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Ha Ha, I loved your honesty. I want real answers like yours. That sounds like a day from the" proverbial hot place." You survived and thrived. Good for you.Hmmm. Well, to quote an extract from my diary/email home:
"Surprisingly, since it was only one downpour, the trail became an absolute bog, and every bootful became two. To escape, I headed into the harvested cornfields, which worked fine for a while. Alas, entering and re-entering was not such a good scheme. Navigating a ditch, I lost my balance, and in slow motion, the backpack weight carried me graciously forward, 'til I was standing on my head, naked legs waving in the breeze. Of course there was a suitably appreciative audience.
So that was the easy bit over, but being an idiot, I decided to carry on. Having a low boredom threshold, finishing at 11am leaves a lot of day. Remind me sometime, however, guidebooks are meant to be read.
At this point, some unprintable swine inserted the hill from hell. It's the only one on the planet. They send mules here to end their days. I nearly ended mine. God it was hard, it went on and on, and on. And then, oh joy, there was the descent. Here the rest of the mules suicide for pleasure.
And that, my dears, is how one walks 32km for fun. Or something. Tomorrow I shall hit myself with large bricks for a change of pace."
Honest enough for you? (But I never thought of going home, amazingly, I was sort of enjoying myself, and being surprised at what I could do at the age of 69.....)
I am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
one of my bad day memories was coming down to the Burgos airport in freezing rain and wind
It would be very helpful to know where that "wrong fuente" is.. (insert smiley face here!)Hola Joodle,
My moment came 6 days into my walk on the CF, at Los Arcos. I woke in the middle of the night with the worst case of "gastro" I have ever experienced. There was no way I could walk the next day, so the kindly Hospitalero helped me get some medicine and a cab to Logrono. After two days there I was still in no shape to walk so found my way via Bilbao to London to recuperate. I thought my Camino was over, and the disappointment was almost as bad as the stomach upset! Once my strength returned I decided to salvage something from the experience so I returned to the Camino in Astorga and walked on to Santiago. Quite remarkably I met up with some people I had walked with earlier and enjoyed their company again on the last day. I guess the moral of my story is "Don't drink from the wrong fuente!" Buen Camino.
WOW!! that was a day from "the proverbial hot place" You have good reason to be proud!! I'm a nurse and after reading this, I will get prescriptions for an anti nausea med, plus bring immodium. I know that a strong ginger candy can help with nausea. Thank you for your honesty. People need to know that it's not all roses on the Camino, but that you can make it one day and one step at a time with help from God and your own God given determination!I started to feel odd walking into Logrono-raging thirst, churning gut. I tried the oft touted French remedy of a glass or two of pastis but the bar I went to only had a Spanish anis that did me little good. At such times, Ricard is the only choice.
Feeling hungry, I managed half a racion of calamares and headed for bed, luckily in a hotel with quite a nice bathroom.
What followed was a nightmare which left me sleepless, exhausted and nauseous, walking through that seemingly endless parkland out of the town, not daring to take a bus or taxi in case I disgraced myself in public and planning my tactics in case the worst came to the worst and I had to head for the bushes. We had booked a room in Najera so I plodded on, sipping water as I went.
I reached rock bottom in Navarrete when I couldn't find the strength to climb the church steps to join my wife admiring its retablo and then had a violent attack of dry heaves as we left the town. After that, I knew that I was running on empty so the threat of imminent embarrassment was lifted at least.
By the time we reached Ventosa, I was ready for a beer but the first mouthful tasted stale so I left it and walked the last 10k or so tired but slightly recovered. I hit the bed in Najera and slept the sleep of the dead for a couple of hours then ate some of the best tapas I've had in Spain and sipped a few glasses of wine.
While I was walking, it was hell. I've never felt that I had nothing left on a walk anywhere and this time, I was whacked before I got out of bed. When I got to Najera, I felt like a king. I had walked all day with a pack on my back at 62 when I felt like giving up from the beginning. When my wife got the bug in Santo Domingo, I suggested we take a taxi to Belorado but she wouldn't hear of it and dragged her seven stone body all the way. We both shake our heads when we talk about it now and realise that what we did was probably ill advised but also take some satisfaction from what we did.
