A day of reconnection

One of the things you hear about before walking a Camino is the concept of the Camino family.

A concept I partially understood last Camino, but one which this Camino had reinforced ten fold.

When you have a group of people all striving for the same goal, of walking day after day carrying with them all they need to survive in a bag on their back there is something that leads us all to be open and receptive. One pilgrim shares their story, and their courage leads the next to follow suit and so on.

Some are open early on, some it takes time, and some will sadly reach the end of this journey having never shed some of the burdens they carry.

Today I am happy. I met a guy a few days ago. Geo -Giovanni. He has stuck in my mind as he was carrying a massive chip on his shoulder. (Hence his original nickname of Geochip) We spoke briefly a few days back after he got rather shitty at a clothes dryer that wouldn'twork for him. We met again the following day as he strode out ahead on his own. He stayed in my mind, because I could see an older version of me in him. The person that had to take on the world-alone.

I have just had coffee with him...or a very different version of him. A more relaxed and sociable person who has learnt to hand wash his clothes, and slow his pace to walk with others. It is incredible to see the difference.

I've also had coffee with Bettina and Nickoli from Germany- we stayed together on my first and second nights, and I had just finished asking after them when around the corner they walked. They walk 2 weeks every year when her holidays from work allow. He is a GP and she a teacher

I had earlier today considered swapping the 2nd half of my walk from March next year to September or October, and now it appears they're walking the same time so who knows... we have exchanged details and it's likely our paths will cross again next year.

I again met Ollie (I misheard his name on day one as Alec) from Albany west Australia. He's a young lad travelling alone, really likeable character complete with blonde dreadlocks. He gave me the tips for what to see in town, and the advice to climb the nearby hill before sunrise so you can watch it. He is walking barefoot today!

Today as I parted ways with Sarah from Canada who heads home tomorrow very late to again see her little boys, I felt the first sense of loss. Sarah and I have shared our stories, and I have loved her company. Her passing words were that she will always remember me for my good energy. We never do really see ourselves as others do.

It was a good bye to Julie too, though I am sure our paths will cross again soon. She continues to walk further today. My intention is to stop here. This cold has made it to my chest and I need a rest. That's a tough one to get your head around...my legs just want to keep walking.

Eric and Karlin messaged today to say they will walk after all and are headed to meet me. I have missed them today.

My Camino family grows day on day. There are so many others I have met for whom I ask after. Such is the power of the Camino that we truly are just walking each other home.Read more