Cyborg turtle reflections of the Norte, heelspur update and more

[Iriebabel]

Moderators feel free to move to the correct subforum

Hello Camino family


It is notable to say I have been absent from this forum for months now since my last Camino (Camino del Norte 30 March -15 May). I’m thinking some are asking what happened to me. All I can say is that it’s been a epic journey. Although challenging in pieces, ex: too much concrete, a few challenging steep up and down hills, and of course weather and mud, it was certainly doable and mostly enjoyable. Brilliant views, vibrant people, lovely little towns made for an amazing experience however the heel spur was much worse that originally thought and now the object has turned to surgery on my right foot in January. As maybe most of you know the cyborg turtle has other obvious physical injury issues and this heel problem is just another complication errr.... I mean challenge.

The Norte left a big impression upon me and I must say that for me as compared with the Frances it was a different and solitary Camino. I was walking slowly with less Kms per day , broken leg brace, extreme pain and I took many alternatives in search of softer ground. I walked alone sometimes and did not stay many days in albergues. At first it was a bed race of sorts and since I was walking slow and more injured than normal I decided private accommodations were best for me. I booked in advance usually 1 to 2 days using booking.com and this worked for me. I spent more time in some of the small villages and even while in pain I explored more and saw more than if I had no injury. If fact the injury forced me to slow down and smell the roses, in fact this Camino was more about enjoying the journey and not just about walking and reaching a goal. I had no desire for a Compostela and I did not seek one. I walked from Irun and did eventually reach Santiago and Muxía but I had to modify my original plan somewhere close to Gijon. I think this was the best thing I could have done. My equipment worked perfectly the wise pilgrim app, new Hoka One One Tor with inserts and taping, Sombra warm cream for pain, stopping for physiotherapy once per week, sending my backpack forward after the first week , TENS unit, leg brace (exception broken straps near Gernika) and Leki antishock poles...preparation and mitigation always helps.

I know for many, the Camino is just another box to tick off, another endurance record, another personal challenge, for some it’s spiritual or religious...but how many people stopped to throw a ball to a dog on the beach? How many of you (if time permitted) stop to see and do some of what the locals do on their weekend stroll or how they tend to their fields? No judgement here but although forced due to injury, I think outside of daily walking I may have experienced perhaps more than the average pilgrim. After all isn’t this what pilgrimage is about? Is it about Finding what is new, connecting to what’s memorable in your life, find what is missing, what is unique and special to each of our lives? Is it working thru pain and angst and still finding time to enjoy the simple things like a local bean soup or some delicious pulpo in a non tourist town. I mean really stopping to taste and inhale all that is. Did you know there are some large waterfalls not far outside Santiago and Muxía..and another beautiful lighthouse not far from Muxía ? The Bufones near Llanes? The cliffs near Cobreces.? The stone formations at low tide near Deba on the alternate route, the Pecos Europa and monastery at Santo Toribio, It was all truly breathtaking. It’s always good to walk/hike , meander or cycle-the trail but I hope you also make time for slowing life down to a crawl, without the aid of injury of course.


I think this was a tough Camino for me because I felt jaded somehow by the tourist crowds especially in Santiago and the Camino bedlam to include bed races, daily limits of walking and all the tangible things. I really got turned off , it’s almost like I suffered a loss. After Camino I spent 3 weeks in San Maurice Switzerland with what I call Camino depression. I experienced the Abbey of St Maurice named after the martyred saint Mauritius located on the via Francigena Camino. I climbed a steep mountain with locals in Mex , went to Zermatt and the Matterhorn and Mount Blanc, hiked into an ice cave on a glacier, hiked up 500 steps to a hidden chapel built on a granite hillside, hiked into a fairy cave to a huge waterfall and spend so much time reflecting on what is is to be me , why walk a Camino and why I suffer so much physical pain.


In pain and at times angered, I retreated and went back into myself. Then after I was home I retreated completely from all things Camino. In all this I realize my life is a Camino of sorts...I must learn simplicity. Like Camino, the task to simply walk eat sleep....at time life is not this simple. At its core, life can be this simple, it is we who make it complicated.