I'm sure others have endured far worse on the Camino but those were our only really bad days. Mostly, it has been a joy.
I am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
I am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
I had two of them in Sept. Both within the first four days. The first was in Roncevalles when the entire place was full and people were everywhere and it had been a serious rain and lightening storm coming down the mt. There was hardly room to breathe and we ended up in a shipping container for the night. The next was in Zubiri in late afternoon after the steep downhill and the whole town was full and there was no where to sleep. I was ready to hop a bus and spend the rest of my vacation somewhere nice. After that we started making reservations (my wife and I) ahead and so avoided the problem although it did limit our freedom to stay where we chose. Again, this was in Sept. during the busiest year they have seen.I am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
It would be very helpful to know where that "wrong fuente" is.. (insert smiley face here!)
I am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
I AM IMPRESSED!! What a dreadful few days. As Joodle said,she will bring some meds with her.i would also suggest some hydration sachets and although I KNOW that antibiotics is not the recommended treatment for food poisoning,they might in fact be needed and will keep you going. (badly put!) I mean walking.! I got food poisoning when walking with my daughter in Santa Domingo.it hit me after?? ice in the cola or?? unwashed salad. I was almost delirious with top and lower fluid loss to put it delicately. asked my daughter to get some antibiotics from the chemist ( they did back then but new policies now in e u) I took one every 2 hours and in 24 hours managed to crawl out of bed.and continue the walk the morning after. The rehydration liquid helped with the weakness and aches,so on we went. This was the only time I ever got tummy bug on any walk. Never had ice in my drink again however!! So if the dr would prescribe antibiotics-- just in case--- then the other stuff can be got over the counter. NNow I know there might be some posts saying that antibiotics should not be taken for food poisoning---I know that-- but for me it was a case of " needs must" and they got me through. Saying that , we have never regretted any day on any Camino and hope it will be so for Joodle. Best wishes AnnetteI started to feel odd walking into Logrono-raging thirst, churning gut. I tried the oft touted French remedy of a glass or two of pastis but the bar I went to only had a Spanish anis that did me little good. At such times, Ricard is the only choice.
Feeling hungry, I managed half a racion of calamares and headed for bed, luckily in a hotel with quite a nice bathroom.
What followed was a nightmare which left me sleepless, exhausted and nauseous, walking through that seemingly endless parkland out of the town, not daring to take a bus or taxi in case I disgraced myself in public and planning my tactics in case the worst came to the worst and I had to head for the bushes. We had booked a room in Najera so I plodded on, sipping water as I went.
I reached rock bottom in Navarrete when I couldn't find the strength to climb the church steps to join my wife admiring its retablo and then had a violent attack of dry heaves as we left the town. After that, I knew that I was running on empty so the threat of imminent embarrassment was lifted at least.
By the time we reached Ventosa, I was ready for a beer but the first mouthful tasted stale so I left it and walked the last 10k or so tired but slightly recovered. I hit the bed in Najera and slept the sleep of the dead for a couple of hours then ate some of the best tapas I've had in Spain and sipped a few glasses of wine.
While I was walking, it was hell. I've never felt that I had nothing left on a walk anywhere and this time, I was whacked before I got out of bed. When I got to Najera, I felt like a king. I had walked all day with a pack on my back at 62 when I felt like giving up from the beginning. When my wife got the bug in Santo Domingo, I suggested we take a taxi to Belorado but she wouldn't hear of it and dragged her seven stone body all the way. We both shake our heads when we talk about it now and realise that what we did was probably ill advised but also take some satisfaction from what we did.
I'm sure others have endured far worse on the Camino but those were our only really bad days. Mostly, it has been a joy.
Funny, me too--I also fell badly this year, flat on my face, also on a smooth stretch of path on the way out of Logrono. It caused the worst black eye I've ever had, and my cheekbone took 4 months to stop hurting. But that's not what comes to mind when thinking about hard times on the road...but rather the times when the mind has little tantrums and wants OUT! And they can be over almost nothing, depending on fatigue and other conditions (eg...Rebekah's 'fun' companion sounds like the ultimate nightmare....).Surprisingly, it wasn't on the day that I tripped over a rock (or something) on a nice even paved section of a road
Oh yes, almost 3 years ago on the meseta after a rain storm in the cold and then eating some bad mayo. The next day I could barely stand. This was a blessing in disguise however as it slowed me down. I enjoyed it much more from this point forward because I was living in the moment and not trying to get somewhere fast. I'll also always remember a stranger and a local in a cafe who took pity on me and helped me find a private place to sleep for about 36 hours. Buen Camino.I am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
YES! YES! YES!Yes...the first 2 days were difficult from SJPP. It was raining, windy and cold. I had jet-lag, had trained in Dallas which is flat. For a week, right about 3pm, I fantasized about taking a train, bus, hitch-hiking - any way I could go the next day to perhaps the Meseta, as it would be easier to walk. But each day I got stronger, would get up & put my boots on and I got better at being a pilgrim.. There will be times where you think, why AM I doing this? Have I convinced myself that it's gonna be no big deal?
Truth is, the reason you think you're doing it will give way to the real reason, at least it did for me! It was the best thing I could EVER have done for myself. It was the hardest thing I've done before, both physically and spiritually. But you know what! There are Camino Angels along the way that keep you going on the right path. They pick you up (literally) when you fall, love you like a dear, old friend, show you that you really are strong and brave. The Camino provides you with whatever you need, like no other place I have been. You begin to let go of your fears so you find your rhythm with the rest of the world.
If you didn't ask or question why you're doing it, you'll never do it. Now that that is out of the way, Buen Camino, Pilgrim. You have begun the first steps on your Camino journey. God bless!
What trail is the Camino de Levante? I loved Levante Italy, but I don't think that's what you're talking about. Oh, and thanks so much for sharing your pilgrim stories. I think it helps people be better prepared to face forward and just keep putting one foot in front of the other during those times of thinking "please God, let me wake up in my own bed, and have this just be a bad dream"My first thoughts of WTF am I doing here was the day I left SJPP on my first Camino, and on the second day leaving Orrison but I found those thoughts soon vanished into OMG look at what I am doing and where I am. Even though I spent 8 days in hospital in Santiago in ICU and walking from Leon I slowed down to a K and hour and sat down to give up just past the Crux de Ferro till I realised I was not going to give up as there were people around who showed me kindness I have never had before and there was nothing to fear. Oh I went back in 2014 and still had WTF days but they don't hurt you just stop have a break and talk with someone and you will realise they are in the same boat. And I can say that I will have those thoughts again next year in 2016 when I walk the Camino de Levante but I will not have any fear on the Camino. Buen Camino, and go for it.
It seems pretty normal to have a little stage fright before encountering a new experience. Someone told me that it just means that our body and mind are preparing for the journey. Just go for it. Sure, it is possible that something might happen along the way that frightens you but that is when others show up to help you get over it. You are not alone on the Camino. That is one of the rewards.I'm a nurse and after reading this, I will get prescriptions for an anti nausea med, plus bring immodium.
Ha Ha. I do that all the time. I just keep walking like i know what I'm doing and hope that I remember why i was headed there by the time I arrive.Moments of "what the heck am I doing here?" Frequently. I walk from one room into another and ask myself the question. Happens all the time when you get to my age.
Ha Ha! Saint Joodle, It does have a ring to it. On a more serious note, I was praying about my desire to make this journey, and I felt very strongly that I should make it to help others have a better journey and that felt like my purpose. See?? I'm a Saint already!! Seriously, that's the answer I got as to why I should go. I will gladly take some enjoyment for myself, however. I don't drink, but I may change that by the journeys end!!It seems pretty normal to have a little stage fright before encountering a new experience. Someone told me that it just means that our body and mind are preparing for the journey. Just go for it. Sure, it is possible that something might happen along the way that frightens you but that is when others show up to help you get over it. You are not alone on the Camino. That is one of the rewards.
You made the comment that you are a nurse. You are going to become very popular with those in need some some medical attention. Mainly blisters. So you might want to bring along the necessary tools of the trade for taking care of feet along with the Imodium etc you already mentioned that you would bring with you. Providing this service will probably get you a lot of free wine along with appreciation from those you help. To the best of my knowledge there hasn't been a Saint Joodle yet, so you might have a shot.
