A big, long, high, strong day

My good sleep prepared me well for a great start at 5:30 under the stars. All that I could see was a few lamp-lighted steps of the path before me and the stars overhead. I could not judge the incline or know how long the up part would last. All that mattered was the next few steps and the breaths that would make the feet move...my routine was simple...inhale on the left and exhale on the right. Each breath produced 2 steps. It is a strategy I understand well and perhaps over use...but it is unquestionably useful.

By sun-up I had travelled to a little town, had a coffee with pilgrim friends from previous days.

In no time the great pile of stones appeared. This moment is anticipated by pilgrims who often bring a symbolic stone. In my case it was a chance to shed a notion of myself that I no longer want, find useful etc. I had been practicing for this moment but now it was suddenly upon me.

IThe whole thing is a bit of cliche. My guidebook suggests arriving before 11 am to miss the tour buses who disgorge their motorized pilgrims for the requisite photo-op.

I quickly climb up and tuck my broken stone in a crack of the wooden pole.

I have done it.

My photographers cheer and I open my arms. Did it work? Who knows? It felt good.

My photographers are full of fun.

I stopped briefly at an eccentric establishment on the camino. The proprietor considers himself a modern day Templar and likes to welcome pilgrims. He does make a nice strong cup of tea with milk and listed 3cups worth.

 

 

Altogether I walked 32km today, and I feel great. It was fun to meet folks from Etobicoke just beginning. I was able to pass on some camino reassurance that it gets easier and that felt good.

I have taken to buying a drink for every Canadian I meet.

It was a big, long, high, strong day