I am ending this year after having a jaw surgery recently and now I look to a new year and it begins with foot surgery. I can be sad but I am not. I am hopeful, because of what the Camino brought to me... foresight that I am truly capable even thru severe injury. I don’t feel sorry for myself I just try to learn whatever life lesson is placed before me. I am still a traveler and adventurer at heart and I will turn the music up and dance when in severe pain but I think future walks if Camino with be more about seeing , exploring and doing not racing to 30 km. I will have no further expectations beyond just doing, seeing, having an adventurous spirit and walking... if I want to stop I stop, if I want to be a tourigrino for a day or two or four so be it but I will not put limits or conditions on myself . Yes this is a conditional box of sorts but it is a conditon to have no preconceived limits.

At the moment I write this I am a tourigrino. I Started in Amsterdam now I’m in Düsseldorf GE, working my way to Cologne, Hamburg to Salzburg Austria after New Years. The hills will be alive with reggae music of the cyborg turtle. Christmas time here is not much different from time spent at home except it’s just a bit of adventure and although not perfect it is exactly where I need to be on this life’s journey

I want to thank the Camino for breathing new life into me and wish @ivar and my Camino family a happy holiday season wherever you are

I have Had some problems with my blog but I hope to fix those soon.
I may not always post here on the forum but I’m never far. My advice to all, if I am allowed to offer one, is whatever path you choose in life always remember to live your best life, I mean really LIVE and don’t sweat the small stuff because life can be more cruel in other respects. Live your life as if you will never see tomorrow, hug your family and your friends often. Live your dreams to the fullest whenever you can And always hope for an even better tomorrow., a better Camino. Too-preachy.? I hope not . I say hi to you and bye for now. Happy holidaysand Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Thank you for taking time to post your thoughts. I am glad that you were able to catch us up on how you are doing and what you have and had been experiencing. I do hope that your new surgery goes well, and that you are healing from what you have physically gone through already.

 

[Iriebabel]

Thank you for taking time to post your thoughts. I am glad that you were able to catch us up on how you are doing and what you have and had been experiencing. I do hope that your new surgery goes well, and that you are healing from what you have physically gone through already.

Thank you..I’m feeling good and positive Although heelspericius won’t let go for one minute , I had several more injections after I got home months on crutches and the big boot , more specialist than I care to recall and finally after the 3rd 4th and 5th opinion( an actual expert) and MRI finally ..labeling hellspericus as a really bad case of plantar faciaitis with the spur as a secondary diagnosis ( he will not remove it) And some smaller inconsequential tears in the arch ......persistence is key, knowing ones body and not giving up when the system tells you should.

hope you and your family are well also

 

[Ray Boneski]

Ultreia!

 

[C clearly]

What a great photo of the dog on the beach!

Thank you for this post. I know how difficult it can be to go back in your mind and write a summary of a camino of the recent past - how to put all the different considerations into a description that truly gives a balanced reflection of your thoughts, but doesn't sound complaining, bragging, preachy, etc. You did it very well!

I have been thinking about how to adjust my own style of camino, toward what you suggest. It is difficult to resist the temptations of the end-point and the company of new friends who have their own schedules. Those arrows tend to draw us along!

I am considering spending a week at a Spanish school before 3 weeks of walking, next year, even though my Spanish is quite functional and at my age, my life is predictable enough that I know I will never "need" to speak better Spanish. It just seems like an interesting thing to do and it would start my adventure off with a good connection to the local environment.

Now I am reconsidering my walking route to allow and encourage more of

what the locals do on their weekend stroll or how they tend to their fields

I hope your physical challenges are resolving themselves. It sounds like you will not let them rule your life!

Best wishes.

 

[Iriebabel]

What a great photo of the dog on the beach!

I include video in this one

Thank you for this post. I know how difficult it can be to go back in your mind and write a summary of a camino of the recent past - how to put all the different considerations into a description that truly gives a balanced reflection of your thoughts, but doesn't sound complaining, bragging, preachy, etc. You did it very well!

I have been thinking about how to adjust my own style of camino, toward what you suggest. It is difficult to resist the temptations of the end-point and the company of new friends who have their own schedules. Those arrows tend to draw us along!

I am considering spending a week at a Spanish school before 3 weeks of walking, next year, even though my Spanish is quite functional and at my age, my life is predictable enough that I know I will never "need" to speak better Spanish. It just seems like an interesting thing to do and it would start my adventure off with a good connection to the local environment.

Now I am reconsidering my walking route to allow and encourage more of


I hope your physical challenges are resolving themselves. It sounds like you will not let them rule your life!

Best wishes.

