It's important to note that I trained, planned & collected gear for this trip for a year before I left. Also this trip took place August 20-September 4, 2018.
I am infinitely grateful for the folks of the South Florida Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino - a support group of experienced "Peregrinos" who welcomed me and many other veterans and "first timers" of the Camino who provide mentorship while going on a few miles walk at a different south Florida location on the second Sunday of every month.
Of course, much gratitude to my family and friends who put up with me talking about it during the year and followed my every step via Facebook & Instagram while I was training and on the actual Camino.
I flew to Madrid and took an ALSA bus to Leon ( approx., 4 hour drive). I stayed in Leon overnight and started walking the following day. The details of each day are chronicled in this blog as well as on social media.
I brought all of my belongings in a backpack which weighed 12 Lbs when full. I had the choice of having my backpack transported to the next location each day but decided to do it like the original Pilgrims who originally walked this path.
Economywise, this was an inexpensive trip. The most costly item was my plane ticket to and from Madrid. The "albergues" that I stayed in averaged about 10-12 Euros per night and some included a community dinner. Almost all the eating establishments on the Camino have a "Pilgrim Menu" which averaged at about 10 Euros for a 4 course meal. The buses to and from Madrid were 25 Euros.
I regret not having enough time to take this journey slower and be able to absorb more detail. The scenery was breathtaking and all the places where I stopped and spent the nights were very clean and very attentive to my needs.
While I had a physically rougher time than I anticipated, it was an unforgettable experience.
Saturday, June 29, 2019
My Camino de Santiago - Day 12
A day trip (by bus) following the Camino route across Galicia and stopping at towns like Ponte Maceira, Muros, Praya de Carnota, one of the most popular of the 772 beaches in Galicia, Cascada del Ezaro - the only place in continental Europe where the river falls into the sea, Muxia, where the end of the film "The Way" was filmed and on to Finisterre- El Fin de la Tierra- the end of the world- named by the romans when they thought the world ended here. Nowadays we know New York City sits 500k across the Atlantic Ocean.
My Camino de Santiago - Day 11
After an adrenaline fueled last 19k/ 12 miles this morning- I’ve DONE IT! I’ve taken part in the 1,000-year-old pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the mystical, magical city of Santiago de Compostela known as the Camino de Santiago. Arriving here, I’ve witnessed a scene of over thousand people sharing what may very well be the best moment of their lives. Quite a sight to see & unexplainable feeling I will never forget. FYI- this journey is NOT OVER- tomorrow I will go to the end of the world......stay “tuned” 👀
My Camino de Santiago - Day 10
Got nine (9) whole hours of sleep last night and walked 29 k/ 19 miles from Boente to O Pedrouso today- mostly on my own. The nearness to my destination awakens a mixture of joy and sadness. I took it on as a beautiful challenge with only my internal dialogue to keep me company. If the body walks 19 miles a day, the mind has plenty of time for introspection. I found that the greatest journey is the one within. I think I’ll take a walk to Santiago de Compostela tomorrow...it’s only 19k/12 miles away!!!🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🤗
My Camino de Santiago - Day 9
Walked 25.5k/17 miles from Lestedo to Boente today along thickly wooded eucalyptus forest trails in the Galician hills. The question I’ve been asking myself today is; “why did I choose to take this 306k/ 184m journey by myself?” the best answer I’ve come up with is “because I’m crazy enough to think I can”😂. Only 47K/32 miles to Santiago 👣🚶🏻♀️
My Camino de Santiago - Day 8
Today began with a brisk 130m / 427 Ft climb at 7am in total darkness out of Portomarin to the main road. It was followed by varied terrain and woodlands passing by village after village in a state of perpetual decay.I walked alone for hours and hours exploring corners of my mind I had never had the time to go to. Sometimes I just sat under a tree in sacred idleness. I stopped at the town of Lestera- 4K east of Palas del Rei. A total of 21 k/ 14 miles. Only 72k/48 miles from Santiago now 👍
My Camino de Santiago - Day 7
At the sight of my first Galician sunrise and some rain, I see that on the Caminó, as in life, we never walk alone. Many, many peregrinos here. The landscape has changed completely. There are farms, animals and plenty of greenery providing shade and lovely woodland paths for most of the 22 Km/15 mile journey from Sarria to Portomarin. I took my time and walked with an open mind today- letting this journey leave its mark on me. Less than 100km/66 miles to Santiago now 🙏🏻💪🏻
My Camino de Santiago - Day 6
Really starting to feel like a “peregrina” - my feet are hard, my legs are fresh and my mind is free. Walked another 25 km / 17 miles through vineyards and hardly populated medieval towns from Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo- a mountain village with an elevation of 505 meters/ 1658 Ft.
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