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My Soul-o Camino
  • My Camino

My Soul-o Camino

My 500 mile journey across Spain Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 29, 2021
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    Dallas FW Airport

    June 29, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 86 °F

    Cowboy hats and southern drawls…yeehaw.

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    St Jean Pied-de-Port, France

    June 30, 2021 in France ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    I have reached my starting point! Tomorrow I will begin my Camino. Hopefully the confusion I’ve encountered at every stage thus far is not an indication of how this journey will continue! I’ve met a group of walkers from the US (Portland!, Texas, and Kansas) and we have already leaned on each other to get here. Now to find food, a shower, and a bed…Read more

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    Orisson, France: Auberge Borga

    July 1, 2021 in France ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    Mantras
    Today is a short day. Only 8km but all uphill. I will start each day with a few mantras.

    I am not a human being on a spiritual journey. I am a spiritual being on a human journey.
    Keep going.
    It’s not a race, slow the fuck down.
    I am grateful for this day and I smile as I have the next 24 hours to explore.
    I will show compassion to myself and to others.

    Blood, Sweat, and Tears

    Sweat. I’ve never been so sweaty in my life. The uphill climb reminds me of the neighborhood I grew up in, Briar Ridge. My mom used to walk “the hill” when I was younger and I remember being impressed with her ability to tackle such a steep street on her morning walks. Today’s walk felt like a never ending Briar Ridge. My butt and calves hate me.
    Tears. Nearing my first stop, I passed a cement structure where someone had written the words “KEEP GOING” and instantly I cried. This phrase is not only my mantra, but reminds me of my Grandma Mary.
    Blood.
    Well, I started my period today. Thanks uterus. This should be interesting.

    Letting go. I have met wonderful people and started my day with a mom and daughter duo from Texas. They are positive and uplifting. We are staying in different places tonight but plan to start our morning together. I’ve been told that a magical part of the Camino are the connections made with other pilgrims and the strange way in which you meet, connect, then may never see each other again. I will remind myself to appreciate the moments together, and let go when we part ways.

    Courage vs Bravery
    I came across a rock where someone wrote “Courage.” This made me think about all the times people have said to me “You’re going to walk the Camino alone? You’re so brave!” I don’t think I’ve ever stopped to consider the difference between courage and bravery until today. I have never called myself courageous but today, I am. I’ve been brave so many times but I think being brave is what I do to get through something I don’t yet have the courage to do. I feel courage in my heart and I feel bravery in my mind. I will continue to reflect on this as I walk.

    PS. I arrived at my hostel two hours before they opened. I’m pretty sure I’m trespassing right now as I lie under a tree, and hope I don’t get yelled at in French when the hosts arrive!

    PSS. I freaking love walking poles!! My ADHD hands now have something to do and I find the rhythm to be cathartic.    Read more

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    Roncesvalles, Spain

    July 2, 2021 in France ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    Mantras
    The greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
    Only a person who risks is truly free. -William Ward
    Today I will ask forgiveness and extend forgiveness to all I owe during this journey.
    I am able to transform pain into understanding and gratitude now and in the future.
    I wake this morning and smile. I have 24 hours of life to explore. I am grateful. I will show compassion to myself and to others.
    Don’t. Fucking. Fall.

    Up, up, and above the clouds.
    After being served coffee in a BOWL this morning, our US crew headed out to tackle the rest of the Pyrenees. We gained an extra pilgrim today, a man from Austin Texas about to enter law school. We welcomed him with open arms. We climbed 8 miles UP, then 2 down to our next stop at a Monastery for pelegrinos (pilgrims). The showers are lovely and for dinner we will have a communal meal.

    I find it so conflicting that while peace and beauty surrounds me, my anxiety consumes me. I am hoping the anxiety will slowly dissipate as I allow room to consume the peacefulness.

    My feet HURT. I have a caffeine headache. I really need to poop. Also, my heart is so entirely full of love and excitement I could nearly burst. Several times during the 10 miles today, I found myself just SMILING as I walked. In those moments of feeling present, I wished that it would never end….and then along comes ADHD and the anxiety again. It’s all a balance and while I don’t want to hang on to expectations, I do have a goal of practicing being present and at peace in larger gaps of time.

    This is not my body. The behaviors I adapted to during covid have changed my body from athletic to rather juicy. I have been uncomfortable in my body for awhile now. During this walk, I’d like to become friends with this new body so that my mind and body will stop arguing with each other. Also I am so grateful that this body IS carrying me over the Pyrenees and forward throughout this walk, juicy parts and all.

