LIVE from the Camino My Norte notes

[tgg]

Day 0

Leaving home for another Camino
For a much longer stint on the trail.
No flight to the jump-off point this time:
I can get to Hendaye via rail.

Plans to get to the station by walking
Were displaced by Parisian rain.
But it’s just a short ride on the metro
So there’s no chance that I’ll miss my train.

My seatmate was constantly coughing
Let’s hope that she just had a flu.
I’m avoiding the plague while I’m walking
But if sick I would have to push through.

There are new conversations with strangers
I’m a pilgrim and people can tell.
It’s not just the backpack and clothing:
I’m wearing a giant white shell!

I started my trek with some downhill
And walked over the bridge into Spain.
Ahead are tomorrow’s big mountains
Draped in what looks a lot like some rain.

I took a short walk to the coastline
Saw the towns and the old parador.
Once a fort, now a fancy hotel there.
Guess the cost for a night? No, add more.

From atop city walls I hear roaring
Not a sport but some games it appears?
All the rules are unclear but the main thing
Seems to be that each must involve copious beer…

 

[henrythedog]

I can’t tell you how impressive it would be if you managed to keep this up to the end.

 

[tgg]

I can’t tell you how impressive it would be if you managed to keep this up to the end.

I’m pretty sure I’d go insane. But I’ve got a few days in me yet, I hope.

 

[tgg]

Day 1

I joined The Way early this morning
At the end of the setting of stars.
There are still other walkers on these streets
But they’re on their way home from the bars.

Past the bay there’s a point where the path forks
The proverbial roads, high and low.
There’s a sign there that gives information
If you’re wondering where you should go.

The high one is called “alpinistic”
For those who are young, spry and fit.
That’s not me but I’ll go up regardless
If there’s a view there then I’m up for it.

Moments later and I’m second guessing
As the slope is much more than a bump.
I can feel my heart pounding already
Seems like this is less hike more ski jump.

My regrets are all quickly forgotten
Once I summit and behold the view.
When you’re faced with a tricky decision
I’d commend the high road to you.

From there on the going is easy
As the trail winds along the hilltops.
There are views back to town and the ocean
And old forts if you fancy more stops.

At Pasaia I stop for a coffee
And to see Victor Hugo’s old place.
The short ferry crossing’s a pleasure
I just rest and stare off into space.

The trails here are really quite muddy
It seems they’ve had plenty of rain.
But today there is nothing but sunshine
So I’ve hardly got cause to complain.

Now descending into San Sebastián
That glittering gem on the coast.
There’s shopping, museums and beaches
But it’s beer and bare feet I want most.

Tomorrow I’m taking a rest day
Even though I have barely begun
Although I am keen to push onwards
San Sebastián does seem kind of fun…

 

[aliciabwhite]

Hello tgg, thank you for sharing your wonderful writing! I think we are walking together, I too departed from Irun on Monday over the high pass and am enjoying a rest day in San Sebastián today. Like you i couldnt resist stopping to enjoy and explore this sparkling city. We are so fortunate with this gorgeous sunshine. Buen Camino! I hope to meet you along the way.

 

[tgg]

Hello tgg, thank you for sharing your wonderful writing! I think we are walking together, I too departed from Irun on Monday over the high pass and am enjoying a rest day in San Sebastián today. Like you i couldnt resist stopping to enjoy and explore this sparkling city. We are so fortunate with this gorgeous sunshine. Buen Camino! I hope to meet you along the way.

Thanks Alicia! Hope to cross paths with you soon. Buen Camino!

 

[tgg]

Day 3

It’s later than planned on departure
But the city’s still coming awake.
I’m not really sure where I’m heading
So I don’t know how long it will take.

So it’s time to farewell San Sebastián
As I pass down the front of the bay.
Could have feasted again on its pintxos
But I’m anxious to be on my Way.

I follow the curve of the ocean,
Guidebook says I may walk in the sand.
But a walk with a boot full of that stuff
Seems like asking for blisters unplanned.

My morning is spent on small backroads
As I wander between the hedgerows.
With orchards of tiny spring flowers
That tickle the sides of my nose.

