. This cross gave me inspiration for the day.
I slept well, didn't cough much, but this cough has turned out to be a reactive airway thing. It was cold this morning. Fresh.. And I was coughing like I am a smoker. A little albuterol would be good....



It was cool and misty


One of the towns had a church dedicated to Saint James. I went in to check it out and say a prayer. They gave me a prayer card. Very nice.
This is a picture of him



Another km marker... Only 40 to go.


And these trees, which were so bare at the beginning of my trip are blooming now. So pretty.


I'm going to visit the church here this evening. It should be open. I missed mass last week, no churches were where I was.
The next 2 days will each be about 20 km days. Some hills, but no mountains. The weather is supposed to be great tomorrow, rain predicted for Sunday, my day to walk yo Santiago. Oh well... All will be well, God provides.
Have a Good Friday everyone!

Day 40 Palas De Rei to Melide

15 km (9 miles) no elevation change
Today it was a rainy day as I set out. I knew it was going to be a relatively short day, because of how all of the rest of the days are being spaced out.
There are two stretches with very few places to stay, so I have taken everything into consideration, and am going to finish on Sunday. Good, appropriate day of the week to finish.

There are many, many pilgrims on the Camino. Some in tour buses. There are many doing the last 100 km to get their compostellas. We are like a bunch of fish swimming up the stream to their goal. Nice, kinda more crowded than I am used to, but it's all ok. Everyone does their own thing in regards to a pilgrimage, and all of it is ok. To each their own, I spoke with many today, and it made the time pass quickly.

Because of the rain, I didn't take many pictures. Don't want to ruin the iPad..

I passed the town of Casanova, and wondered if he still lives there....


And this very strange little house. Looks like a bird house.



An old bridge going into Melide...


And the beautiful ancient church in Melide.
Many of the churches I have walked past have been locked up. Don't know why, maybe because of theft?
Don't know. Anyway, I said some prayers for my parents today, and lit a candle.





It's been good today. I'm in a small hotel for the night. Cough is better, although I coughed a lot laying down last night. Not much during the day. Going to keep on going on. 3 more days of walking. I can hardly believe it.
Going to get some good sleep tonight on this cloudy rainy day.
Happy Thursday!!!

Day 39 Castromaior to Pala del Rei

16.7 km traveled (about 10 miles) elevation gain negligible easy up and down hills.

I slept well last night in my cold room. It warmed up, probably because of my body heat, and I had on a long sleeved shirt and leggings.

I coughed a lot during the night, but during the day today, I am feeling better.
As I said in yesterday's blog, I'm giving this cold up to God to take care of.
As I walked today, it was warm and sunny. Mid 60s, good for breathing.
I wore my shorts, (hiking pants zipped off) and it felt nice.
I have continued to ship my pack, it's only 3 euros, and I'm carrying a day pack with my essentials. Much easier, and worth it. Only problem is is that it decreases spontaneity. But the camino is so full now, having reservations each night is important. So I usually call each afternoon for the next day. That way, I don't have to worry about a bed. All is good.

They will hold your bed until 3 or 4, and I'm always usually where I'm gonna be by 2.


Here are picture of today's walk.
The pretty grasslands and woods,


As I walked through the little city of Ligonde, I came across a great little albuergue that is run by a religious order. They had Christian music playing and had refreshments out for anyone passing by. Donations accepted. I wish I had known about this place, as I would have stayed here. Lovely caring place.
Here is the outside,


And the inside....


Saw lots of cows today, as I went to take their pic, of course they turned away.


Only 72 km or so to go...





Me on the path..


So as it goes, it goes well.
I continue to follow the yellow arrows and shells that point me to Santiago. Sometimes, I don't always spot them right away, and I have to look a bit for them. But there is usually some sign pointing me where to go. Kind of like life. It too is a path. Sometimes I feel lost, and don't know where to turn for all of the answers. This is why I believe and have faith in my God, to lead me in the right direction. He always does, you just have to let go and let him point you the way to go. So easy, but we as humans have such a hard time letting go of the control we always try to maintain. We need to just let go, and trust in The Lord..