When we decided to do it with a 14 month old we were only doing it because he had such a happy go lucky personality, liked change, liked walking in the pack, and always slept through the night. Based on domestic travel we anticipated a champ. The flight to Madrid was far more harrowing than we anticipated, and he was completely frazzled, wouldn't let anyone other than his mom hold him, wasn't sleeping consistently, cried and fussed a lot. We showed up in St Jean very worried, and considering abandoning the whole thing, only to be greeted by the worst May snowstorm St Jean had had in over a decade, and a week's worth of more bad weather ahead. We couldn't even find a taxi willing to take us ahead. So we took a series of trains back around the mountains to Iruna/Pamplona with one very grumpy child, and fully anticipating bagging the entire thing. But in pamplona he calmed down, started sleeping well, got happy again, we decided to give it one day walking and see......and he never had a bad day again. But man did we feel like the most irresponsible parents in the history of the world for about 72 hours in St Jean and Iruna/PamplonaI am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
When we decided to do it with a 14 month old we were only doing it because he had such a happy go lucky personality, liked change, liked walking in the pack, and always slept through the night. Based on domestic travel we anticipated a champ. The flight to Madrid was far more harrowing than we anticipated, and he was completely frazzled, wouldn't let anyone other than his mom hold him, wasn't sleeping consistently, cried and fussed a lot. We showed up in St Jean very worried, and considering abandoning the whole thing, only to be greeted by the worst May snowstorm St Jean had had in over a decade, and a week's worth of more bad weather ahead. We couldn't even find a taxi willing to take us ahead. So we took a series of trains back around the mountains to Iruna/Pamplona with one very grumpy child, and fully anticipating bagging the entire thing. But in pamplona he calmed down, started sleeping well, got happy again, we decided to give it one day walking and see......and he never had a bad day again. But man did we feel like the most irresponsible parents in the history of the world for about 72 hours in St Jean and Iruna/Pamplona
It sounds like perserverence now, but it was really called being stuck. We couldn't easily get back to spain from St Jean, and meanwhile we couldn't move the flight back up to like the next day.......so we mostly went to Pamplona planning to take a week's vacation in the Basque country before tucking our tails between our legs and flying back....if we could have gone straight to Madrid and flown we probably would have. But since that wasn't an option, we hung out in Pamplona and decided to wait and see, just in case.........and the rest is history.WOW!!!. You really stuck it out. I would have been on the train headed home already. You have some stories and something to be extra proud about. What an effort on your behalf. I bow down to you.( That wasn't sarcasm, that was sincere!)
No, I think you must be wonderful parents, and what an adventure and a bit of a nightmare too. I am sure you will tell your baby all about the Camino and, guess what, he will one day walk the way as well. Good luck to all of you AnnetteWhen we decided to do it with a 14 month old we were only doing it because he had such a happy go lucky personality, liked change, liked walking in the pack, and always slept through the night. Based on domestic travel we anticipated a champ. The flight to Madrid was far more harrowing than we anticipated, and he was completely frazzled, wouldn't let anyone other than his mom hold him, wasn't sleeping consistently, cried and fussed a lot. We showed up in St Jean very worried, and considering abandoning the whole thing, only to be greeted by the worst May snowstorm St Jean had had in over a decade, and a week's worth of more bad weather ahead. We couldn't even find a taxi willing to take us ahead. So we took a series of trains back around the mountains to Iruna/Pamplona with one very grumpy child, and fully anticipating bagging the entire thing. But in pamplona he calmed down, started sleeping well, got happy again, we decided to give it one day walking and see......and he never had a bad day again. But man did we feel like the most irresponsible parents in the history of the world for about 72 hours in St Jean and Iruna/Pamplona
Over two years later and he still walks around with his child's camino staff (gifted him by a shopkeeper in O'Cebreiro), talks about "the camino", and smiles whenever he sees video or photos of pilgrims walking (When we watched the documentary 6 ways to santiago when he was 2 1/2 he sat there mesmerized for 90 minutes). At the time of the camino it never bothered us that he "wouldnt remember", but we've found it very odd and melancholic to watch him remember much longer than we thought he would, knowing that he'll one day forget.No, I think you must be wonderful parents, and what an adventure and a bit of a nightmare too. I am sure you will tell your baby all about the Camino and, guess what, he will one day walk the way as well. Good luck to all of you Annette
Its the Camino path from Valencia up to Santiago, a quieter walk and as I have walked CF twice I was looking at something different and it gives me more time on the Camino.What trail is the Camino de Levante? I loved Levante Italy, but I don't think that's what you're talking about. Oh, and thanks so much for sharing your pilgrim stories. I think it helps people be better prepared to face forward and just keep putting one foot in front of the other during those times of thinking "please God, let me wake up in my own bed, and have this just be a bad dream"
Parents are amazing beings. And I'm amazed how well he remembers...and not that you'll ever forget! This will become family lore...But man did we feel like the most irresponsible parents in the history of the world for about 72 hours in St Jean and Iruna/Pamplona
Oh, what fun, SYThat was where I was meant to spend the night ... Buen Camino, SY
But there is redemption--and something deep that has come out of your journey, from the sound of it. Lovely.It was still a wonderful Camino because my hubby and I decided that we would accept what was and deal with it.
I'm sorry you lost a friendship and hope you continue to heal well, Meri. A cautionary tale for all of us.
But there is redemption--and something deep that has come out of your journey, from the sound of it. Lovely.
What a great attitude: taking all that can be used--no matter how challenging--and using it well!It will be interesting to see what unfolds.
Take a pulseWe have a pilgrim here right now who just asked that question before he went to sleep.
That was about 17 hours ago.
I think he might have an answer, if/when he ever wakes up.
We have a pilgrim here right now who just asked that question before he went to sleep.
That was about 17 hours ago.
I think he might have an answer, if/when he ever wakes up.
Funny, me too--I also fell badly this year, flat on my face, also on a smooth stretch of path on the way out of Logrono. It caused the worst black eye I've ever had, and my cheekbone took 4 months to stop hurting. But that's not what comes to mind when thinking about hard times on the road...but rather the times when the mind has little tantrums and wants OUT! And they can be over almost nothing, depending on fatigue and other conditions (eg...Rebekah's 'fun' companion sounds like the ultimate nightmare....).
On day 3 I woke up to a swollen knee and a tingling, swollen achilles heel that was throbbing. I most definitely thought what the heck am I doing here haha! I think most people do. But, took it day by day, as in life and somehow the Camino provided what I needed to help me find my wayI am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
Keep us posted Rebekah...hoping you have a normal day today with no dramas on his account.We have a pilgrim here right now who just asked that question before he went to sleep.
That was about 17 hours ago.
I think he might have an answer, if/when he ever wakes up.
OWWW!!!!View attachment 22361 here's my little black eye from the flying fall I took. I was very lucky that I wasn't hurt more and am grateful to my ugly hat which saved my face.
Please watch your step out there everyone...or in an instant you can find yourself eating dirt--and trust me, it doesn't taste good. (Not a 'What am I doing here?' moment, but definitely a 'How did I get here?' one.....)here's my little black eye from the flying fall I took.
oh, my. That looks painful.Please watch your step out there everyone...or in an instant you can find yourself eating dirt--and trust me, it doesn't taste good. (Not a 'What am I doing here?' moment, but definitely a 'How did I get here?' one.....)
Besides, then you get to walk around looking like this:
View attachment 22361 here's my little black eye from the flying fall I took. I was very lucky that I wasn't hurt more and am grateful to my ugly hat which saved my face.
Yes, every time I'm up to my butt in Spanish liquid sunshine.I am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
I'm up to my butt in liquid sunshine here in Washington state. I've lived her all my life and i have developed a great tolerance for rain. by the way, what is your choice of rain gear?[/QUOTE
Berghaus Paclite but remember to zip up the pockets.