There’s more hikers around here this morning.
Only some of them carry the shell.
Some may be on the local GR trails
That follow the roads here as well.

As you pass by the folks in the region
There’s a very wide range of hellos.
I hear hola, bon dia and aupa
And kaixo - which is Basque I suppose?

Just on the edge of Orio
I swap coins for some coffee and cake.
The lady is from Argentina
And our chat makes a lovely break.

A woman herds goats ‘cross the road there
And a kid prances around my knees.
They say that some goats will eat anything
For her sake she’d best not eat me.

Took a guidebook suggested diversion
But they’re doing some work on the bridge.
So it’s back uphill to the Camino
At least there’s a view from the ridge…. (*)

At Zarautz my day is all over
I sit and watch waves break on sand.
The place I’m in here is a great one
So good it’s as if it were planned…



(*) If you are reading this thread for navigational advice, first of all, are you out of your mind? But the bridge on the GR alternative coming into Zarautz is really being worked on, so that path is closed. I don’t know how long that will last but I’d stay on the official Camino for the next little while, unless you have more recent information.

 

[tgg]

Day 4

Leaving town and I’m back on the high road
And someone’s literally built us a lift !
I stupidly walk uphill anyway
What’s that saying on horses and gifts?

It’s only the third day of walking
But my body’s begun to complain.
Didn’t do the required conditioning
Still remaking old mistakes again.

But the morning air’s full of sweet birdsong
And the cows are out clanging their bells.
So despite all my growing discomfort
I’ve other things on which I can dwell.

In Zumaia tried to call the museum
They’ve a Goya in there so I’ve read.
Sadly, I only got voicemail:
It’s pastel basco and coffee instead.

Took another small guidebook diversion
To look at Flysch rocks so unreal
Apparently they’re millions of years old
I am starting to know how they feel.

By Itziar I’ve run out of water
Should have filled up when I had a shot.
The first few days I wasn’t drinking
But today I’ve had the whole lot.

At Deba I’m ready to call it:
It’s become a real battle of wills.
But I push on a little regardless
Not the distance I mind but the hills.

I’d picked up a walking companion
So we’d shared trails a day and a half.
He’s staying in Deba for respite
But I’m grateful to him for the laughs.

In Deba I also went shopping
There’s no snacks up ahead so it seems?
But you shouldn’t go shopping while hungry
Now my pack fairly bursts at the seams.

There’s a moment sublime after Deba
Which makes me forget all my pain.
There’s a creature ahead framed by sunlight
Didn’t know they had deer here in Spain!

One last push and I’ve made the albergue
Joanna here runs a great bar.
They’ll do dinner and breakfast tomorrow
So it’s really worth walking this far.

 

[AlegreCaminata]

Day 0

Leaving home for another Camino
For a much longer stint on the trail.
No flight to the jump-off point this time:
I can get to Hendaye via rail.

Plans to get to the station by walking
Were displaced by Parisian rain.
But it’s just a short ride on the metro
So there’s no chance that I’ll miss my train.

My seatmate was constantly coughing
Let’s hope that she just had a flu.
I’m avoiding the plague while I’m walking
But if sick I would have to push through.

There are new conversations with strangers
I’m a pilgrim and people can tell.
It’s not just the backpack and clothing:
I’m wearing a giant white shell!

I started my trek with some downhill
And walked over the bridge into Spain.
Ahead are tomorrow’s big mountains
Draped in what looks a lot like some rain.

I took a short walk to the coastline
Saw the towns and the old parador.
Once a fort, now a fancy hotel there.
Guess the cost for a night? No, add more.

From atop city walls I hear roaring
Not a sport but some games it appears?
All the rules are unclear but the main thing
Seems to be that each must involve copious beer…

Looking forward to hearing more of your adventure. Buen camino!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Me, too! I love your easy to read and clever rhyming poems; they bring back some good Norte memories for me. Thanks for taking the time to create and share them with us!

 

[tgg]

Day 5

The albergue is reasonably pleasant.
There’s only one thing that’s not right:
Next door there’s a dog who can’t sleep much
So he’s barking the whole f***ing night.