Thank you and yes that photo is one of my favorite. sometimes it takes lots of time and distance from the actual activity to be able to reflect productively and honestly and to also be able to process all that has happened.

I think you should do the Spanish school, I think that God put that thought into your heart for a reason and it sounds like so much fun not only for you but also the children so why not do it if you can. Such a wonderful opportunity.

everyone has to follow their own path it’s only when we allow ourselves to get dragged in the current and flow of other people’s journey it causes us to loose touch and focus with our true selves.....we can do both. We can follow our own path and still enjoy the flow of others. The trick is find the balance. I am only successful when I follow my gut instinct, it’s something I’m learning to do more and more ....good luck on your next journey and buen camino . I am including s couple more pix just for you. I promise to give an update after my surgery in January

life is too short not to Camino

playing in the surf is so simple
View attachment trim.8AD48D85-0274-4B03-8F3A-3E391FC8FD04.MOV
View attachment trim.07E29445-E71D-4595-A53C-9512385DE1D1.MOV

 

[pelerine]

however the heel spur was much worse that originally thought and now the object has turned to surgery on my right foot in January.

Are you certain you need an operation? A friend of mine had orthopedic soles made for him and the spur went away!

Bon courage anyway!

 

[Iriebabel]

Are you certain you need an operation? A friend of mine had orthopedic soles made for him and the spur went away!

Bon courage anyway!

Thank you but Been there done that. As in my original post I noted all options have been exhausted and my problem is more than the heel spur. unfortunately the option of orthotics was one year ago which caused micro tears in my arch. I’ve had new shoes , crutches, off my feet several months, orthopedic corrective boot, 3 plasma injections, several other steroid injections and several doses of oral steroids .since June ..I’ve been chronicling all steps here hoping to help others who have a similar issue See the steps I’ve have had with or without success.

 

[Holly West]

Moderators feel free to move to the correct subforum

Hello Camino family
View attachment 67744

It is notable to say I have been absent from this forum for months now since my last Camino (Camino del Norte 30 March -15 May). I’m thinking some are asking what happened to me. All I can say is that it’s been a epic journey. Although challenging in pieces, ex: too much concrete, a few challenging steep up and down hills, and of course weather and mud, it was certainly doable and mostly enjoyable. Brilliant views, vibrant people, lovely little towns made for an amazing experience however the heel spur was much worse that originally thought and now the object has turned to surgery on my right foot in January. As maybe most of you know the cyborg turtle has other obvious physical injury issues and this heel problem is just another complication errr.... I mean challenge.

The Norte left a big impression upon me and I must say that for me as compared with the Frances it was a different and solitary Camino. I was walking slowly with less Kms per day , broken leg brace, extreme pain and I took many alternatives in search of softer ground. I walked alone sometimes and did not stay many days in albergues. At first it was a bed race of sorts and since I was walking slow and more injured than normal I decided private accommodations were best for me. I booked in advance usually 1 to 2 days using booking.com and this worked for me. I spent more time in some of the small villages and even while in pain I explored more and saw more than if I had no injury. If fact the injury forced me to slow down and smell the roses, in fact this Camino was more about enjoying the journey and not just about walking and reaching a goal. I had no desire for a Compostela and I did not seek one. I walked from Irun and did eventually reach Santiago and Muxía but I had to modify my original plan somewhere close to Gijon. I think this was the best thing I could have done. My equipment worked perfectly the wise pilgrim app, new Hoka One One Tor with inserts and taping, Sombra warm cream for pain, stopping for physiotherapy once per week, sending my backpack forward after the first week , TENS unit, leg brace (exception broken straps near Gernika) and Leki antishock poles...preparation and mitigation always helps.

I know for many, the Camino is just another box to tick off, another endurance record, another personal challenge, for some it’s spiritual or religious...but how many people stopped to throw a ball to a dog on the beach? How many of you (if time permitted) stop to see and do some of what the locals do on their weekend stroll or how they tend to their fields? No judgement here but although forced due to injury, I think outside of daily walking I may have experienced perhaps more than the average pilgrim. After all isn’t this what pilgrimage is about? Is it about Finding what is new, connecting to what’s memorable in your life, find what is missing, what is unique and special to each of our lives? Is it working thru pain and angst and still finding time to enjoy the simple things like a local bean soup or some delicious pulpo in a non tourist town. I mean really stopping to taste and inhale all that is. Did you know there are some large waterfalls not far outside Santiago and Muxía..and another beautiful lighthouse not far from Muxía ? The Bufones near Llanes? The cliffs near Cobreces.? The stone formations at low tide near Deba on the alternate route, the Pecos Europa and monastery at Santo Toribio, It was all truly breathtaking. It’s always good to walk/hike , meander or cycle-the trail but I hope you also make time for slowing life down to a crawl, without the aid of injury of course.
View attachment 67730View attachment 67731View attachment 67732View attachment 67735View attachment 67733View attachment 67734

