This tragedy (The Canadian citizen who apparently accidentally mis-stepped off the Napolean in brutal conditions) happened shortly before I set out from SJPdP on my first Camino. I had planned, of course, to do the Napolean in the lovely springtime but, going on the advice of so many onthis forum, also decided that I would follow the advice of the locals in SJPdP.
When I arrived, THE END OF MAY, I was surprised to find, not the lovely spring weather I had anticipated, but cold, icy, challenging conditions which prompted the locals to close the Napolean! I walked the Valcarlos instead, a definite challenge unto itself.
One of the first lessons I learned from the Camino was that my plans were not in my hands. I couldn't allow my pride to win over common sense. I realized that if I wanted to walk the entire way and arrive at Santiago in better shape than I started, I would need to, a.) listen carefully to the Guardian Angels on my shoulders, b.) be patient with myself, and c.) plan one day at a time.
I was disappointed that I couldn't walk the Napolean that very first day - it was a hard lesson to have to learn on day one - but, 40 days later, as I practically skipped into Santiago, I was greatful for everything the Camino had taught me about myself and my place in the world.
