Pamplona to Puenta la Reina

56 miles done. 444 to go. Today was a long walk, but provided some nice stops for coffee and lunch in small towns along the way. The scenery was spectacular.

Today I unpacked a lot of baggage emotionally as I walked and it was heavy, but good, stuff. I guess this is what people talk about when they say the Camino not only challenges you physically, but emotionally as well. Without all the distractions that I have in my normal daily life, just walking by myself has given me so much time to focus, think, dwell, ponder, wrestle/struggle, question, heal, and pray.

My albergue has two things I’ve longed for this past week: a bathtub to soak my sore muscles, and a ceiling fan. It’s amazing how something so little can provide such an opportunity for gratitude!

As I was sitting out front of my hotel enjoying a glass on wine, I watched as an older gentleman stumbled (but didn’t fall), and was disoriented in what was going on around him, and then became agitated with the restaurant staff in the language barrier as he was needing directions to a laundry facility. I stepped in to help, but that was the beginning of a long journey of assistance all evening to someone who, for many reasons (physically, emotionally, technologically, common sensibly), is beyond his capabilities to continue his Camino journey. It was tough to both support and help him on the personal journey of discernment of what might be a better plan for him over the next several weeks as an alternative to a very physical pilgrimage that is beyond his ability. As I left him, we concluded our conversation on pilgrimage around having “gifts” along the way. I’m holding onto this conversation both in curiosity and hope… What gifts will I encounter along my way? And how can I be a gift to others on their way?Read more