LIVE from the Camino Overwhelmed...Derwen

Derwen Rhys · Jul 8, 2014

I have only just managed to find time to read all the replys to my post a few days ago. i am completely gobsmacked. Today has been like a warm spring day. I left Villafranca at 6 and have arrived on the outskirts of burgos. Today has been one of the most important days of my camino. I walked alone... no other caminotti to be seen in either direction. It truly felt like I had that path to my self. As I left Villafranca a small cat ran ahead of me for a quarter of a mile. She left me at the pines and the birds took over her guardianship. A female robin bobbed ahead of me then nightjars low and encouraging just ahead. My senses felt completely switched on. The birds passed me on to the marbled butterfly's...my companions for miles. I suddenly realised I was smiling from ear to ear. My pace was true and right. No hurry, but definitely going somewhere. On the outskirts of San juan I saw and old pilgrim hobbling toward me . He is probably well known. A scruffy beard and pilgrim hat, tatty clothes and pack. A small red, green and yellow striped flag on his straps...an old soviet republic perhaps?...a small puppy yapping beside him on a piece of string. We spoke in signs and grunts, a bit of French. I wished him 'Bon chance' and walked on. Fifty paces on I turned, looked at him and his dog... Going where? The village I had come from was many miles back. I started running back after him, " Monsieur, monsieur attente!" I caught up to him shook his hand and put some euros in his grasp. "Bon chance monsieur, ou vous allez." Where ever you are going. I stumbled away embarrassed. " Monsieur" he called after me.."thankyou!"

Deleted member 3000 · Jul 8, 2014

As comforting as Forum members are, people in person can be more comforting. I hope you can find more on your camino. Seek them.

indyinmaine · Jul 8, 2014

"I walked alone... no other caminotti to be seen in either direction. It truly felt like I had that path to my self."
Derwin - I think the Camino found you and spoke to you! Buen Camino

Kanga · Jul 8, 2014

Derwen Rhys said:
I have only just managed to find time to read all the replys to my post a few days ago. i am completely gobsmacked. Today has been like a warm spring day. I left Villafranca at 6 and have arrived on the outskirts of burgos. Today has been one of the most important days of my camino. I walked alone... no other caminotti to be seen in either direction. It truly felt like I had that path to my self. As I left Villafranca a small cat ran ahead of me for a quarter of a mile. She left me at the pines and the birds took over her guardianship. A female robin bobbed ahead of me then nightjars low and encouraging just ahead. My senses felt completely switched on. The birds passed me on to the marbled butterfly's...my companions for miles. I suddenly realised I was smiling from ear to ear. My pace was true and right. No hurry, but definitely going somewhere. On the outskirts of San juan I saw and old pilgrim hobbling toward me . He is probably well known. A scruffy beard and pilgrim hat, tatty clothes and pack. A small red, green and yellow striped flag on his straps...an old soviet republic perhaps?...a small puppy yapping beside him on a piece of string. We spoke in signs and grunts, a bit of French. I wished him 'Bon chance' and walked on. Fifty paces on I turned, looked at him and his dog... Going where? The village I had come from was many miles back. I started running back after him, " Monsieur, monsieur attente!" I caught up to him shook his hand and put some euros in his grasp. "Bon chance monsieur "ou vous allez." Where ever you are going. I stumbled away embarrassed. " Monsieur" he called after me.."thankyou!"

After reading your post from a few days ago, this is one of the most wonderful messages I've seen on this forum, and beautifully expressed. Jeepers mate, I hope you make it to Santiago because I am so looking forward to your reports along the way!

lawrence graves · Jul 8, 2014

Some of my best days were days I walked alone on the Camino. My preference was to rise early, about six, and head out in the darkness. Using my flashlight I would search for the comforting Camino signs and then turn my light off and just enjoy the morning sky. It is so quiet in the morning hours. The only sound I would hear was the crunch of my boots on the gravel and the click of my sticks. Usually after walking a couple of hours I would start seeing other peregrinos. For me the Camino offered the best of two worlds - solitude when I wanted and companionship when I needed it. I walked with South Koreans, Brits, Irish, Germans, French, Puerto Ricans, Spanish, Italians, Australians, Canadians, Americans, and even one from Russia. Buen Camino - Lorenzo

hampshire!tim · Jul 8, 2014

Simply great to read your update, Derwen.
Enjoy the rest of your camino as it unfolds.

