Santiago de Compostela

I cannot believe how amazing it feels to crawl into bed tonight. We reached the cathedral today after what I assumed would be a relatively easy walk, but turned out to be more difficult than anticipated. The majority of it was uphill. At least they weren’t terribly steep hills, but very few level trails.

I only fell once; bruised my elbow good and scraped various limbs – but thankfully no major injuries or broken bones. I just sat in the middle of the dusty trail fighting tears and accepted sympathy from passing travelers, while Bethany attended to my injuries.

The blisters have not been the worst part. I have managed to keep them under control by dealing with them early. Primarily, it’s my painfully swollen feet. The past two nights I’ve soaked them in ice water to ease the discomfort – I think they are a bit better now.

When Bethany and I taxied downtown this evening to find a restaurant, the pain was unrelenting. Bethany was very gentle with me and walked a slow pace with me. She only asked that I try to stay somewhat with the flow of the crowd – and suggested I try keep up with a couple of ladies who were strolling ahead of us. They were such a sweet sight – one little old 85-year old cutie was helping her 105-year old mama. I could almost keep pace with their minuscule steps!

Honestly, looking back, of course it was a good day. It started out wonderfully. I woke up feeling great. I had what I would call a “Camino epiphany”. Knowing it was our last day of walking and having made it through the hard parts with the end now in sight, I thought, I get it! Now I know why some people do several caminos!

The feeling of having done something so difficult, of actually fulfilling your plans and aspirations, of completing your task, is amazing!

I’m always starting something and never finishing. I make plans and carry them out for a short time and then…”meh.”

Is this my Camino lesson?

Feeling so inspired, I shared my thoughts with Bethany about possibly doing another Camino – maybe through England, or France, or what the heck—across the Pyrenees in Spain, like Martin Sheen did in the movie “The Way.”

She said NO WAY. One and done.

And after the supposed “easy day” today, I whole-heartedly agree with her, of course. My sanity has returned.

We’ll be in Santiago for three nights before flying home. I’m looking forward to exploring areas around the town. We definitely are done with the long walks and schlepping heavy backpacks— our primary call will be, “TAXI!”

Buen Camino!