    Tonight I tried to eat a trout that was served with the tail and eyeballs still in tact. I tried. Sorry Spain, I just can’t eat something that appears to be judging me while I devour it’s meat. I politely covered his one good eye with a piece of crispy ham out of respect for the dead. RIP trout.

    PS….I didn’t fucking fall!    Read more

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    16m Urdániz, Spain: Aca Urdániz &Alla

    July 3, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    Mantras
    Put one foot in front of the other. Step. Push. Breathe.
    Quiet mind. Notice. Repeat.
    I am grateful for what the Camino will provide.
    Magic exists on the Camino.

    Can we talk about the poncho pictures for a second? Right?? Lets acknowledge that I don’t look my best but more like Violet Beauregard! Ridiculous. And so fun to walk in the rain! Ok, we are done with the poncho talk and don’t ever bring it up again! 😂

    Today I hiked 16 miles and it was tough. Really tough. We picked up another pilgrim completing his second Camino! He’s a lovely young Dutch man and fits in perfectly with our Camino family.

    I had conversations with other pilgrims who shared personal stories and vulnerability along the way. The Camino is magical. It brings people together in ways where they can connect in such a short amount of time, without fear of judgement. “Buen Camino” we say over and over again as we pass other pilgrims. As I say this (8 times today) I am curious about their journey. Why are they walking? Are they healing? Are they in pain and escaping? Are they endurance seekers? Are they loved? Are they seeking self acceptance? Are they solving a problem? I wish I could talk to every single pilgrim.

    Our dinner at the albergue was delicious and the conversation was joyous, until it wasn’t. One man accused another of perpetrating a micro aggression against him and the other apologized. But it didn’t end there. It escalated. It was raw, and full of pain for one man, and full of embarrassment and pride for the other. It was not easy to watch and as the tension and voices grew louder, an older pilgrim turned to me and whispered “Hey, we need a therapist.” Out of my own discomfort for myself and the others, I spoke up to ask one man to apologize to the other then to take their conversation away from the table. They agreed to end it and the rest of us carried on in an awkward way until the magic returned and once again we were lost in conversation and laughter.
    Except it still feels gross. I’m sad for the man being harassed and hope he will be able to move forward in his journey without a heavy heart. Everything feels heavy on this journey. (Which reminds me, I plan to throw out like 3lbs of my pack tomorrow…it’s toooooo heavy!)

    I. Am. Exhausted. I’m physically drained, and after the conflict at dinner, emotionally drained as well. I really like pushing my body and mind to their limits so I can make new limits the next day. Tomorrow is a shorter day of 10miles to PAMPLONA!

    Buenos noches. Total miles so far: 31    Read more

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    PAMPLONA, Spain 10.5 miles

    July 4, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    Mantras
    I am grateful for the people who have supported my journey long before the Camino began.
    Pain is understanding.
    I am stronger than I think.
    The Camino will provide.
    Don’t be a superhero.

    With me on the Camino are the spirit and thoughts of my family. I am exhausted so this is all I have today.    Read more

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    Puenta la Reina 16.5mi

    July 5, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    Mantras
    Forgiveness opens space for love.
    Take notice of the opportunities provided.
    Let go. Hold on.

    Today was physically hard and I did it alone. It was my favorite experience so far. I sang an entire Counting Crows album out loud until I couldn’t breathe. I climbed a gigantic hill and practically ran down the other side. I walked farther than I’ve ever walked. I am courageous. I am strong. I am grateful. I am happy. I am love.

    I learned that storks are real. Yes, I thought they were fiction. I learned that they kill the bulls after they run. Gross and sad. I also learned that blisters are no joking matter. They are tiny and ferocious!

    Total miles 58    Read more

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    14 mi Estella

    July 6, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Mantras
    Confront what blocks me FROM me.
    Dedicate the steps to all who have suffered.

    Today sucked ass. It was beautiful but my body hated me. I was fighting all sorts of pain all day. My spirits were low and I was HANGRY. I walked with my Camino family for most of the day but fell far behind. I felt uninspired and negative. Tonight we will stay in a creepy asylum looking facility.

    Update! Cold shower, and some food has helped. I experienced a beautiful thunder and lightning storm with a soaking downpour! It was magical. A member of my Camino family thought she was ordering two rice (arroz) dishes but was surprised to find that she actually ordered two huge orders of fried onion rings (arros). This was so funny and it felt good to laugh so hard.

