Grogan
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francis (April 2015)
25 April 2015 - Lavacolla to Santiago -- 10 Kms
What started out as a "I can do this" 7 months ago, has now turned into a reality -- I do not think my wife really thought that I would go through with this crazy idea -- and in fact -- I do not think it hit her until we said goodbye at the Paris Train Station -- I could see it in her eyes -- "my gosh, he is really leaving" -- What she did not know, is that my wanting to do this had nothing to do with our relationship -- it is stronger than it has ever been -- it was more of a challenge and an opportunity to purge out of my body and soul, the pain, frustration, and helplessness of life's experiences over the last decade of conflict.
Walking the El Camino has for me been a wonderful life experience -- I have had the opportunity to once again push my body physically and emotionally -- really looking hard at the life that I have had and also to be so very thankful for all of life's experiences -- but -- most importantly -- for my wonderful family -- my three sons -- and -- of course -- my beautiful German wife, who does not always appreciate my exceptional sense of humor, but who has always stayed by my side -- through the good, the bad and the ugly -- Being a military family, in over a decade of War - well -- it is not easy.
Having had the opportunity to meet so many different folks out doing their " Camino" was fun, educational and really gave me a renewed sense of the fact that there are good people in this world who can come together on something as simple and as complicated as the El Camino.
It has been an experience that -- well -- words can never fully explain -- regardless of where you start or what you carry on your back or don't carry on your back -- the Camino is your personal journey -- and only those who have taken that journey fully appreciates it.
The Last 10 Kms I thought would have been a lot harder, but it was not, as if to sense the lack of challenge -- the skies opened up and it rained really, really hard -- oh - well -- its the Camino, I did not even put my pack cover on -- you get wet -- then you dry.
Seeing Santiago in the distance -- wow -- this short journey was coming to an end -- but life's journey -- well -- continues -- how cool is thats.
After getting lost in the city (that happened to me quite often) -- guess I should pay better attention to where I am going (like that is going to happen -- too busy rubber necking all of the sites) -- so finally roll into the plaza -- looking for my wife -- and there she was!
We attended Noon Mass in the Cathedral -- it was breathtaking -- I did drop off the Walnuts given to me from the Old Cow Guy when the Collection Guy came along (with a slight of hand along with some Euros) -- we walked around the old town -- had some chow and a cold beer -- Oh and we went to the Pilgrim's Office to check in and check out -- had to get that last stamp -- my feet would have never forgiven me had I not done that.
Tomorrow we head to Finisterra -- but we are driving and then heading back to Brussels -- will be weird to not walk.
This has been fun -- thanks to you all for allowing me to share with you my ramblings -- looking forward to doing this again -- but next time -- at a slower pace -- with my wife.
Oh -- and for those that are curious -- I Got the best hug you could ever ask for in Santiago! -- and Yep -- I Stunk!
Buen Camino!
What started out as a "I can do this" 7 months ago, has now turned into a reality -- I do not think my wife really thought that I would go through with this crazy idea -- and in fact -- I do not think it hit her until we said goodbye at the Paris Train Station -- I could see it in her eyes -- "my gosh, he is really leaving" -- What she did not know, is that my wanting to do this had nothing to do with our relationship -- it is stronger than it has ever been -- it was more of a challenge and an opportunity to purge out of my body and soul, the pain, frustration, and helplessness of life's experiences over the last decade of conflict.
Walking the El Camino has for me been a wonderful life experience -- I have had the opportunity to once again push my body physically and emotionally -- really looking hard at the life that I have had and also to be so very thankful for all of life's experiences -- but -- most importantly -- for my wonderful family -- my three sons -- and -- of course -- my beautiful German wife, who does not always appreciate my exceptional sense of humor, but who has always stayed by my side -- through the good, the bad and the ugly -- Being a military family, in over a decade of War - well -- it is not easy.
Having had the opportunity to meet so many different folks out doing their " Camino" was fun, educational and really gave me a renewed sense of the fact that there are good people in this world who can come together on something as simple and as complicated as the El Camino.
It has been an experience that -- well -- words can never fully explain -- regardless of where you start or what you carry on your back or don't carry on your back -- the Camino is your personal journey -- and only those who have taken that journey fully appreciates it.
The Last 10 Kms I thought would have been a lot harder, but it was not, as if to sense the lack of challenge -- the skies opened up and it rained really, really hard -- oh - well -- its the Camino, I did not even put my pack cover on -- you get wet -- then you dry.
Seeing Santiago in the distance -- wow -- this short journey was coming to an end -- but life's journey -- well -- continues -- how cool is thats.
After getting lost in the city (that happened to me quite often) -- guess I should pay better attention to where I am going (like that is going to happen -- too busy rubber necking all of the sites) -- so finally roll into the plaza -- looking for my wife -- and there she was!
We attended Noon Mass in the Cathedral -- it was breathtaking -- I did drop off the Walnuts given to me from the Old Cow Guy when the Collection Guy came along (with a slight of hand along with some Euros) -- we walked around the old town -- had some chow and a cold beer -- Oh and we went to the Pilgrim's Office to check in and check out -- had to get that last stamp -- my feet would have never forgiven me had I not done that.
Tomorrow we head to Finisterra -- but we are driving and then heading back to Brussels -- will be weird to not walk.
This has been fun -- thanks to you all for allowing me to share with you my ramblings -- looking forward to doing this again -- but next time -- at a slower pace -- with my wife.
Oh -- and for those that are curious -- I Got the best hug you could ever ask for in Santiago! -- and Yep -- I Stunk!
Buen Camino!