In my nights in the lodgings here so far
There’s one thing that I’ve learned to my core.
Whether Spanish, French, German or English:
We all sound the same when we snore.

Now looks like our day will be warmish
I can already feel the sun’s heat.
But really the main thing I’m sensing
Is screaming from my battered feet.

We’re climbing now out of the valley.
At the corner we’re washed by the breeze.
Just us and the sounds of pure nature.
Plus a chainsaw that’s felling some trees.

Today I am walking with Dani
He is teaching me more about Spain.
I’ve been lucky when on the Camino
To meet Spaniards who know the terrain.

But we’ve figured out comfortable silence
So we don’t have to talk all the time.
I’ve still space to enjoy my surroundings
And time in my head for these rhymes.

I stop for markets at Markina
And now I am seriously torn.
I should listen much more to my body
But I’m tempted again to push on.

There’s a monastery up the next mountain
But I’m not sure that they’ll have a bed
I’d quite like to see how the monks live
If they’ve somewhere I could lay my head.

Then I see Dani who’s passing
And it’s his plan that tips my own scales.
I’ll push on for now a bit further.
To the monks or until my will fails.

But by sundown my shin is quite painful
Should have followed my sherpa’s advice!
I’m hoping it’s better tomorrow
I need rest, elevation and ice.

We join monks for their holy vespers
I wonder how long it has been.
Has this ritual persisted unaltered
Outlasting the kings and the queens?

Then dinner is up on the terrace
We eat up the food and the view.
I’ve new friends who have walked here from Deba
And they’re glad that their day’s finally through.

 

[tgg]

Day 6

I’m back on the terrace for sunrise
Lucas said morning views are divine.
He’s an actor and dancer from Chile
On the Norte for his second time.

He’s not wrong with his tip about dawn here
As the mountains are kissed by sun’s rays.
The valley is verdant and lovely
And the fog will burn off with the day.

We pack up and leave the old cloister
After sharing some monk-given food.
And it’s green and it’s warm as we’re walking
So we’re starting the day in good mood.

Greg is my walking companion
He’s another Australian in Spain.
We’re chatting en route to Guernica
Because there he will get on his train.

We’re just coming around a corner
After hills that are ever so steep.
There’s a cafe there promising coffee
I’m so happy I just about weep.

Lars has his café con leche
And goes straight on to a morning beer.
You can see how it helps to revive him
On his spirits the impact is clear.

In the city we see the museum
And the photos where stories are told.
Today is quite close to that grim date
The bombs fell eighty six years ago.

We get a good steer from a local
For great meals after hiking for miles.
It’s basque-style home cooking in surplus
So we’re ending our day in fine style.

I am now overdue for a rest day
I’ve neglected my body too long.
So I’ll stop in Bilbao for a breather
To ensure I can then soldier on.

 

[aliciabwhite]

Day 6

I’m back on the terrace for sunrise
Lucas said morning views are divine.
He’s an actor and dancer from Chile
On the Norte for his second time.

He’s not wrong with his tip about dawn here
As the mountains are kissed by sun’s rays.
The valley is verdant and lovely
And the fog will burn off with the day.

We pack up and leave the old cloister
After sharing some monk-given food.
And it’s green and it’s warm as we’re walking
So we’re starting the day in good mood.

Greg is my walking companion
He’s another Australian in Spain.
We’re chatting en route to Guernica
Because there he will get on his train.

We’re just coming around a corner
After hills that are ever so steep.
There’s a cafe there promising coffee
I’m so happy I just about weep.

Lars has his café con leche
And goes straight on to a morning beer.
You can see how it helps to revive him
On his spirits the impact is clear.

In the city we see the museum
And the photos where stories are told.
Today is quite close to that grim date
The bombs fell eighty six years ago.

We get a good steer from a local
For great meals after hiking for miles.
It’s basque-style home cooking in surplus
So we’re ending our day in fine style.

I am now overdue for a rest day
I’ve neglected my body too long.
So I’ll stop in Bilbao for a breather
To ensure I can then soldier on.

