Hi Everyone,
I finally have a little bit of time to share the tales of today and yesterday. I’m sure you’re eager to hear them, so let’s dive right in!
Yesterday was incredibly difficult. It was only supposed to be 20 miles. I say “only” as if that’s easy, but compared to the 23.5 miles that we actually walked, 20 seemed a lot easier. Those last 3.5 miles were the most painful experience I’ve ever dealt with. Blisters were filling with fluid, my feet were on fire, and my body had basically given up. It’s not too easy to keep walking after already doing 20 miles, so imagine your mother telling you there’s still a lot to go! Not fun at all.
However, there was still some light during the dark day. First, we had an incredible lunch. The food was amazing, the setting was beautiful, and it truly felt like we were in a movie having a picturesque moment. Second, our host last night was like a fairy godmother. She stayed late until we got there safely and made sure we got dinner. Then, she came in very early to make us breakfast and wished us well on the rest of the journey (she also gave us a laundromat recommendation, which was sorely needed — I will never take fresh laundry for granted ever again!). She is someone whom I will appreciate forever and will never forget her kindness.
Now onto today, which was an obstacle course. We did about 8 fewer miles, but it really didn’t feel like that. Most of the walk was uphill, some parts replicating the hikes we used to do in the Catskills, Adirondacks, and the White Mountains.
We did, though, cross into Spain by speed boat today (that was a whole other chapter). It’s the first time I’ve been in any sort of vehicle since the start of the walk, which felt surreal. Also, the fact that the sun sets past 10 PM here is crazy. It’ll take some getting used to falling asleep with the sun still up but we need our rest for the next day.
Until tomorrow
I have been wanting to walk el Camino since I learned about it when I visited my cousin and his family who live in Leon, Spain in 2017. Two years ago I had the pleasure of hiking up the Sierra Nevada of Colombia to La Ciudad Perdida with my son. It was a four day hike to go and return. It was hot, humid and arduous. However, it was a glorious time in my life because I got to do it with my son. I’m so excited for you, your siblings and your mom. The fact that you are on this journey together makes it so special. Thank you for sharing your experience via your daily post! Buen Camino!
We can’t tell you how much we look forward to your posts and the photos. Hope the pain from the blisters isn’t getting you down. We know all of you and can only guess that there is no obstacle that will get in your way! See you in Spain!!! Love, Papa and Grandma