Quest for the Enlightened Pilgrim: Sample

Here is a Sample of my upcoming book: Quest for the Enlightened Pilgrim

I thought you might enjoy a sneak peak at the soon-to-be-published novel. No launch date yet, but I'll be sure to keep you posted! This is an excerpt of the introductory chapter. If you haven't already done so, please enter your email address to receive notice of the book launch and events.

View from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port of the Pyrenees

Arrival - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” —  Lao Tzu 

As Lucy stepped off the bus in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, she was nearly overwhelmed by emotions: despair, anxiety, fear, apprehension, doubt, and just a little hope. She was about to start the greatest adventure of her life. She just did not know it yet. 

Her impressions were along the lines of What was I thinking? Why did I say yes when the Camino was recommended? She was nearly paralyzed by thoughts of her past, and not yet ready to consider her future. At least not beyond starting the Camino de Santiago.  

Lucy didn’t know where to go, so she just followed the small crowd of backpacks. The other pilgrims seemed to be moving purposefully toward the historic section of town. It was easy to tell the pilgrims from the regular tourists. All were dressed pretty much the same, in comfortable hiking clothes and sporting backpacks, many with a shell attached.  

Her stepmom Julia, who had walked the Camino some years ago, had reserved and paid for her first two nights of the Camino de Santiago. After that, she had said, Lucy must find her own way. Her first booking was at Beilari, a highly recommended albergue (pilgrim hostel), where she would spend the night prior to starting her pilgrimage walk. Though she didn’t know exactly where to go, she knew it was near the Pilgrim Office, in ‘Old Town.’ 

The Albergue

Beilari was easy to find after all, once she came to Rue de la Citadelle. She was welcomed by Josef, the host, and assigned to bed #4. Dinner was to be a communal meal. Apparently, this accommodation included meals. (thanks Julia). It was explained that this would be the start of forming a Camino family, whatever that meant.  

And along with the meal was a glass of wine, and a question that terrified Lucy: "Why are you walking the Camino?"  

Starting the conversation was a couple from Ireland, Ian and Katie, who had just retired and were ready for an adventure together. 

Next came Freddie from Texas, who just wanted an athletic challenge. He had already walked the Pacific Crest Trail and parts of the Appalachian Trail.  

Robyn from Vancouver was walking for the second time and said she had things left unfinished on the Camino. 

Then came Gina and Annie from Australia, who had gone to school together and lost touch with each other. They were now walking the Camino to reconnect their friendship and explore their religious beliefs.  

Marcel, from Paris, had walked from Le Puy-en-Velay in France and said that he was already halfway to Santiago. Lucy could hardly believe that anyone would choose to walk that far! 

As Lucy's turn loomed closer, her mind went blank. She had no answer; she really did not know why she was walking. Everyone seemed to be looking at her. All she managed was a meek, “I don’t know, my stepmom told me that I should do it.” Inside she thought, boy, did that sound lame. 

Introductions finally over, a simple but filling meal was served, along with more wine. Conversation became more comfortable. Lucy started to relax just a bit, enjoying the stories that Marcel was telling about the Le Puy route. It sounded beautiful but frightening, with harsh weather and challenging climbs. 

Naturally, the talk turned to the walk of the following day. Most of the group would be taking the ‘Napolean Route’ over the Pyrenees, while a few were opting for the Valcarlos route—not as steep but still challenging. A few were heading all the way to Roncesvalles in one day, while some were stopping overnight at Orisson or Valcarlos. Lucy was grateful that she had a reservation for Orisson already, just eight kilometres from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. 

The trail leading to Orisson

After dinner, Lucy returned to her shared room, planning to organize her pack a bit before bedtime. On her bunk, she found a large manila envelope to which was attached a single page, folded in half. It was addressed, simply: ‘To the pilgrim in bed 4.’  

She peeled off the tape to read the note.  

Dear pilgrim, congratulations on your decision to walk El Camino de Santiago. The path ahead holds challenges, rewards, and perhaps even magic and miracles. You have been selected to receive this manuscript. Please read the foreword tonight, then read Part One in the morning before you start your walk. 

Lucy looked around. No one else was in the room, and she wondered who might have left this for her. 

This was originally meant to be studied over 24 weeks, reading each lesson for seven days before moving on to the next one. You may choose to study it that way after you complete your Camino.  

But on the Camino, time moves differently. Magic and miracles are not uncommon. You are to read a new lesson each morning and to contemplate it through the day. At some point during your day’s walk, take a rest break, sit in silence, and follow the directions at the end of that day’s lesson.  

Spend some time each day walking on your own, considering the lesson—a walking meditation. Repeat the process with a new lesson each day. You may find it helpful to write down your reflections about this process, so I have enclosed a small journal and a pen. 

Stay present, be open to the experience, and integrate the principles into your life. When you do so and you are ready, you shall meet the Enlightened Pilgrim.  

Ultreia and Buen Camino, Peregrina. 

Okay, this is weird, Lucy thought; still curious about where it came from. She went back downstairs and asked the few pilgrims remaining in the common room, but no one admitted to putting it there or to seeing anyone place it on her bed. She asked Josef, the owner, and he also denied any knowledge of this strange gift.  

Was it meant for her, or was it a random coincidence that it ended up on her bunk, an English-speaking pilgrim? So strange. Did she really want to accept this challenge? This would add another 500g or so to her pack, which was already heavier than recommended. It was the last thing she needed. No, I will leave it on the bunk when I go, for the next sucker, er, more open-minded pilgrim.