The last couple of days have been the toughest for me so far. The walks were quite long, 17.5 and 18.8 miles to be exact. There were few scenic distractions, especially today when we walked endless miles in the hot sun along fast moving traffic. And my feet were killing me! During this most recent stretch, we will have walked 9 straight days covering 135 miles before we get a day of rest - 5 more days and 75 miles to go until we arrive in Burgos for that much needed respite. I must admit that Bill's offhanded suggestion that we hop on a Vespa had some momentary appeal. But the Camino is supposed to be tough, I know, so we stayed the course.
However challenging, the Camino always delivers something rewarding for those who are looking. During our walk to Logroño, we came upon the remarkable 12th century Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the great wine-producing region of La Rioja, and finally Logroño - a city with an interesting blend of medieval and modern architecture.
All's well that ends well. . . we celebrated the completion of the first of 5 stages of the walk with our friends Wendy and Graham over a hearty meal and excellent Rioja wine. We will miss our fellow pilgrims who are leaving us in Logroño to spend a few days of rest on the beaches of Spain before returning to Australia to plan their next adventure.
The next day's walk to Najera was quite brutal for me but it offered a couple redeeming happenings. Early on, we came upon "Lord Camino" who was greeting passing pilgrims with food and blessings. After receiving my special blessing, I had myself convinced that my feet had been cured . . . at least for the next mile. And at the end of the day, we gathered in the square with other pilgrims to refuel our tanks and exchange stories about our personal experiences on the Camino. I have already learned that not knowing what is in store for tomorrow is simply part of the journey - and a good lesson for me!
~ Buen Camino, Carol ~
Long and boring and hurting feet. I hope I read correctly that you are now taking a day of rest. Hope so. That will revive you and get you moving without pain I hope. Thats 3 hopes in a row. Lets make it 4 with I hope all of the above happens.
ReplyDeleteHello Carol!
ReplyDeleteMom says: "I hope that your feet feel better. We talk about you and how you're doing in your walk. We like to read what you wrote about what you are doing. We are proud of you. Keep up the good work! From Mommy and Daddy"
Hello Camino Cayenne,
ReplyDeleteMom is walking every day and believe me, I use you as leverage for her to do so! 'If Carol can walk over 15 miles, we can walk down and up the hall!' Mom is getting stronger - even she says she is feeling stronger - and is walking better, more energetically, and with more confidence. The Red Sox are having a winning streak and dad is doing well, too. Dad says: "I hope that your walk is agreeable with you and that all future walks are agreeable and that you will enjoy them! We miss you and Floyd. Love, Mummy and Daddy"
Carol,
ReplyDeleteI love that photo of you and Lord Camino!!! So sweet. I, too, would feel better for at least a mile after receiving his blessings. Love, Suzetta XXXOOO
Auntie Carol,
ReplyDeleteYou are kicking butt out there, I am so proud of you and what you are doing! Neil and I had dinner with Uncle Floyd Monday night and we reminiscing about the last time we were there with your citrus cake, yummmm! I love your picture with Lord Camino, you already have some amazing memories. Love and miss you very much! Xoxoxo, Sasperella
My dear wife I miss you and it brings a smile to my face when I see your wonderful pictures and read your colorful accounts of your journey. I do hope your feet begin to treat you a little better and hopefully that will occur when you get your day of rest. Stay safe and enjoy each day.
ReplyDeleteYour Hubby
Carol so enjoying your journal and photos too. Hope you are having the experience of a lifetime. Can't wait to read more and then see you in person soon. Blessings! Jane
ReplyDeleteCarol! I hope your feet feel better tomorrow and "Lord Camino" had the perfect prayers and blessings for you. You continue to amaze and inspire me. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Robin
Carol - totally in awe of your journey and strength in this endeavor. Love your blog and the pictures; keep looking forward to the next day as that is what life is about!
ReplyDeleteWe are all so proud of you! Sue Wakefield
Hi Carol. You are now officially a Pilgrim! Sore feet, blisters, fatigue, long walks on many consecutive days. I am so glad you decided to create the blog ... you are a natural. Love the photographs. I look forward to reading about you're journey. Buen Camino.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteMom and I just finished a mini-walk - mom was not up to the full journey to the end of the building today! She promised, pilgrim's promise, to walk to the end of the hall tomorrow. Mom wonders if this is like the Africa well - is there an aspect of charity to this pilgrimage? We are rooting for you and each day, look forward to your entry. I imagine you must be exhausted when you create your postings. We cherish your story and photos. You are an exquisite sister and daughter! Love, Mom, Dad, and Suzette XXXOOO
Love the photos! Big hugs to those feet! I am hoping that maybe you build something up in them as you go? maybe calluses? This is fun! You do the walking and take the photos and I enjoy! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete