Day 24 - Cate's Update (Monday 23rd May - Dumbria)

Written on Sunday 22 May - Monte Aro

I tried to write this morning but my head was a mush.

Nodge hadn’t slept well (again). Memory foam mattresses do not suit his tired body. We had decided to get a taxi to reduce the walking distance as the weather forecast was so bad; plus the 26km felt too far, at this stage of our journey.



Getting into a taxi seemed wrong, not getting out walking by 8am seemed wrong. We were both unsettled and irritable with each other.
The taxi lady was so smiley and friendly, wanting to speak English to us. We both began to relax.
The walk was in beautiful green countryside , sadly the views were limited by cloud. Despite several bursts of rain it was overall a happy day.


Nearing the end of our Camino quest makes me reflective. The Camino is a life enhancing mix of genuine human connection, camaraderie, friendship and kindness that has no international divides. Communication is through any range of languages, plus with signs and pointing. And of course,  the wonder of Google translate.

The personal physical journey, increasing fitness, weight loss and improved muscle tone for me has been hugely satisfying.* I find it difficult to motivate myself to exercise hard at home; I hope to maintain this fitness level now. But not by walking 20+km a day; I would never get anything else done!! 



What I do know is being out walking in the countyside is my happy place. So in the words of words of "Cliff"(or The Farmer's Boys) - “that’s where you’ll find me, out in the country “





Spiritually, it hasn’t hit me. The small village churches I hoped I would be able to go into, to sit and reflect, have not been open, The mass in Santiago cathedral felt more of a tourist attraction. It did give me time to feel intense gratitude that my body is fit enough to do this, that my beloved life long partner is with me to share this adventure ( and he hasn’t killed or abandoned me along the way!!)

Daily, my thoughts compare my journey to others. Could I have done the Camino on my own? Could  I have done the whole journey in one go? How would I cope not knowing where I would sleep? Could I sleep in a dormitory with strangers? All pointless thoughts! Why do I have them? I am trying to train my brain to ignore them, and focus on what we have done, and the memories that we will have for ever.


This will not be the last long walk we do. After some rest and reflection another will be in the planning!! 

In case any of you were wondering; I have knitted my first ever pair of socks!!



*Editors note. Nodge however,remains a lardy boy !



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