Today marked our next to last day of walking on the Camino de Santiago. With our final destination in sight (and heart) you can feel the shifting energy in the group. Students have begun to reflect on the lessons of the Way, others are ready to go home to family and friends. Tomorrow will mark 2 full weeks of travel, which for many is a new experience.
In many ways, our walk today was uneventful and that is a welcome state of being. We’ve come to know our bodies and paces (and to push both, whether up hills or to slow down when you “just want the walk to be done”) and so details can get lost in the familiarity of the way.
As for me, I found myself stationed with our faster group today (where I was the first few days of our journey). These pilgrims can use a reminder every now and then to slow down but over the course of these weeks I have watched them learn and grow. When asking one about the lessons she’s learned from the rhythm of these days, she began by talking about the muscles she’s built and the physical exertion. Yet, when pressed a little further she reflected more deeply on what it means to be a part of a group– not always getting what you want and having to be patient and offer grace in order to persevere. These are among the graces of walking and, indeed, of growing up.
The day was a cool one, with temperatures hovering around 70°F throughout the day with overcast skies. To our surprise, a mist began in the second half of the walk that eventually warranted ponchos (and chilled those unwilling to put on rain gear to the bone). This rain guided us into lunch and our final destination in Rua.
Sunday afternoon in the city is slow, but we found nourishment in bocadillos (sandwiches) that are easily the size of your head. After walking over 100 miles, our pilgrims know the value of such sandwiches. Our bodies need fuel in order to carry us onward.
Tonight we’re a few kilometers off the trail at a “glamping” site (finding accommodations for 30 pilgrims prompts some unique lodging). In the morning we will rise early to make our way to Santiago as a group. St. James will be our guide (as he no doubt has been throughout our days) and together we will make our way- with grace and gratitude for all that has been, all we have carried, and all who journey with us.
