- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
....................Sunrise with moon leaving Najera, 11/01/2013
From 2004 through 2013 I have walked the Camino Frances in its entirety nine times.
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.
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 alone for an unknown reader
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!
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 while there still is light and 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 14.
At 75 what matters most is to continue.
If you are walking perhaps our paths my cross; if not please follow my blog, MS Camino.
Ultreia!
Margaret Meredith
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