A day for reflection

The final day on a Camino is always an emotional one for so many reasons, but more than that, it is one of reflection.

Most of the dorm were walking to Caminha and then taking the water taxi across into Spain. Kristen a young Austrian woman who I have walked with a few times was planning to stop in Caminha and rest her blisters. She headed off early with the others. That left just Pippa and I. Pippa is a 60 something yr old retired physio and a Kiwi.
Pippa is lovely. We get on really well and it was lovely just to have a leisurely walk along side the water with good company and good conversation.

We stopped at a little over 3 miles for breakfast and a coffee. We were joined by Cami from Utah. Cami is loud and funny and this is her first Camino.

We had some interesting conversations this morning. Cami was critical of a woman who was carrying a laptop and working part time while walking. She was firm in her belief that it was simply wrong. I guess we all see things differently as my response was simply...how amazing is it that you can work and still enjoy the pleasure of walking. How amazing is it that technology allows the flexibility. It truly is about perspective, and ours were completely opposite. The one thing I think the Camino quickly teaches you is tolerance and not to judge.

Every day there are discussions from those who feel they know best. Those that preach the right way to do it. The right footwear. The right time to walk. The right weight to carry. Thankfully, those people are the minority.

In order to become more inclusive-and there is also an economic factor to it, there are companies who will take your luggage from one accommodation to the next for a small fee.
This requires that you prebook your accommodation and that it can't be at a public albergue. You then carry a small day pack while the bulk of your luggage is transferred for you.

Though I do think it is a great idea for a lot of people who would otherwise not be able to consider completing a Camino, I also feel it has the potential to create a division .

Yesterday I found myself trudging along in obvious discomfort, in full sun with a full pack. I was hot, sweaty and tired. I turned a corner and there she was....a tall slender woman sauntering along like she was passing a leisurely afternoon in a park. She was dressed in a linen looking shirt, a white straw hat with a pink ribbon, new white trainers and carrying the smallest of day packs.

Did I judge her - yes. Out of a moments envy at the thought of feeling so clean and fresh. It was hard not to. We actually walked a while together and shared lunch. Cynthia is American from Los Angeles. She told me she could think of nothing worse than staying in the public albergues in shared dorms or carrying all her kit. Worst of all she couldn't bear the thought of only having two sets of clothing.

Despite our obvious differences it was an interesting walk. All the things she could not bear to think about are the things that make the Camino for me.

The experience of albergues and building strong relationships with fellow pilgrims of all ages and all walks of life's and from so many different countries is a huge part of the magic of a camino- that cohesive bond that can't be broken. The sharing of experiences, of knowledge, support and genuine concern for each other. The sharing of food, blister patches and generally anything you can to help a pilgrim in need.
We share moments in time but so much more. As I have walked this past week, I have been accompanied by the memories of the Pilgrim's I have met previously. Conversations come back and I find myself wondering what became of so many of them. There are many I am still in touch with

There is no right or wrongs in carrying or not carrying your own pack. There are times when because of injury having that service must be a godsend for many. Personally for me part of the challenge is in carrying my pack. It adds that extra dimension and I think is the difference between an everyday walk versus a pilgrimage. It is a personal opinion . It means you truly have to consider what is essential versus bringing the niceties.

Anyway...back to today. The walk led us through a pretty forrested area to the beach. With the exception of a couple of inclines it was a nice walk. The walk along the water was pretty and refreshing.

In Caminha we caught up with Kirsten and a couple of Polish pilgrims, and enjoyed a relaxing drink before heading off to our accommodations.

I opted for a private room out of neccesity. I have a train to catch at 6.15 to get to Porto. Waking up a dorm of pilgrims at 5.30 is not good!

This evening I sat by the water watching the sunset. I was joined by Pippa who caught sight of me as she was passing. It was a lovely way to end the Camino.

Today I have a much better perspective on it all. I don't feel defeated. Rather I am proud of the fact I have walked over 100 miles in the past 6 days. I have met the most incredible pilgrims. I have experienced the gracious hospitality of the people of Portugal and I have enjoyed revisiting this beautiful country. I have felt the love and kindness of those who have helped me since my fall. Most of all, though? I have been reminded of how many good people I have in my life, and how very lucky I am. Yes the Camino sprinkled it's magic on me.

More to write in the coming days.

Miles walked today 12.13
Steps 25125Baca lagi