michryan · Jul 9, 2014

Derwen Rhys said:
I have only just managed to find time to read all the replys to my post a few days ago. i am completely gobsmacked. Today has been like a warm spring day. I left Villafranca at 6 and have arrived on the outskirts of burgos. Today has been one of the most important days of my camino. I walked alone... no other caminotti to be seen in either direction. It truly felt like I had that path to my self. As I left Villafranca a small cat ran ahead of me for a quarter of a mile. She left me at the pines and the birds took over her guardianship. A female robin bobbed ahead of me then nightjars low and encouraging just ahead. My senses felt completely switched on. The birds passed me on to the marbled butterfly's...my companions for miles. I suddenly realised I was smiling from ear to ear. My pace was true and right. No hurry, but definitely going somewhere. On the outskirts of San juan I saw and old pilgrim hobbling toward me . He is probably well known. A scruffy beard and pilgrim hat, tatty clothes and pack. A small red, green and yellow striped flag on his straps...an old soviet republic perhaps?...a small puppy yapping beside him on a piece of string. We spoke in signs and grunts, a bit of French. I wished him 'Bon chance' and walked on. Fifty paces on I turned, looked at him and his dog... Going where? The village I had come from was many miles back. I started running back after him, " Monsieur, monsieur attente!" I caught up to him shook his hand and put some euros in his grasp. "Bon chance monsieur, ou vous allez." Where ever you are going. I stumbled away embarrassed. " Monsieur" he called after me.."thankyou!"

That's just beautiful. I know that feeling I will always remember the very first time I felt like that and let me tell you you will have many more of these beautiful moments as you travel. Stay safe and keep that smile from ear to ear. I'm smiling from reading your post. X Buen camino.

Debster001 · Jul 9, 2014

Keep going Derwen, we leave Sarria on 23rd, if we meet I'd be happy to walk a few k,s with you... My sons name is Rhys, I haven't seen him for 3 years, I guess he's taking his own path.. keep listening and absorbing what's around you, Buen camino..!

Al the optimist · Jul 9, 2014

Great to hear the change Derwen. Yes, that smile. We all experience it many times. Nothing better than feeling at one with yourself and the world. Keep going, keep happy, keep finding things outside and inside yourself. Thanks for sharing.

teda · Jul 10, 2014

Derwen Rhys said:
I have only just managed to find time to read all the replys to my post a few days ago. i am completely gobsmacked. Today has been like a warm spring day. I left Villafranca at 6 and have arrived on the outskirts of burgos. Today has been one of the most important days of my camino. I walked alone... no other caminotti to be seen in either direction. It truly felt like I had that path to my self. As I left Villafranca a small cat ran ahead of me for a quarter of a mile. She left me at the pines and the birds took over her guardianship. A female robin bobbed ahead of me then nightjars low and encouraging just ahead. My senses felt completely switched on. The birds passed me on to the marbled butterfly's...my companions for miles. I suddenly realised I was smiling from ear to ear. My pace was true and right. No hurry, but definitely going somewhere. On the outskirts of San juan I saw and old pilgrim hobbling toward me . He is probably well known. A scruffy beard and pilgrim hat, tatty clothes and pack. A small red, green and yellow striped flag on his straps...an old soviet republic perhaps?...a small puppy yapping beside him on a piece of string. We spoke in signs and grunts, a bit of French. I wished him 'Bon chance' and walked on. Fifty paces on I turned, looked at him and his dog... Going where? The village I had come from was many miles back. I started running back after him, " Monsieur, monsieur attente!" I caught up to him shook his hand and put some euros in his grasp. "Bon chance monsieur, ou vous allez." Where ever you are going. I stumbled away embarrassed. " Monsieur" he called after me.."thankyou!"

When I've been reading your post I remembered this stage... It was 3 years ago but it seems to me it was yesterday.. Whenever I close my eyes I see this route: beautiful , gentle mountains, green grass, green trees, the smell of heather ( it was September) and twitter of the birds... I felt very happy going alone, I could easily enjoy everything that I've seen ... This day was one of the best days on Camino.
Enjoy this road .... and Buen Camino !