I look forward to reading your daily posts!! Thank you for continuing to share. I just left the monastery this morning and just as you said, a magical place to watch and listen to the day come to life.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi tgg,
I too, look forward to the daily posts of your "Norte notes". I have been reading your awesome poems aloud to my hubby and they are giving us both a chuckle.
I have walked the first half of the Norte before turning on to the Primitivo several years ago. I leave for Oviedo in a few days with my son to complete the second half and then continue on to Muxia.

 

[LISAjoan]

Hello tgg,
I am so enjoying your writing as I sip my morning coffee in my very comfortable armchair here in Toronto, Canada. Everything is organized for my upcoming Norte camino in September and I am following you vicariously along the route. Best wishes for your continued succesful walking.

 

[tgg]

I look forward to reading your daily posts!! Thank you for continuing to share. I just left the monastery this morning and just as you said, a magical place to watch and listen to the day come to life.

Thanks Alicia! So glad you were able to stay at the monastery too. I thought that was a real highlight!

 

[tgg]

Hi tgg,
I too, look forward to the daily posts of your "Norte notes". I have been reading your awesome poems aloud to my hubby and they are giving us both a chuckle.
I have walked the first half of the Norte before turning on to the Primitivo several years ago. I leave for Oviedo in a few days with my son to complete the second half and then continue on to Muxia.

Thanks Chrissy! Glad you’re enjoying them. And great that you’re able to come back to finish the Norte - with family no less!!

 

[tgg]

Hello tgg,
I am so enjoying your writing as I sip my morning coffee in my very comfortable armchair here in Toronto, Canada. Everything is organized for my upcoming Norte camino in September and I am following you vicariously along the route. Best wishes for your continued succesful walking.

Thank you. A comfortable armchair sounds just the ticket now! Buen Camino for September!

 

[tgg]

Day 8


I’m leaving the room to get started
When I realise I’m feeling some fear.
If the pain still gets worse as I’m walking
I’ll be forced home and can’t hang out here.

So I’m going more slowly this morning
And stopping for plenty of rest.
I’ve been doing my best to ignore it
But it’s clear that my body knows best.

Now my leg feels a little bit better.
A day off was apparently smart.
Though I didn’t see much of the city.
Guggenheim? Just outside, not the art.

Coming out of Bilbao through the suburbs
Light industry is the terrain.
And I’ve run out of luck with the weather
As it’s finally started to rain.

I stop for a mouthful of water
Ibuprofen’s my mid-morning snack.
I’m reasonably fit and a runner
But not with 9k on my back.

I get help from a dog-walking local
As I must have been looking confused.
But the pointer he gives me’s the wrong one
Say the range of the apps that I use.

I backtrack to find the albergue
And am welcomed in out of the weather.
It’s early, so quiet here so far
But soon there’s more pilgrims together.

I’ve got time to take care of my washing
While I’m in the albergue alone.
And I make then a bit of a gamble
And wash all of the things that I own.

For a fee they provide some detergent
And while I don’t want to be rude
I think maybe this isn’t the right stuff
Is it made not for clothing but food?

I’ve forgotten already it’s Sunday
And a bunch of the shops are all closed.
Better go make another supply run
Or for meals I’ll be totally hosed….

 

[LISAjoan]

Maybe a temp solution for a few days.

 

[tgg]

Maybe a temp solution for a few days.

I thought for a second you were offering to ship me your comfortable armchair. (Please throw some timbits in there as well if you do.)

 

[tgg]

Day 9

For no easily findable reason
I’ve woken today in bad mood.
Though it’s maybe that guy just beside me
Who’s being a tiny bit rude.

He neglected to make use of lockers
So his pack’s near the side of my head.
Perhaps he had plans to leave early?
But I smell it all night from my bed.

Then when he’s up in the morning
He keeps leaving open the door
And although we are mostly still sleeping
He’s repacking his bag on the floor.

Then once I have finally risen
The clocks are at six and half past
I find that my watch is now cactus
And my boot breaks while I’m dressing fast.

Things improve once I’m out the door though
I head backwards to see some highlights.
As I’d bypassed the church and the bridge here
The latter a UNESCO site.