    I wonder what my kids are all doing back home. I miss them. I miss my sweet partner too. I miss my fur babies and I miss my bed. Aaaaand I love it here and all the ups and downs (literally and figuratively) of this journey. I feel proud of myself for getting through today.

    Total miles…72miles    Read more

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    Torres del Rio 17miles

    July 7, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 64 °F

    Mantras
    Clear my life of all that no longer serves me.
    Let go.
    Hold on to self love.
    Begin the process of forgiveness, whatever that may look like.
    Look. Up.

    Today I walked a portion alone and it was so peaceful. I didn’t take many photos but have many memories. I know it sounds corny to say but this place really is magical. I am so fortunate to experience this for so long!

    Total miles…87ish    Read more

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    Logroños 12 miles (100 total!)

    July 8, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    Mantras
    Listen to my body.
    Let go.
    Hold on.
    Feel safe to be vulnerable. Be vulnerable to feel safe.
    Keep on moving

    Today was “Serene Solace” as my dad called it. As I left the tiny village this morning, I felt a bit uncomfortable in my body but soon shook the pain.

    I love this journey and the excitement of the unknown, just steps ahead of me. Every turn, every new Camino arrow showing me the way, heading west with the sun at my back….pure happiness. 🌞⬅️

    Today is a TREAT YO SELF day. I’m staying in a private room with a fancy shower and BIG bed with a beautiful balcony looking out over the busy town. Tomorrow will be about 17 miles and I’m ready for it!

    Also I ate 2 donuts, a bag of strange Doritos, 3 café con leches, and a double scoop ice cream cone. #adulting #iburn2000caloriesaday #treatyoself
    #selflove

    PS I hit 100miles today!! 400 to go!    Read more

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    Najera 19 mi

    July 8, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Mantras
    Get out of your own way Kristy Lynn.
    Let go and Hold on.
    Trust yourself.
    Be open.
    Poop BEFORE you start your walk.

    Today was LONG and HOT. I walked with Amelia, my Texan Camino family member. At just 19, she is wise, positive, compassionate, and supported me through the last few rough km’s.

    It’s time for a long nap and shower! Tomorrow will be another long day.    Read more

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    Grañón 18 miles

    July 10, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F

    Got Mantras ?
    Enter them here. I’m mantra-less today. Feeling like naming any was too much for me this morning. I didn’t sleep well, despite the awkward kindness shown from my roommate “Kirk.” It was a challenging and long day yesterday and I think today started with a deficit of mental energy.

    Today someone asked me what my Camino journey would be called if it were a movie. I loved this question. The answer for now would be “Staying Found” but it may change as I continue on. I have spent the last 8 years developing and understand my identity outside of being a mom. I like where I’m at, who I am, and where I still need to grow. This trip was not conceived from a place of feeling lost, rather a celebration of being found. It’s one thing to find yourself, and another to maintain it.

    PS I called ahead to the next town and in Spanish, I reserved four beds for my Camino family for tomorrow. I’m so totally bi-lingual now. Ha. Adios.

    PSS this guy is literally carrying a cross across Spain. Whoa! I thought my extra underwear were heavy…

    Total: 137 miles    Read more

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    Belorado 9 miles

    July 11, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    Mantras
    Patience
    Look up
    I will listen to my body
    I am grateful to my body for carrying me on this journey

    Every step I take is somewhere I’ve never beenI love this. Tonight after the walk, a shower and a nap, was HOURS of singing and dancing with fellow pilgrims! It was a much needed celebration in the spirit of the Camino. I am living my best life right now and I don’t want it to end!!Read more

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    Atapuerca 19miles

    July 12, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    Mantras
    Continue to process forgiveness
    Look up!
    Even on rainy days, the light is present
    Show compassion and patience to myself and others.
    Breathe.

    Today was a BEAUTIFUL walk through dense forests and scenery reminiscent of a Monet painting. I had the privilege to walk through these canvas paintings all day and it was so peaceful.

    I can feel my body getting stronger and more healthy. It’s encouraging and exciting. My feet are almost blister free and only a tiny bit sore.

    I attempted to process forgiveness today but found it too raw to continue. Unexpected tears were a sign of pending trauma and as I accepted the pain, I also acknowledge the work that still needs to be done….whatever that may look like.