I am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
I think the main problem here is that many walkers or pilgrims are not prepared for what walking on the Camino brings and it can be a great shock to the system. The film The Way is a lovely film and I loved watching it. But for many,it's seen through rose tinted glasses.no mention of sore feet, blisters,or the exhaustion that the daily pounding on tracks brings. And off they go!!! On our first Camino ten years ago I developed blisters during the first week and by the time we got to Santiago I was on my knees. Never knew such pain. I learnt a lot then and have never had another blister on the subsequent caminos. For some reason however I never once thought what the heck am I doing here? ( stupidity perhaps in retrospect)!! For whatever reason we walk we are all so lucky to be able to walk the Camino.We have problems because we judge, for no other reason. We have a script inside our heads and when reality deviates from the script we become unhappy - but, it just IS - the Universe manifests and it how we respond that is important, not what is happening.
We are not being shot at, nor bombed. We are not starving, we are not wildly dehydrated and drinking foul water to stay alive - we are walking on Camino - supposedly having an important inner journey. None of it is bad, or seriously difficult.
It just IS - stop judging and just accept it as it comes. Sometimes there are storm clouds, sometimes it is sunny - it just IS.
Buen Camino!
Yes but you did it!! I honestly don't think I could walk 800 km without my little shuffle. Keeps me going when the going gets tough and puts a spring in my step! In fact I have 2 of them just in case one gets lost or broken. Who says I'm not prepared!! Best wishes AnnetteI had a 'what the hell am I doing here' moment outside Puenta La Reina in Sept 2015. Shit, another damn hill! My husband was ahead of me, chatting away with another pilgrim (which didn't bother me really because I was crying to myself and he would have snapped me out of it earlier than I wanted to). I was mad at myself for having the gall to even suggest such a walk in the first place. How arrogant of me! What an idiot, I was crying as I moved up that damn hill. I then thought, well, what I need is music and I reached for my itouch in my coat pocket. My dog's picture is on the screen saver, so I cried some more. I put the itouch back, sighed, pulled it back out again and with it came a rubber band which was not there seconds earlier. Long story there, but that was a sign that my dad was with me and I cried harder. I put the earbuds in and played shuffle. The first song to come on was "Southern Cross" by CSN, which reminds me of my father-in-law. So I had both deceased fathers helping me up that hill that day. I felt so much better with my music playing, and once I reached the top of the hill I was fine. But it was touch and go whether I was just going to sit down somewhere and stop for good.
Walking out of Logroño on a dull cold drizzleing March morning with no breakfast. What the heck am I doing on this fools errand. Hills and plains had been tough but this 'wee dander' through the city streets and then a park on Palm Sunday was the toughest. I was down, depressed, hungry and missing my wife. I just wanted to be home. Got to the cafe by the lake and had breakfast. A little red squirrel came along and climbed up onto my backpack. Somehow I felt better and had another coffee. The sun came out and suddenly all was right with the world until the meseta. Cold wet and deep mud. My son had flown home on Holy thursday and I was on my own. It rained and rained. My waterproof jacket was not good enough and I was soaked to the skin. I had heard from home that 2013 was the worst snowstorm in the north of Ireland since 1963. My wife was snowed in without heating or electricity. This time there was no red squirrel to distract me from my woes and so on Easter Sunday I was back in Burgos waiting for the bus to Madrid. But still I overcame it. My wife 'ordered' me back in September and everytime I felt down, I thought of her pushing me on all the way to Santiago. There were other days but hey, if you are interested, check my signature. I wrote a book about it and have just retyped half of it hereI am hoping for honesty in your answers. Don't be afraid of scaring me. I don't scare that easily. Were there moments of "What have I done" or "please God, let me wake up in my own bed"? the real moments when you just want to quit and you feel miserable and can't believe you're doing this? How did you overcome these moments and move forward with joy and commitment on your journey? (In my dreams, if things just get too much for me, I either pretend to faint, or I just up and fly away.) If you see someone next September/Oct, flying or fake fainting, that will be me.. ha,ha,ha
I agree with you It happens. When I was doing the Camino del Norte we had some hardships such as rain and I became discouraged and aksed myself what I was doing. No sooner was back in Madrid and I wanted to go back on the Camino.Very good question
The only time was once, the people I met in SJPDP & walked with until they had to go home or bus ahead due to limited time. I had grown so close to them that it hurt to see them go. Yet I pushed on & the thought of stopping was gone by the end of the next day. If you find yourself asking that question, my advise is push on, as Every day is a new adventure.
Walking out of Logroño on a dull cold drizzleing March morning with no breakfast. What the heck am I doing on this fools errand. Hills and plains had been tough but this 'wee dander' through the city streets and then a park on Palm Sunday was the toughest. I was down, depressed, hungry and missing my wife. I just wanted to be home. Got to the cafe by the lake and had breakfast. A little red squirrel came along and climbed up onto my backpack. Somehow I felt better and had another coffee. The sun came out and suddenly all was right with the world until the meseta. Cold wet and deep mud. My son had flown home on Holy thursday and I was on my own. It rained and rained. My waterproof jacket was not good enough and I was soaked to the skin. I had heard from home that 2013 was the worst snowstorm in the north of Ireland since 1963. My wife was snowed in without heating or electricity. This time there was no red squirrel to distract me from my woes and so on Easter Sunday I was back in Burgos waiting for the bus to Madrid. But still I overcame it. My wife 'ordered' me back in September and everytime I felt down, I thought of her pushing me on all the way to Santiago. There were other days but hey, if you are interested, check my signature. I wrote a book about it and have just retyped half of it here
And as you say you don't scare easily!That post scared the stuffing out of me.
When I opened that picture, I just had to laugh out loud. Thank heaven I have a very developed sense of humor. I can usually get through anything with laughter. I may have met my match if I meet up with mud like that. Thanks for the encouragementAnd as you say you don't scare easily!
Here's a pic of such fun (Before SD de Ortega, in late March). It had been sunny and warm...then cooler and rainy...then...this. It was freezing (literally) in the albergue that night. Word to the wise--if it looks like this when you get here, keep on walking and stay in Ages.
The difference on the Camino is that one can get out of the weather. Albergues may be basic, but they are dry--so thankfully there's no need to sleep under a tarp in the rain.
Well, that's exactly what I did before I took the pic. What else to do?? It was too absurd...I mean...how to get around that?When I opened that picture, I just had to laugh out loud.
Me too, Kanga. It makes me crazy (see post earlier in this thread....)It's the sticky, thick, lead-heavy type that I find exhausting - the stuff that substitutes for a weight lifting machine. Makes one kilometre feel like 10.
Ummmm... What is that so many say about the danger of Goretex shoesAnd as you say you don't scare easily!
Here's a pic of such fun (Before SD de Ortega, in late March). It had been sunny and warm...then cooler and rainy...then...this. It was freezing (literally) in the albergue that night. Word to the wise--if it looks like this when you get here, keep on walking and stay in Ages.
The difference on the Camino is that one can get out of the weather. Albergues may be basic, but they are dry--so thankfully there's no need to sleep under a tarp in the rain.
Now that honesty sacred me. Have I waited too long to do the Camino Francis? Is the time past for a good experience due to it's current popularity? Weigh in pleaseI'm having one right now. This whole Camino has been horrible from the start. Other pilgrims are really unfriendly, and there is a very strong "holier than thou" mentality from some, while others are just doing drugs, screwing and picking fights with everyone. Had the rudest encounter ever with the hospitalero in Astoria. He didn't know my companion spoke Spanish so he said some ride things about us to another Spaniard that was present. I seriously don't know what I'm doing here. Has things changed so radically or have I just been really lucky on all my other caminos. I'm hoping to be able to finish with the shell for Denise in ten days or so. But I'm probably never doing the CF again! *sadface*
Wow I had heard this occasionally from others, yet I had or could not believe it. On your previous walks were they the same time of year? Being that I believe in light & dark or good & evil. It may be a part of this camino? I will pray for some good will. Stay strong & push thru it.I'm having one right now. This whole Camino has been horrible from the start. Other pilgrims are really unfriendly, and there is a very strong "holier than thou" mentality from some, while others are just doing drugs, screwing and picking fights with everyone. Had the rudest encounter ever with the hospitalero in Astoria. He didn't know my companion spoke Spanish so he said some ride things about us to another Spaniard that was present. I seriously don't know what I'm doing here. Has things changed so radically or have I just been really lucky on all my other caminos. I'm hoping to be able to finish with the shell for Denise in ten days or so. But I'm probably never doing the CF again! *sadface*
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