Happy Reunion & Good Walk

Today's walk seemed rather easy which makes me wonder if it's due to determinaton, strength, or just merely the fact that I have become accustomed to 'long walks'? The first day had to have been a test, Audrey, the stronger walker of the group, walked for 10 hrs. & a little over 30km in the rain...we didn't quit!! We both figured that if we finished the very first day, we can do anything....thank goodness we ditched the Spainard man! :) There is so much I would like to say about this man but it would not be nice, I'll just bite my tongue and hope that he does not say anything else to me or Audrey. Alright, enough of that ;) Today, Audrey and I got a pleasant surprise, Anthony rejoined us, we all hugged and laughed because it was like seeing a family member that you didn't want to lose track of...it was good to know he felt much better than the last time we saw him 2 days ago...Anthony brings much laughter to our little group, and that helps make the walk a tad easier!! The two say I'm the dominant one, the mother figure that takes care of the pack, things never change I guess. :p Tomorrow will be a long day, we have a 30km day, from Logroño to Nájera....wine country...hehehe I suppose all of Spain is considered wine country. :D

Sorry but I forgot the most important thing about this walk, when I first decided to do this walk, I had, what I thought, was the reason for me being here, I was wrong. On the 4th day I realized why I was here and I can't wait to share this with my husband when I return home. If the reason I thought I was here happens...what an added bonus!! I miss you David and love yoy very much, Christi, I can't wait to go wedding dress shopping with you when I return. Drew & Kim, I missyou guys and the progress of your nee home, send pics please!! Everything is wonderful :))

The last 6 Days

I will begin with today since it is fresh in my memory. Began walking at 6 this morning, still dark so we had to pay attention to the Camino markers or we would get lost. Audrey & I met Anthony (England) on the second day. He is a nice young man. Today was a very good day, especially for my knee, it was mostly flat! I was very happy, so was my knee :) I walked alone for the first time since arriving and it was much needed, I didn't have to translate or try to figure out what language others where talking to me, I was at peace and very relaxed. Made it to Los Arcos at 11:30! found a great place for breackfast/lunch, called Pandaria, Buen Camino. The owner was nice and offered to make bacon & eggs, what a welcomed meal...even had a Coke Light :) felt like home. I chose to leave Los Arcos and make the 2 hour walk to Torres, so glad I did, found Very nice hotel/hostel. I chose to treat myself to a private room and once again, I am glad I did, the room and people are lovely! I recommend it to all on the Camino. My only reget was not being able to take a picture of me in front of the wine/water fountain....I arrived too early, it opens at 9am, I arrived at 8 :/ but thats okay! Now I will go back to the first day, where I met Audery, (from Scotland) leaving St. Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles was a very brutal walk, didn't help that we got lost...we walked for 10 hrs (30km) more than we should have, all because the Spainard gentleman we were with was stubburn, we left him behind the next day and have done great ever since. :) Our walks since then have been uneventful but hard, and good. We have stayed in some very nice & clean hostels, until last night...Audrey and I where put in a broom closet, at least it was private. ;) Audrey & I said good bye to Anthony on the 5th day, he wasn't feeling well, we all hook back up tomorrow...funny how you miss people yoy just met along The Way. I have not been impressed with the pilgrim menu, too much bread and all late meals. Had my first taste of paella, not impressed at all...I like mine better ;) Today I looked at my feet for the first time and I noticed 2 blisters, that I didn't notice nor did I feel them...the owner of the albergue said I must be "tough as nails" :) they were big....hehehe My final thoughts...I have been told by many that my pack is too heavy for a person my size....I've made it this far with it way change ;)~ all joking aside, I see my pack as the burden I have carried most of my adult life and in Santiago de Compostela, I will shed every burden, making my 'pack' lighter! Lets hope I can make it to Santiago. :))

The day has arrived

I remember the day I announced my plans for walking the El Camino and the "Ah, ok?" reaction from my family & friends and thinking that this day would never arrive.  My husband said I would have to prove to him that I could walk with a pack on my back for most of the day, I saw this as challenge!  I have experienced and been through some challenging times in my life and if any of you really know me you know that I like to prove people wrong, not to make them feel bad, but to show them I have what it takes...then it hit me, like a ton of bricks, I have known I can do anything I set my mind too and the only people I was trying to convince are the two people that really never seemed to care...my (alcoholic) parents.  
After training and walking so many miles, I realized that I needed to do this walk for ME and me ALONE, not for other people!  I pushed myself so hard preparing for this walk that I needed to purchase another pair of hiking boots. ;) But with every step I took, and the ones I have yet to take, it IS my way of letting them (parents) go, to remove myself from the years of pain so that I might live a healthier life and be a better person to my family and friends.

Thank you to my family and the countless friends, with of your encouragement, love and support, I know I will make all 790km, my feet may not think so at times, but my heart, mind and soul will get me through the difficult days.

One week remaining

Most of my fears, regarding Paris and making my way down to St. Jean Pied de Port, have all but disappeared, only anxiety remains.   I do believe, that once I begin walking everything I worried about, will fade and I will be able to think about what drew me to take this journey on the El Camino.  I’ll have 35 days of doing nothing but thinking, letting go of the negative from my past and leaving it all along The Way…Oh and of course walking. ;)

My pack has been packed, unpacked, items removed then repacked and I wonder if I’m forgetting something or if I have too much and end up leaving some items in SJPdP.    

I cannot wait for August 25^th to get here, this will be the start of a ‘new’ beginning and a healthier me…

“Before a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished” ~~ Paulo Coelho