It’s not getting easier

Lest anyone think the Camino is all wandering sheep, second breakfast, and 10 AM beers, I want to share something I wrote while Chris finished touring the Templar Castle this morning. (I started the tour, but then my shins, ankles, and knees objected to all of the “bonus walking — especially climbing and descending the thousand year old stairs…):

I have to admit that the last couple of days have kicked my butt. The walk from the Cruz de Ferro was gorgeous, but it was also one of the hardest sections of trail that we’ve seen on this trip.

After Burgos (days 16-17), I felt like my blisters were under control and I had my “walking legs.” It seemed like all I had to do was keep the rhythm we’d established: wake up early, walk until coffee, take a break to visit a church and catch up with friends, and then walk until noon or 1.

But since Leon (day 26&27), more and more twinges are coming up in my shins, feet, and ankles. I’m still overwhelmed by how beautiful everything is and how lucky I am to be here, but I’m also tired and sore all the time.

We inch closer to Santiago every day. Arriving in Santiago seems both inevitable and impossible right now.

Writing all this out, plus resting in the shade plus lunch , plus my new favorite walking meditation (noticing every part of my body that doesn’t hurt) set me mostly to rights.

Then we got to tonight’s lodging and discovered that they have air conditioning and a great shower and the bar down the street served great homemade tapas, so I’m headed to bed in a good mood. Thanks to everyone who’s holding us in prayer. Your kind wishes certainly help smooth the rough edges!Read more