Dawn preceded sunrise as usual — enough light to waken the sky, but not quite enough to illuminate the trail. A wall of thin trees further obscured rocks on our path. The early morning wind made the temperature seem colder. Nevertheless, I felt like I was wheeling on rails — a smooth glide uphill. I would not say it was easy, but it was exhilarating.
A yellow leaf fell down on my hand — a sign autumn was working its magic in Spain. We’d started walking the Camino in summer, when the morning light favored us much earlier in the morning. We’re now well into fall, closing in on our final destination, some 20-plus days into the transition of seasons.
Stantiago is so close, the kilometers are ticking away like a metronome, a rhythm of our steps and heartbeats whose momentum cannot be stopped.
I am thankful for my health and safe passage. Not a single blister. Never a twisted ankle. Nancy is walking well and quickly, making comments about the joy of walking, but we are both anticipating the end with some relief.
Today was long and hilly: 17.5 miles. Total miles for me (including our evening walks around town) now number 559. Three more nights and 27 miles will earn us a compostela in Santiago.
Still I relish each step, each scene, and each encounter.
Name a country; I’ve probably met someone from the top of your list: England, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Plus Italy, Holland, Switzerland, France, and Spain. Then there’s South Africa, Estonia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Slovakia. And then there are the Americans who probably outnumber the rest.
The number of pilgrims is increasing, probably for two reasons. Multiple routes to Santiago have now merged, and many newcomers have just started their walks 100 kilometers outside of Santiago. We wish you could be walking with us.
We know this long walk has been a privilege. We don’t take any moment for granted. We are thankful for all who support us and help us while we are gone: neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family. From my camera to your eyes, we hope you enjoy some of the beauty we have experienced.
Those are some pretty roads.
Amazing trek! Finnish people have a word that describes the effort put into your venture: Sisu
Sisu is a Finnish concept described as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience,[1][2] and hardiness[3][4] and is held by Finns themselves to express their national character.
You guys are showing it! A few more days!!!!!
You two are amazing. Loved walking the trail through your eyes.