It's been a long week so far. Traveled many kilometers. Have tired feet. Sore legs. Sore upper back. In fact, my whole body is wondering why I'm out here doing this. Even though I spent the last few months training for it, I wasn't entirely prepared for the stress this walk puts on you both mentally and physically. Yesterday I saw a rock where someone wrote (in English, no less), "My feet hate me." Yes, the probably do. I'm sure my feet hate me, too.
Since I arrived in Leon, I've met many people from around the world. There is a language barrier usually, but you can still communicate or at least get the gist of conversations. I had the pleasure of walking a few days with a Spanish woman and a Brazillian woman, who lives in California and can help translate things for me. Up until today, the weather was not on our side. Wind in our faces. Cold temperatures. Rainy/wet weather. It's been rough. Yesterday, we walked the last 6 km uphill. Our destination in the mountains was a welcome sight. All I wanted was a bed and some hot food. Thankfully, that's what I got. Now, the weather will be better -- warmer, sunnier. Perhaps it will get easier to walk. Part of today's stop was at Cruz Ferro, an ancient monument at the highest point in the Camino. Pilgrims bring a small stone to throw on the pile. It is believed this act lessens your burdens. I dedicated my small white stone that I carried from our home on Whidbey to Joe. I'm not a religious person any more (this might be shocking to some), but I am spiritual. Seeing this ancient monument is a moving experience, even for those of us who aren't Catholic or attend church. Everything leading up to that moment, I knew I was in the right place at the right time. The people I've met along the way so far, I was supposed to meet them and have felt I've met them before. Even though I wonder each day if I'll be able to make it to the next stop, I magically find the drive to do so. It isn't easy. Today the terrain was rough (rocks, stones on the trail going downhill) but tomorrow it's relatively flat. I can do it. Buen Camino!
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About Marcy I wear many hats. First, I'm a wife to an amazing husband, Joe. Second, I'm a mom to 2 incredible kids, Caitlynn and Miles. Professionally speaking, I am a chef, dietitian, and writer working as an instructor in Hospitality Management at Montana State University in Bozeman. Photos: See InstagramMarcy's other Site |