I think this was a tough Camino for me because I felt jaded somehow by the tourist crowds especially in Santiago and the Camino bedlam to include bed races, daily limits of walking and all the tangible things. I really got turned off , it’s almost like I suffered a loss. After Camino I spent 3 weeks in San Maurice Switzerland with what I call Camino depression. I experienced the Abbey of St Maurice named after the martyred saint Mauritius located on the via Francigena Camino. I climbed a steep mountain with locals in Mex , went to Zermatt and the Matterhorn and Mount Blanc, hiked into an ice cave on a glacier, hiked up 500 steps to a hidden chapel built on a granite hillside, hiked into a fairy cave to a huge waterfall and spend so much time reflecting on what is is to be me , why walk a Camino and why I suffer so much physical pain.

View attachment 67738View attachment 67737View attachment 67743
In pain and at times angered, I retreated and went back into myself. Then after I was home I retreated completely from all things Camino. In all this I realize my life is a Camino of sorts...I must learn simplicity. Like Camino, the task to simply walk eat sleep....at time life is not this simple. At its core, life can be this simple, it is we who make it complicated.

I am ending this year after having a jaw surgery recently and now I look to a new year and it begins with foot surgery. I can be sad but I am not. I am hopeful, because of what the Camino brought to me... foresight that I am truly capable even thru severe injury. I don’t feel sorry for myself I just try to learn whatever life lesson is placed before me. I am still a traveler and adventurer at heart and I will turn the music up and dance when in severe pain but I think future walks if Camino with be more about seeing , exploring and doing not racing to 30 km. I will have no further expectations beyond just doing, seeing, having an adventurous spirit and walking... if I want to stop I stop, if I want to be a tourigrino for a day or two or four so be it but I will not put limits or conditions on myself . Yes this is a conditional box of sorts but it is a conditon to have no preconceived limits.

At the moment I write this I am a tourigrino. I Started in Amsterdam now I’m in Düsseldorf GE, working my way to Cologne, Hamburg to Salzburg Austria after New Years. The hills will be alive with reggae music of the cyborg turtle. Christmas time here is not much different from time spent at home except it’s just a bit of adventure and although not perfect it is exactly where I need to be on this life’s journey

I want to thank the Camino for breathing new life into me and wish @ivar and my Camino family a happy holiday season wherever you are

I have Had some problems with my blog but I hope to fix those soon.
I may not always post here on the forum but I’m never far. My advice to all, if I am allowed to offer one, is whatever path you choose in life always remember to live your best life, I mean really LIVE and don’t sweat the small stuff because life can be more cruel in other respects. Live your life as if you will never see tomorrow, hug your family and your friends often. Live your dreams to the fullest whenever you can And always hope for an even better tomorrow., a better Camino. Too-preachy.? I hope not . I say hi to you and bye for now. Happy holidaysand Buen Camino!

Best of luck with your surgery!! Happy New Year!!

 

[Former member 49149]

You have given me the best ‘Thought for the Day’. For many days. You do not need it, but I salute your response to what has been thrown at you. I will draw on your approach when I need some staying power. Thanks for your posts above, and yes, your photos and videos are lovely.

 

[VNwalking]

I can only repeat what @kirkie said.
And say "Thank you!" for the inspiring post, and for letting us know how you are.

I’m thinking some are asking what happened to me.

I was wondering where you'd got to...
No shortage of challenges are coming your way, but wow...what a wonderful way you're facing them.
May your surgery be a resounding success!

but how many people stopped to throw a ball to a dog on the beach?

Not me but only because no beach and no ball. If I'd seen that gorgeous dog it would have meant a long nostalgic - and probably losing - game of 'Try to Tire the BC.'
I love this photo. It's the classic border collie stance and eye: Throwtheballthrowtheballthrowthedarnballalready!!!

 

[Former member 49149]

Tire the bc... never. I learned from watching dogs in a friend’s garden. They never tire. I learned not to begin...as there is no way out!