Camino Post #7- Lonely on the Camino

 This morning we were met with more rain. Since our walk was a bit shorter today, we decided to wait it out. As nice as it was to not have to wrap ourselves in plastic, it also meant we didn’t leave along with most of the others. Our walk was mostly through the forest and was a lot of steep ups and downs which made it difficult to carry on much of a conversation with one another. Honestly, although moving along at a steady pace, I think we were both a little bored at times. Had the Camino lost its magic?

After lunch we stopped off for an espresso and discussed our Camino so far that day with only an hour ahead of us, still, only a straggling pilgrim passing by as we were now in the heat of the day. As we looked around the only quiet cafe we had been in all week, we realized that was exactly why the Camino lost its edge a bit today, we were doing it alone! 

Even though we haven’t really been able to communicate past a few words here and there, doing the Camino with others is what makes it special. Like life, having others around us adds so much depth and we were never meant to walk it alone. 

Tomorrow we make our last trek and end our journey in Santiago de Compostela at the Cathedral along with many others. Some of these people are old, some young. Some have been walking for over a month, some just a week, most have used their legs while others have been pushed on wheels by friends. I suspect the closer we all get to the end point the more the anticipation and excitement will build and being able to share it with others is a special thing. 

With that, I will end todays post again with the greeting that is said over and over and over again as you pass others on the trail, Buen Camino. 

Nicki & Paul