Reflections of the Camino: Part Two

Yes, more reflections of the Camino! I spent 18 days volunteering followed by 18 days walking. In this installment, I talk more about the walking.

Leaving Lalin on the Camino Invierno

Returning to the Camino as a pilgrim was a joy. It felt so good to walk again, like sliding into a pair of comfortable slippers. Or comfortable hiking boots, actually.

I started off with an short uphill followed by a long and steep downhill. It was a challenging 27 km, especially after being in one place for 18 days. I was active in Rabanal, but not walking.

Cleaning beds and toilets did not prepare me physically to walk. However, interacting with pilgrims every day certainly prepared me mentally - which is more important. Mentally, I was more than ready to walk, therefore I had a successful walking day.

This was a theme for my Camino. I had some difficult days of walking, with rain, mud, steep climbs, and being alone. But every time I felt that it was difficult I reminded myself that I was here to walk. I mentally overcame the difficulties first, then physically.

One day, climbing up to the Mirador de Orellan (view of

View of Las Medulas Goldmine

an ancient Roman goldmine), the hill kept going up and up and up. But I was rewarded with an amazing view at the top! Then the hill went down and down and down. That was almost harder. But I reminded myself that I was here to walk. And I kept moving forward, one step at a time.

Another day, the distance was longer than expected. I had miscalculated and had a 31 km walk instead of 21 km, like I expected (including not one but TWO giant hills)! I did know by the time I started walking, so I was prepared. As I was walking through a town after my only coffee break I passed three taxis. Each time I considered walking up to the taxi and cutting my walk short. But I reminded myself that I was here to walk. And I kept moving forward, one step at a time.

On yet another day, I was faced with the highest elevation on the Camino Invierno. There was choice to take an alternate route around the mountain or take the trail up to the top. The ancient pilgrims probably did take the more direct, less difficult route.

Via Cruces and Hermitage, Mt Faro

But, at the top of the mountain was special place, Via Cruces (Way of the Crosses) and a hermitage. On a more clear day there would be a panoramic view. Even without the view it was beautiful. I did consider the easier alternative, but I reminded myself that I was here to walk. And I kept moving forward, one step at a time.

Yes, I was there to walk. I also thought about regret. If I missed these portions of the Camino, I might have regrets. I don't want to think of the things I could have done with regret.

"We must all suffer one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons." Jim Rohn

While I walk a Camino, I want to experience everything that I can, I want the 'full-meal-deal.' When I do, I feel like I have lived well. I also experience moments of beauty that I might have otherwise missed.

The Camino Invierno is beautiful! Difficult, but rewarding. Life is like that. Some moments are difficult, some are filled with beauty. Sometimes there is beauty in the difficult moment. And certainly beauty and a sense of accomplishment when you overcome the difficulty.

I am here to walk this Camino of Life, and I keep moving forward, one step at a time. Walk on, pilgrim.

Buen Camino!