I’ve plenty of time for reflection
As I pass down the side of the roads.
I’m walking alone for the morning
‘Cos of thinking to do there is loads.

A friend told me while on Camino
We carry our fears in our packs.
I guess that goes some way to showing
Why I feel such a weight on my back.

I’m distracted when I pass a lady
Who has gathered a small crowd of cats.
She’s feeding the wildlife that lives here
Like Pied Piper, but without the rats.

Near Pobeña it’s my morning coffee
And tortilla with ham and some cheese.
I watch surfers play in the ocean;
Salt and sand dance together in breeze.

Now it’s with John I am walking
Another Australian in Spain.
Wait I think I used that one already
Need to find a more novel refrain…

John’s retired from work with prosthetics
And is walking the trail with son Nick.
I think based on my hiking days so far
That prosthetics may be just the trick.

We’re heading to Castro Urdiales
And we’re taking the short way for sure.
Sadly that limits the scenery
To the picturesque N-634.

In town I swing by a barber
Something itchy has grown on my face.
After some miscommunication
He’s scraped something else into place.

I am ending my day at the harbour
And the church here is really quite fine.
A suitably magical structure
For worship of beings divine.

 

[tgg]

Hi all!

I haven’t posted here for a while but I have still been walking and still been writing. I stopped posting here as the writing became a bit more reflective and so more personal and also because I didn’t want to infringe on the privacy of those that I met and spoke with - including some people who I know read here! (Hi @aliciabwhite !)

For @henrythedog : I did not write every day. I wrote less after turning onto the Primitivo for some reason. But I made it to Santiago a few days ago and thought I’d share my final instalment.


Day 33

Despite all my photos and doggerel
I’m not sure that this trip can be shared
But I’ll probably speak of it often
To the people about whom I care.

In Galicia the Way is well marked out.
Each signpost makes distances clear.
And the numbers are spiralling downwards
Santiago itself draws us near.

It’s a really unusual feeling
I’m conflicted, if full truth be told:
While a part of me wants to walk onwards
I need rest, as my body feels old.

The territory here seems familiar
Morning fog on the hill hides sun’s rays.
I flash back to the walk with my brother:
To the edge of the world in five days.

My mind strays from the path to my future
As the real world begins to intrude.
And I’m not even done with my walking
So really the world’s being rude.

And what will I take from my travels?
On work, love or life some insights?
Just a mixture of memories and new scars?
For this journey that doesn’t seem right.

For I’ve walked clear across this whole nation.
Laid my head where the monks take their rest.
Crossed along the clifftops on the coastline
Eaten dishes the locals like best.

I’ve watched the sun rise on the beaches
Trod in churches the age of eternity
I’ve walked along walls built by Romans
And joined in a pilgrim fraternity.

I’ve learned a few words of the lingo,
Traced the steps of a warrior king.
Made new friends from a handful of countries.
Are these not the most wondrous things ?

And although I have often walked solo
I’ve never been walking alone.
For the ghosts of my loved ones were with me
Although I tread far from their homes.

So I’ll hold onto the calm from green forests
Bathed in birdsong and dappled sunshine.
Morning fog and soft footfalls on damp earth
Now these moments will always be mine.

After 33 days full of walking
I’ll return to my home and my wife
But I’ll hunger for small yellow arrows
That give me direction in life.

And there’s something that’s ever so freeing
About carrying your world on your back.
Just one foot in front of the other
A simplicity modern life lacks.

And while I’ve not solved life’s conundrums
There’s been time and some space to reflect.
I feel more prepared for my future
Though I don’t know quite what to expect.

But for now I’ll enjoy Santiago
With these friends who are now in my clan.
We’ll see mass at the city’s cathedral
Though there’s much I do not understand

We’ll sit at the bar near the piper
Watching pilgrims on final approach.
You can see raw emotions on faces
As they close on the goal they want most.

There’s old friends from the road in this city
We’ll drink and swap stories as well.
I’ll tour the cathedral’s fine rooftop
And eat well in a fancy hotel.