Now about my cold, I'm feeling better, and have faith that I will be even better tomorrow. Thank you God.

I've gotton another private room tonight. 20 euros, and it has a bath tub!! Yippee!!!
Hot bath coming up, and then going to the market, have a tapa, and some wine, and post when I get to some Internet.

Ultraia. Which means onward.

Day 38 Ferrerios to Castromaior. June 11

No Internet in Castromaior, so will post when able tomorrow.

Km walked 18.2 (10.9 miles) elevation walked about 200 meters (600 feet).
Today was a great walking day. Cloudy and cool in the morning, sunny in the afternoon. The elevations were not hard today, and I walked part of the day with some people I had met initially, and had not seen since around the 7th of May. So strange, how you meet people, and not see them, and then they turn up.

Today, I felt like I was rushing to get to the next destination. I don't know why this is, except I think I'm getting tired, and just am wanting to get the week done. I am doing fine, just getting to the end is getting me excited, and I just want to be done. I usually start between 7 and. 8, and since I stayed in an albuergue last night, lots of people were rustling around at 6. This is why I am liking the private rooms better. I can go to bed early, and get up early and also spread out all of my stuff.
I just need to slow down this last week and enjoy the walk.


I came across this tree early this am, full of hats.why? Don't know.




The little town of Portomarin.
The camino doesn't go through this town, just kind of past it.


These stairs are a tourist attraction here, so had to go up them.



Then I continued the walk through lots of fields and up lots of small hills to this little town. I chose the little town of Castromaior specifically because it is really little.
I had misgivings because the room is cold, but the bed is nice, and the shower is good. I have a cough, and I thought that if I had a nice quiet room, that it would be good for me to rest. But it's cold... Asked the owner Maria for extra blankets. She was great to me, so friendly even though we don't speak the same language, mantra means blankets.
These are pics of this quaint little town...








I then walked up to the bar to get dinner. Here sits Maria, the casa where I am staying owner, and her cousin Floria, the bar owner, and Maria's cousin Sarah. I showed them some of the pics of the camino. They have never been to most of these places, and were excited to see them. We started talking about hombres. None of them are married. We also talked about how beautiful the churches are in Spain and how beautiful it is here in spring.

Interesting cross cultural talk about men, it was pretty funny. So I am happy I have stopped here, I'll lock myself up in my room tonight, and make the most of this small town. I have plotted out the rest of my walk, and will arrive in Santiago on Monday. Excited, and that's less than a week.

I am sitting in this little bar, relaxing and watching Spanish tv.
I have offered my cough up to God and told him that I am doing this walk in celebration of him. I asked him to make me feel better. Why I didn't think to bring any antibiotics with me is beyond me. I am depending on him to heal me.
Crazy thinking, or I guess not thinking.
There have been many, many healings along the way, and I have faith that I will be feeling better by tomorrow. The camino is also located below the Milky Way, so there are, I understand special healing powers from that...
Either way, I feel I am covered. Plus there is also the special healing power of wine.

Buen camino!

Day 37 Pinton to Ferrerios June 10th.

19.8 km (12.4 miles) traveled. Elevation climbed today about 300 meters (900 feet)


It was a good day for walking today. Temperatures in the 60s and cloudy.
I am getting there. Today I went through Sarria, which is significant for pilgrims only doing the shorter pilgrimage. Sarria is where they start. So the way will become more and more crowded.




Interesting trees today...





Pretty flowers.


The 100 km marker.. Means only 60 more miles


And this is my very new, modern albuergue.


I've planned my destination for tomorrow, and am going to head to bed early. I've picked up a little cold and cough, I think it's like a kennel cough. Got some cold meds to take before bed, so hopefully will sleep well. I've been also trying to drink lots of extra water. My muscles were aching yesterday, and when I talked to andrea and Lucas yesterday, they thought maybe lactic acid buildup. Makes sense.
Not much else to report today... Just plugging away this last week,,, step by step.