I put on my hiking boots and backpack this morning with very mixed emotions. I was trying to grapple with the reality that today's walk to Rua would end my journey as a "working" pilgrim, although I would not reach Santiago and receive the Compostela until tomorrow. In my mind, tomorrow's final 12-mile walk into Santiago would simply be a celebration. We will be leaving at 4:30 am, equipped with headlamps, precisely timed to reach the top of the hill overlooking Santiago at sunrise. But for today, I had another 13 miles to contemplate life.
If the truth be told, I started the walk to Rua aimlessly putting one foot in front of the other, struggling to find a purpose for my day. As only the Camino can do, my thoughts were soon consumed with the many special people in my life who made this journey possible.
To my family and friends . . . for all of your kind words of encouragement, and humor, that kept me going mile after mile.
To my Camino family . . . for your continuing support, laughter and reflections that made the Camino a memory of a lifetime.
To my Camino partner Bill . . . for agreeing to embark on this walk in the first place, keeping me on the right path day after day, and joining me in living the Camino to its fullest.
To my Mom and Dad . . . for the life you created for me and the values you taught me that have led to this journey.
To my dear Hubby Floyd . . . for encouraging me to live my dreams, however wild they may be, and always keeping a loving and watchful eye over me.
To Camino Jim and Robin . . . for inspiring me to experience this walk, and all of the guidance you have given me every step of the way.
Camino Jim, only 19 kilometers - about 12 miles - before I follow your footsteps into Santiago. See you there in spirit tomorrow . . .
~ Buen Camino, Carol ~
Wow, you have done it!! I knew you would make it, even if you had to crawl. One thing we both were blessed with is determination. It will be kind of tough to not be involved in this big challenge with all of these interesting places and people. But you will take this with you in your heart as you move on to your next big adventure. Much love and congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic accomplishment ... done with a tremendous spirit for the adventure and a smile every step of the way. I can't imagine how much you must be looking forward to seeing your family and getting back to your creature comforts, but how you will miss your Camino family who have experienced this journey with you!!!! Safe travels home x
ReplyDeleteI feel like I'm reading the last chapter of a book in which the main character, who has transcended obstacles and has been changed by her journey, gloriously is crossing the finish line! Happy! Happy! And sad, too, that the journey is almost over for all of us as we near the final sentences, the final photos.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations dear Sister, both in your walk and in sharing your pilgrimage with all of us, even when your bed was calling after an exhausting day. Thank you for this special heart-gift! Love, your sister, Suzetta XXXOOO
Congratulations Carol on living your dream and sharing your pilgrimage with us. I will miss your blog each evening. I looked forward to reading about journey as you beautifully described each experience. It made me want to go event more than before. You are an amazing woman.
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ReplyDeleteEven before reading your post today, Carol, I was thinking how blessed your trek has been. From Jim's steady, endearing advice, to Bill's true north of a partner, to the lively interaction of four friends met on the way, to Floyd's ever encouraging words, and to the prayers and support of dear family and friends. Of course, your willing spirit and strong determination play a most significant role ... they always do!
Here's to these last miles to Santiago, Carol! Savor your myriad of emotions and your arrival at last. Buen Camino and much love.
Sweetheart,
ReplyDeleteYou are my "Hero" once again. I know you reach this point with mixed emotions and I am very proud of your accomplishment of yet another goal you have set and reached. I thank Jim for inspiring you as well as his ever endearing support. It will be great to have you back home safe and sound and it has been wonderful to see the great support from all of your friends and family.
Good going "Sparky" and congratulations !
.Your Hubby
Carol Ann, I am in tears as I read this almost final post. You are remarkable and inspiring to us...excelling in everything you tackle. I added posts to the days I missed ...love reading and seeing your photos...has been such a treat to be with you in spirit and share your pilgrimage!
ReplyDeleteMuch love and can't wait to celebrate with you!
-bsm
I too felt the tears well up as I read this almost final post. This blog will make a beautiful book some day for you and those you care about. Your words, your photographs leave me looking forward to the next day. Well done Carol!
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Deb
Hi Carol. Thank you for taking us along with you on you're Camino. I felt like I was there again. I am really happy that you enjoyed the journey, Congrats to Bill and all of the members of you're Camino family and welcome to the Society of Camino Pilgrims. Safe travel home ... Buen Camino.
ReplyDeleteAs I write this you are now an official member of the Society of Camino pilgrams. I have a sneaking feeling that you did the journey with much less damage than the normal pilgrim. So, dont think anyone will be surprised that you totally aced it. Hope every moment was worth it and everything you hoped it would be.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Camino Carol! You're in Santiago now celebrating with your Camino Family. I will miss reading your blog! What a great adventure. I can't wait for our first celebratory dinner in AZ with Camino Jim and Floyd hearing first- hand about your pilgrimage. God Bless you and Buen Camino!
ReplyDeleteCarol- Thank you again for sharing your journey. Never a doubt in my mind that you would make the most of the experience. To be able to embrace life at a walking pace is an amazing gift to yourself. Buen Camiono! Kathy H
ReplyDeleteWow what a fantastic journey, an accomplishment like no other I would imagine! I saw dad's posting as "Sparky", I though it was LMFC:) Safe travels back home and we will see you in a few weeks. Love Kris
ReplyDeleteAuntie Carol,
ReplyDeleteYou are AMAZING!!! I am so proud of you, this is such a huge accomplishment. You always reach for the stars and because of this you are one of my biggest role models and best friends. I love you and CANNOT wait to see you soon!!!!!
Xoxoxo,
Sasperella
Carol, I thoroughly enjoyed following you through your journey. You are a true inspiration, and I couldn't be more proud to call you my friend. You are a remarkable woman, and I look so forward to following your future expeditions and challenges. Can't wait to see you!!! Big Hugs!!! Ginny
ReplyDeleteWow, Carol, what an impressive journey! You embraced this journey and made it the 500 miles. What an accomplishment! The 22 mile day was incredible to read, and for you to make it through that day was quite a story. Just like you to be so determined and focused. One of the many traits I admire about you. Just also goes to show that we don't need all the cosmetics for natural beauty to shine through. You looked great the entire trip and the scenery and places you saw were awesome. I'm so glad you are back home and have this wonderful memory to look back on. Hugs to you dear friend. Sandy
ReplyDeleteCarol, following your journey through the Camino has been adventurous for us all! To be able to witness both your joys and challenges, setbacks, and your triumphs makes this the beauty and glory, of what this journey is all about; that it can be applicable to all of our lives should we dare to set goals, reach new heights, face our own self-limitations, and fears, and to learn from our adversities, trials, and our reactions to them! Welcome Home, my friend, and thank you for reminding us all, our own lives, of how each day should begin from! You are a grand inspiration to so many! Love you bundlesđź’—
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