There are places which still pull me back here.
And patterns I cannot explain.
I’m not saying it’s mystical forces
Maybe something’s got stuck in my brain.

So I’ll sit on my pack near the church there
Watching pilgrims stream in to the square.
Some are sun-kissed and limping and weary
Others look like they don’t have a care.

Then I’ll say my goodbyes to my comrades
Though I‘ll hold them all close in my mind.
Pass some time in the parks of the city
Some last moments of peace there to find.

Soon I’m taking the night bus to Irun
So my travel’s end mirrors its start
I’ll walk back ‘cross the border to France then
With a piece of Spain lodged in my heart.



—-
If you made it this far, thanks for reading and buen camino!

 

[aliciabwhite]

Thank you thank you for sharing . You capture the Camino experience so beautifully!!! So glad our paths crossed and that we are now Camino family! Buen Camino, as the Camino does not end here...

 

[LISAjoan]

Hi all!

I haven’t posted here for a while but I have still been walking and still been writing. I stopped posting here as the writing became a bit more reflective and so more personal and also because I didn’t want to infringe on the privacy of those that I met and spoke with - including some people who I know read here! (Hi @alicia!)

For henrythedog: I did not write every day. I wrote less after turning onto the Primitivo for some reason. But I made it to Santiago a few days ago and thought I’d share my final instalment.


Day 33

Despite all my photos and doggerel
I’m not sure that this trip can be shared
But I’ll probably speak of it often
To the people about whom I care.

In Galicia the Way is well marked out.
Each signpost makes distances clear.
And the numbers are spiralling downwards
Santiago itself draws us near.

It’s a really unusual feeling
I’m conflicted, if full truth be told:
While a part of me wants to walk onwards
I need rest, as my body feels old.

The territory here seems familiar
Morning fog on the hill hides sun’s rays.
I flash back to the walk with my brother:
To the edge of the world in five days.

My mind strays from the path to my future
As the real world begins to intrude.
And I’m not even done with my walking
So really the world’s being rude.

And what will I take from my travels?
On work, love or life some insights?
Just a mixture of memories and new scars?
For this journey that doesn’t seem right.

For I’ve walked clear across this whole nation.
Laid my head where the monks take their rest.
Crossed along the clifftops on the coastline
Eaten dishes the locals like best.

I’ve watched the sun rise on the beaches
Trod in churches the age of eternity
I’ve walked along walls built by Romans
And joined in a pilgrim fraternity.

I’ve learned a few words of the lingo,
Traced the steps of a warrior king.
Made new friends from a handful of countries.
Are these not the most wondrous things ?

And although I have often walked solo
I’ve never been walking alone.
For the ghosts of my loved ones were with me
Although I tread far from their homes.

So I’ll hold onto the calm from green forests
Bathed in birdsong and dappled sunshine.
Morning fog and soft footfalls on damp earth
Now these moments will always be mine.

After 33 days full of walking
I’ll return to my home and my wife
But I’ll hunger for small yellow arrows
That give me direction in life.

And there’s something that’s ever so freeing
About carrying your world on your back.
Just one foot in front of the other
A simplicity modern life lacks.

And while I’ve not solved life’s conundrums
There’s been time and some space to reflect.
I feel more prepared for my future
Though I don’t know quite what to expect.

But for now I’ll enjoy Santiago
With these friends who are now in my clan.
We’ll see mass at the city’s cathedral
Though there’s much I do not understand

We’ll sit at the bar near the piper
Watching pilgrims on final approach.
You can see raw emotions on faces
As they close on the goal they want most.

There’s old friends from the road in this city
We’ll drink and swap stories as well.
I’ll tour the cathedral’s fine rooftop
And eat well in a fancy hotel.

There are places which still pull me back here.
And patterns I cannot explain.
I’m not saying it’s mystical forces
Maybe something’s got stuck in my brain.

So I’ll sit on my pack near the church there
Watching pilgrims stream in to the square.
Some are sun-kissed and limping and weary
Others look like they don’t have a care.

Then I’ll say my goodbyes to my comrades
Though I‘ll hold them all close in my mind.
Pass some time in the parks of the city
Some last moments of peace there to find.

