- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
...............Sunrise, Mezkiritz, 17/10/2014
"Your days are numbered. Use them to throw open the windows of your soul to the sun. If you do not, the sun will soon set, and you with it."
Marcus Aurelius, The Emperor's Handbook, II,IV
From 2004 through 2014 I have walked the Camino Frances in its entirety ten times. The path may have been the same but actual realities varied greatly. Each Camino began with both anticipation and trepidation as I wondered how it would go, yet each pilgrimage developed its own rich mix of friends old and new, fickleness of weather, stamina and health and, of course, philosophical musings and personal thanksgiving for each day lived and for my life with Bill which enables such a journey.
Subsequently providing information about the Camino has become an additional pleasure whether talking on route with another pilgrim or writing for an unknown reader. Since November 2009 participating in this unique Forum has been part of my daily life and providing information on-line for unknown readers has become a distinct pleasure. When asked about the Camino answering what I know is a personal obligation . Such mutual sharing is a large part of the camino spirit; besides being informative for future pilgrims it keeps my memories current while recalling past journeys anew.
Walking tests my strength; 'slow, but dependable’ could be my motto. Trusting providence as well as my simple gear, tenacity and ability to endure I try to take it as it comes enjoying the good and bearing the bad. Always it is a great pleasure to arrive at a welcoming albergue, sit and remove my pack, take a HOT shower, chat with other pilgrims and collapse in clean comfort on a bottom bunk ever thankful for the continued strength to experience the extraordinary joy of another camino day. Bliss!
Why do I do this? My laconic answer is from Pascal's Pensées "le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas/ the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing." Additional philosophic and spiritual reasons are cited in this profile .
Although age and time will eventually take their toll, hopefully my memories will endure. Physically I may not be able to be there, but sentimentally I will always wear my pilgrim shell. Now before circumstance might force me to stop, hope still springs eternal!
Thus, thankful, respectful and humble, but still curious and with an ever eager heart
I will walk again the Camino Frances starting October 13.
At 76 what matters most is to continue.
Ultreia!
Margaret Meredith
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