My 65 by 65 Project Update - My Camino de Santiago Completed
I have wanted to do the Camino de Santiago for several years although my first exposure to it was Shirley McLean's book "The Camino". After watching the movie The Way, I put it on my 65 by 65 Project list last year when it looked like it could soon become a reality. I have to admit, the day I was to leave for Saint Jean Pied de Port I was scared out of my mind. I woke up on the morning of Sep 11th and thought, "I really don't have to do this. I don't think I actually can. All I have to do is crawl back into bed!" Fortunately if I tell someone I am going to do this, I am accountable.
At the train station, the clerk who sold me my ticket looked at me as if to say, "Are you kidding me? Why would you do this at your age!" It took me 4 trains and a bus to get to Saint Jean Pied de Port, a good 7 hour trip. Once on the train I got excited. I was looking forward to time alone and to decide what I really want out of life now that my kids are all settled and on their own. Lots of questions and decisions to be made, and I thought five weeks away would be the perfect solution.
My plan was to do 28 k a day and then meet my mother and daughter in Sarria, Spain, the first week of October, where there would join me for the last 110 km. I soon realized I had overestimated what I could do and still have fun on this trip. The Camino was about the journey and for me I did not want to feel that I had to be somewhere at a certain time. I wanted the experience to be fun, yet still give me the personal growth I craved. Living in the moment, with no guide book, walking until my body told me to stop was my decision. I was surprised at the number of people who were shocked that I had no formal plan and that had no clue which village or where I would sleep for the night. However for me this was heaven! There was absolutely no stress. My day and my time was my own!
From September 12th to the 28th, I walked almost entirely on my own. I had absolutely no expectations of what would happen daily. Each morning feeling extreme gratitude to be walking the Camino de Santiago, I would head out. From the 28th to the 8th of Oct I walked with a friend I had met. On the 9th my daughter and 84 year old mother joined me in Sarria. My daughter walked with us for 3 days however due to previous commitments she had to leave early. My Mom completed the last 110 km with me. So very proud of her!
Camino de Santiago Overview Video
This is a quick overview of my Camino in Sept and Oct 2015. Having taken about 2600 pictures, I have not gotten through them yet. I can honestly say this was one of the best trips ever!
To read about my journey start here... My Camino Begins
Your Pink Friend
