Author: domann02

Package Deal

Shoulder tension, aching legs, blisters, and tendinitis are some perks of the package deal that come with walking El Camino. The most challenging part is not walking from stage to stage but waking up and doing it all over again. Most days, my hiking shoes are the last ones to be recovered from the albergue’s shoe rack. I don’t mind because I’m not in any rush to reach my destination. The winding, steep, rocky, muddy and dusty Camino is the ultimate test of willpower. Dripping sweat and out of breath, I have thought a time or two “Why am I doing this!?” Naturally it’s a thought that has crossed every pilgrim’s mind when the going gets tough.When I cannot bare to walk another step, my feet somehow propel me to walk for miles on end. Reaching the peak and looking back to see where I have come from makes all the pain worthwhile. Being in good company can also make all the difference! During day number three of walking El Camino, I had planned on completing only half the stage to recover physically from the previous days. My feet were dragging and I was feeling low on moral when suddenly I heard familiar voices behind me. I was greeted with smiling faces by my classmates Fern and Harry; their enthusiasm and energy was reviving. My pack’s weight became more bearable, my walking pace sped up, and I had a little bounce in my step. While we chatted, the kilometers quickly became less. Before I knew it, I had surpassed my resting point. I began to once again feel the pain in my shoulders, legs, and feet. Harry motivated me to keep walking. By the time we entered Pamplona, I was pushing him to finish. There is no greater excitement than to see the city come into view when you are utterly exhausted.

Love Lightens the Load

With newly blistered feet, I have roughly covered 130 miles since the beginning of my pilgrimage. Although I have only just begun walking, El Camino has already placed an opportunity for change in my path. Even before setting out for Roncesvalles, I found myself faced with an uncomfortable situation that required me to react carefully, practicing critical thinking skills. After a certain individual tried to scare and intimidate me, I did not start walking as planned. I spent the day torn between feeling the need to go home and beginning what I had spent months preparing for. “What should I do in a situation like this? Ignore the problem or file a report?” Were some questions racing through my mind. After much consideration, I set out from St. Jean Pied De Port to Roncesvalles on April 4th. With grey clouds overhead, a crisp breeze, and the chime of “Buen Camino!” From the locals, Annie and I set out. My excitement to be traversing foreign land carried me along for a couple of miles, but I soon began to feel exhausted from the weight pulling on my shoulders. One thing that quickly became apparent is how much pilgrims rely on one another’s positive energy. Along the way, we met a couple named Linda and Ron from WA state. We began to chat away and it wasn’t too long before my physical pain subsided altogether. It was as if someone had taken the pack off my shoulders. I learned that Linda and Ron were doing El Camino in memory of their son Nate. Linda later told me that she was carrying his ashes and spreading them along the trail. As we neared a river stream, I stood next to her as she sprinkled his ashes over the clear water. This moment was extremely touching. Ron and Linda taught me about being supportive of one another. A good portion of our walk the first day consisted of a strenuous uphill climb. Linda began to have difficulty walking the incline and wearily laid down. She was having doubts about being able to continue. Annie and I stayed by her side encouraging her to keep going. Without hesitation, Ron took off his pack and slung her pack over his shoulder. He walked her pack further up the trail and returned for his pack as she rested. He repeated this many times as Linda gained the energy to continue on. Later that day, the couple got further ahead and I came upon the abandoned pack belonging to Ron. Dragging my feet, I could barely manage to keep myself standing upright. Somehow I found the strength to sling his pack on top of my own and continue walking uphill. Seeing how supportive Ron was towards his wife was powerful because it showed their unity, which is what the Camino is all about. While we may stumble upon negativity, the kindness is what will carry us on. I began to feel better about my decision to start the pilgrimage. Most importantly, I learned that my determination to keep going is greater than any intimidation I may encounter along the way.