    Throughout the day I kept remembering the feeling of laughter and singing from the previous night and it would bring a smile to my face. I feel good here. I feel strong. I feel hopeful. I am alone and also a part of a Camino community. I have arrived.    Read more

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    20 miles Tardajos

    July 12, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    Mantras
    Start now, there may not be a tomorrow

    Last night, I tried to invite another pilgrim to dinner with our Camino family.
    Me: hola, hungry? (Gesturing with my hand towards my mouth)
    Her: yes
    Me: Come! (Gesturing with a “come here” hand motion then wait upstairs for her to arrive)
    Her: no thank you for food. I thought you asked if I was from Hungary.
    Me: oh, no. Where are you from?
    Her: Hungary
    Me: 🤦🏼‍♀️

    I had a long day today again, at 9 hours. Over 30km in the cold and then the heat. I’ve got something weird happening to my feet! They are so swollen, feel bruised, and have rashes that creep up my legs. Gross! Not sure what is happening. Trying new things tomorrow to hopefully fix it.

    Exhausted. Going to bed.

    PS I ordered breaded chicken breast for dinner. Not sure what I actually got. Made me giggle.    Read more

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    Recuperating in León

    July 22, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Mantras
    Don’t give up
    Be proud of how far you’ve come!
    Learn the language
    Absorb the culture
    Elevate the sausage foot!
    “Resting is strength” -Lisa❤️

    Sooooo I took a day to rest my leg in the gorgeous city of León. I love it here. I could live here forever. For two days I’ve rested, iced, elevated, contemplated, cried, pouted, thrown pity parties, and visited the hospital. My ligaments are very unhappy that I walked 290 miles in 20 days. Ok, I get that. I asked too much of my 44 yo somewhat lumpy body. I spent time making amends with my body and showing the respect it deserved.

    I am separated from my Camino family now and that has also been an unexpected sadness. When planning a solo trip, I had no idea how important the connections would be with other peregrinos. We hold hope and love and laughter for each other along the way. We may not see each other all day or sometimes for a few days but we eat together in the evenings when we can and we walk with each other when someone needs support. I feel alone, together…and it’s been magical.

    The other night, I KNEW THE MOST SPANISH at the dinner table!!! It felt amazing. In previous trips,to the more touristy places in Europe, there has always been a plethora of people who speak English. Here, that is not the case. It’s respectful to try to speak as much Spanish as possible. At the beginning of this journey, it felt a bit helpless to not be able to communicate but today, I navigated by myself and asked for help in Spanish several times along the way. I made it to my bus.

    Yes, I’m on a bus today. I decided to modify my journey in order to make peace with my body. I am taking a bus 30k (19 mi) forward. I will stay at a Buddhist-like, zen albergue surrounded by gardens, yoga, wonderful food, dogs, cats, and other peregrinos. Tomorrow I will return to the Camino and modify my days to under 20k and at a much slower pace, until I feel healed. This pace/rate may mean another bus ride in the future and I will consider that when the time comes.

    The Camino. The way.
    Every peregrino who travels the Camino does it there own way. That’s what makes it THEIR Camino. I am finally understanding this and I am proud of MY Camino. I have 305km (190 mi) of magic and beauty ahead of me and I will treasure every fucking precious moment of it!!

    PS if I don’t stop shoving my face with bread, pastries, and fried tapas, I will certainly be a bit lumpier upon my return!! I ate healthy cereal today…I’m such an adult. The end.    Read more

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    Murias de Rechivaldo

    July 24, 2021 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F

    I walked 14 miles on Day 23, after 2 resting days. I walked slow and took MANY breaks. Intentionality and staying present were of key importance. I practiced mindfulness walking and noticed so many things I would otherwise neglect.

    I had a tri-lingual conversation that makes me giggle. As I walked through a town, an older woman was outside sweeping her porch, a very common site in the mornings. She looked so excited to see me and waved, “Buen dia peregrino!” I greeted her in Spanish and she asked where I was going. Our conversation continued in Spanish. At one point I think I accidentally told her I was from France. 😯 Excitedly she switched to French and we continued our talk in French as we marveled at the beautiful and steep Pyrenees. In French she asked how many days I’d been traveling and in English I said “23”. She stared at me and I repeated it in French. Then she sent me on my way in Spanish again. It was AMAZING! Also let’s just pretend I’m from Paris from now on…..au revoir!    Read more

    Trip end
    August 7, 2021
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