They say the Camino provides and, at the time, it did in small ways. Within minutes of thinking I needed a piece of elastic to solve a small problem, there it was at the side of the path. Another time a twig shaped like a cross caught my eye and it has travelled home with me.
But these are tiny things. Little did I think the Camino would save my life months after the pilgrimage.
To the beginning. In 2015 we took the dream European trip. The last one. We are getting on, we aren't wealthy people and we couldn't see ourselves making the long journey across hemispheres ever again. Nine countries in nine wonderful, whirlwind weeks. Crazy but unforgettable. Spain and Portugal captured our hearts more than anywhere else. Spain in Holy Week? What serendipitous timing.
Not long after returning, the Camino called. Compelling. I knew about the Camino but now signs seemed to appear everywhere. There was no doubt this thing had to be done. I was not a walker. I was not particularly fit. But my husband is both. I was generally healthy though. Could we manage the French route? Probably not, but the Portuguese coastal looked doable and it would mean returning to a favourite city, Porto. Research. Planning. Training. Scrimping. It's only money.
May 2016, Porto to Santiago de Compostela. It wasn't easy for a 73 and 78 year old, and I was ready to quit after a tough day 3, but I persevered to enjoy the beauty and it is without doubt the proudest achievement of my life.
September 2016. Routine surgery. Complications. Sepsis set in to ravage my body with life-threateningly low blood pressure levels and soaring temperatures. Time in ICU. A time of worry for everyone. I'm told the thing they put in my neck is called 'a direct line to God'.
But I came through. The doctors were amazed - mortality is high with older people - and said it was only because I was much fitter than most women my age. I'm still in hospital but I know I will get through this. To walk another Camino perhaps.
At the time I had no idea why the Camino call was so strong. When we returned I still didn't but was grateful. I do now. My Camino miracle.
Thank you for reading. My blog of the May Camino is here if you are interested.
Two Walk to Santiago
But these are tiny things. Little did I think the Camino would save my life months after the pilgrimage.
To the beginning. In 2015 we took the dream European trip. The last one. We are getting on, we aren't wealthy people and we couldn't see ourselves making the long journey across hemispheres ever again. Nine countries in nine wonderful, whirlwind weeks. Crazy but unforgettable. Spain and Portugal captured our hearts more than anywhere else. Spain in Holy Week? What serendipitous timing.
Not long after returning, the Camino called. Compelling. I knew about the Camino but now signs seemed to appear everywhere. There was no doubt this thing had to be done. I was not a walker. I was not particularly fit. But my husband is both. I was generally healthy though. Could we manage the French route? Probably not, but the Portuguese coastal looked doable and it would mean returning to a favourite city, Porto. Research. Planning. Training. Scrimping. It's only money.
May 2016, Porto to Santiago de Compostela. It wasn't easy for a 73 and 78 year old, and I was ready to quit after a tough day 3, but I persevered to enjoy the beauty and it is without doubt the proudest achievement of my life.
September 2016. Routine surgery. Complications. Sepsis set in to ravage my body with life-threateningly low blood pressure levels and soaring temperatures. Time in ICU. A time of worry for everyone. I'm told the thing they put in my neck is called 'a direct line to God'.
But I came through. The doctors were amazed - mortality is high with older people - and said it was only because I was much fitter than most women my age. I'm still in hospital but I know I will get through this. To walk another Camino perhaps.
At the time I had no idea why the Camino call was so strong. When we returned I still didn't but was grateful. I do now. My Camino miracle.
Thank you for reading. My blog of the May Camino is here if you are interested.
Two Walk to Santiago