Soon I’m taking the night bus to Irun
So my travel’s end mirrors its start
I’ll walk back ‘cross the border to France then
With a piece of Spain lodged in my heart.



—-
If you made it this far, thanks for reading and buen camino!

Thank you for the closing poetry. Enjoyed your inventive writing.

 

[AlegreCaminata]

Hi all!

I haven’t posted here for a while but I have still been walking and still been writing. I stopped posting here as the writing became a bit more reflective and so more personal and also because I didn’t want to infringe on the privacy of those that I met and spoke with - including some people who I know read here! (Hi @aliciabwhite !)

For @henrythedog : I did not write every day. I wrote less after turning onto the Primitivo for some reason. But I made it to Santiago a few days ago and thought I’d share my final instalment.


Day 33

Despite all my photos and doggerel
I’m not sure that this trip can be shared
But I’ll probably speak of it often
To the people about whom I care.

In Galicia the Way is well marked out.
Each signpost makes distances clear.
And the numbers are spiralling downwards
Santiago itself draws us near.

It’s a really unusual feeling
I’m conflicted, if full truth be told:
While a part of me wants to walk onwards
I need rest, as my body feels old.

The territory here seems familiar
Morning fog on the hill hides sun’s rays.
I flash back to the walk with my brother:
To the edge of the world in five days.

My mind strays from the path to my future
As the real world begins to intrude.
And I’m not even done with my walking
So really the world’s being rude.

And what will I take from my travels?
On work, love or life some insights?
Just a mixture of memories and new scars?
For this journey that doesn’t seem right.

For I’ve walked clear across this whole nation.
Laid my head where the monks take their rest.
Crossed along the clifftops on the coastline
Eaten dishes the locals like best.

I’ve watched the sun rise on the beaches
Trod in churches the age of eternity
I’ve walked along walls built by Romans
And joined in a pilgrim fraternity.

I’ve learned a few words of the lingo,
Traced the steps of a warrior king.
Made new friends from a handful of countries.
Are these not the most wondrous things ?

And although I have often walked solo
I’ve never been walking alone.
For the ghosts of my loved ones were with me
Although I tread far from their homes.

So I’ll hold onto the calm from green forests
Bathed in birdsong and dappled sunshine.
Morning fog and soft footfalls on damp earth
Now these moments will always be mine.

After 33 days full of walking
I’ll return to my home and my wife
But I’ll hunger for small yellow arrows
That give me direction in life.

And there’s something that’s ever so freeing
About carrying your world on your back.
Just one foot in front of the other
A simplicity modern life lacks.

And while I’ve not solved life’s conundrums
There’s been time and some space to reflect.
I feel more prepared for my future
Though I don’t know quite what to expect.

But for now I’ll enjoy Santiago
With these friends who are now in my clan.
We’ll see mass at the city’s cathedral
Though there’s much I do not understand

We’ll sit at the bar near the piper
Watching pilgrims on final approach.
You can see raw emotions on faces
As they close on the goal they want most.

There’s old friends from the road in this city
We’ll drink and swap stories as well.
I’ll tour the cathedral’s fine rooftop
And eat well in a fancy hotel.

There are places which still pull me back here.
And patterns I cannot explain.
I’m not saying it’s mystical forces
Maybe something’s got stuck in my brain.

So I’ll sit on my pack near the church there
Watching pilgrims stream in to the square.
Some are sun-kissed and limping and weary
Others look like they don’t have a care.

Then I’ll say my goodbyes to my comrades
Though I‘ll hold them all close in my mind.
Pass some time in the parks of the city
Some last moments of peace there to find.

Soon I’m taking the night bus to Irun
So my travel’s end mirrors its start
I’ll walk back ‘cross the border to France then
With a piece of Spain lodged in my heart.



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If you made it this far, thanks for reading and buen camino!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this way. I haven't walked the Camino yet. I hope my husband and I can make it next year.

 

[tgg]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts in this way. I haven't walked the Camino yet. I hope my husband and I can make it next year.

I’m sure you’ll love it! Buen Camino !