Diversity

Day 3 – Tuesday, October 17: Arre to Uterga – 20 ish km, 9 hours

Here are some of my observations, learning and experience from my limited time – three days lol! – walking the Camino about the challenges, reasons and beauty.

The landscape is incredibly gorgeous. As you walk, the terrain changes. There are different challenges along the way…physical…calves not trained and sore ankles for me. Pretty much everyone has sore legs.

Sometimes mental challenges arise as you have to walk up another hill or mountain and there is also the weather. It’s been really hot and today it’s supposed to rain. Another challenge might be being in one’s head – or avoiding what’s in one’s heart. It’s so different for everyone. But magic happens. Just when you are growing tired you turn a corner and another pilgrim is sitting having a snack and they say Buen Camino or you stop and chat. Or a beautiful bird appears. Or more breathtaking scenery. Or you arrive at your destination.

Inspiration is everywhere and you just have to see it or source it.

People of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds walk the Camino and honestly when you see this, it’s like, ok I can do this. And you just walk. One foot forward then the next. Many many people have issues with their feet – blisters etc.  I am very grateful for the shoes I got and for the woman at MEC who helped me choose them and ensure I had a good fit. She had done the Camino before.

Yesterday’s challenge was walking with a head cold and then sleeping with one. And you sleep in dorms so there is snoring etc. But I was lucky…we are staying at a very warm and quiet place. I was the noisy one, having to blow my nose several times in the night. I did however get my first night’s sleep since last Wednesday. Jet lag is settling and I slept 7 hours despite the sinus issues – yay!!

So the pilgrimage is about 790 km from Roncesvalles (I can’t remember the exact amount and no wifi access as I write). You can do the whole thing or parts of it, as we are. There are roads leading to Santiago from France, Portugal and other places I imagine. Some people walk from their own country and then start!

It’s amazing really. There are people walking alone, with friends (as am I), parents and children, partners…and some do days or weeks depending on how much time they have, and then choose what part they want to do. Some people complete it one week at a time over many years or all at once or just this part or that one.

We are looking at a map each morning and deciding where we would like to stop for the night. But some people just walk and stop when they are tired or feel like it. There are many historical monuments and places along the way.

And every village has albergues (hostels) ready to receive pilgrims. The cost is about 10€ per night. And then food is about 8 to 12€ for the pilgrim menu – which normally includes an entrée, a main, bread, a dessert and a glass of wine or water.

People walk for all kinds of reasons…for example, religious, spiritual, adventure and physical activity or cultural or a combination of. Some are feeling lost in life and seeking clarity, or are mourning the death of someone, or a separation, or to heal or are looking for a physical challenge or.. or…or… Some don’t know why and it is revealed as they walk. Some are looking for an answer to something. Some do it just because they are inspired to and then and see what is revealed. The reasons are unique to everyone.

Personally, as I have done with HO Rites in Arizona, I enjoy the simplicity, the walking, culture, the messages from nature – from within and from the Universe – as well as the people you meet. And I welcome any insights and healing that may arise during the journey. I also enjoy the ritual of walking with intention and of making little altars here and there from things I find along the way.

I’ll send this is as soon as I get access to Wi-Fi.  I am now going to stretch, nose dripping, eyes and nasal passages swollen, and still, looking forward to another day on the Camino.

Thanks for your interest and gratitude to Joel for his enthusiastic support, to Adrienne for being a wonder-full guide on this adventure, and to my body, mind, soul and spirit for each step, thought, feeling, moment of opportunity, beauty, presence, opening and appreciation. Wishing a beautiful day.