Jabaldo · Jul 10, 2014

Derwen Rhys said:
I have only just managed to find time to read all the replys to my post a few days ago. i am completely gobsmacked. Today has been like a warm spring day. I left Villafranca at 6 and have arrived on the outskirts of burgos. Today has been one of the most important days of my camino. I walked alone... no other caminotti to be seen in either direction. It truly felt like I had that path to my self. As I left Villafranca a small cat ran ahead of me for a quarter of a mile. She left me at the pines and the birds took over her guardianship. A female robin bobbed ahead of me then nightjars low and encouraging just ahead. My senses felt completely switched on. The birds passed me on to the marbled butterfly's...my companions for miles. I suddenly realised I was smiling from ear to ear. My pace was true and right. No hurry, but definitely going somewhere. On the outskirts of San juan I saw and old pilgrim hobbling toward me . He is probably well known. A scruffy beard and pilgrim hat, tatty clothes and pack. A small red, green and yellow striped flag on his straps...an old soviet republic perhaps?...a small puppy yapping beside him on a piece of string. We spoke in signs and grunts, a bit of French. I wished him 'Bon chance' and walked on. Fifty paces on I turned, looked at him and his dog... Going where? The village I had come from was many miles back. I started running back after him, " Monsieur, monsieur attente!" I caught up to him shook his hand and put some euros in his grasp. "Bon chance monsieur, ou vous allez." Where ever you are going. I stumbled away embarrassed. " Monsieur" he called after me.."thankyou!"

Your post answer the question that has been on this forum for some time, does one give to people on the Camino looking for a hand out. You my friend if I may call you a friend did so out of the goodness of your heart. No one asked you, you just did. That old man just might have been God, for sure he was one of Gods children. Bless you.
Buen Camino

Lynda t · Jul 10, 2014

That lucky old man. You never know what makes others walk. We all have a different story.

staciesthings · Jul 10, 2014

Derwen Rhys said:
I have only just managed to find time to read all the replys to my post a few days ago. i am completely gobsmacked. Today has been like a warm spring day. I left Villafranca at 6 and have arrived on the outskirts of burgos. Today has been one of the most important days of my camino. I walked alone... no other caminotti to be seen in either direction. It truly felt like I had that path to my self. As I left Villafranca a small cat ran ahead of me for a quarter of a mile. She left me at the pines and the birds took over her guardianship. A female robin bobbed ahead of me then nightjars low and encouraging just ahead. My senses felt completely switched on. The birds passed me on to the marbled butterfly's...my companions for miles. I suddenly realised I was smiling from ear to ear. My pace was true and right. No hurry, but definitely going somewhere. On the outskirts of San juan I saw and old pilgrim hobbling toward me . He is probably well known. A scruffy beard and pilgrim hat, tatty clothes and pack. A small red, green and yellow striped flag on his straps...an old soviet republic perhaps?...a small puppy yapping beside him on a piece of string. We spoke in signs and grunts, a bit of French. I wished him 'Bon chance' and walked on. Fifty paces on I turned, looked at him and his dog... Going where? The village I had come from was many miles back. I started running back after him, " Monsieur, monsieur attente!" I caught up to him shook his hand and put some euros in his grasp. "Bon chance monsieur, ou vous allez." Where ever you are going. I stumbled away embarrassed. " Monsieur" he called after me.."thankyou!"

Awesome! Don't stop walking!

Jane Erasmus · Jul 10, 2014

Derwen Rhys said:
I have only just managed to find time to read all the replys to my post a few days ago. i am completely gobsmacked. Today has been like a warm spring day. I left Villafranca at 6 and have arrived on the outskirts of burgos. Today has been one of the most important days of my camino. I walked alone... no other caminotti to be seen in either direction. It truly felt like I had that path to my self. As I left Villafranca a small cat ran ahead of me for a quarter of a mile. She left me at the pines and the birds took over her guardianship. A female robin bobbed ahead of me then nightjars low and encouraging just ahead. My senses felt completely switched on. The birds passed me on to the marbled butterfly's...my companions for miles. I suddenly realised I was smiling from ear to ear. My pace was true and right. No hurry, but definitely going somewhere. On the outskirts of San juan I saw and old pilgrim hobbling toward me . He is probably well known. A scruffy beard and pilgrim hat, tatty clothes and pack. A small red, green and yellow striped flag on his straps...an old soviet republic perhaps?...a small puppy yapping beside him on a piece of string. We spoke in signs and grunts, a bit of French. I wished him 'Bon chance' and walked on. Fifty paces on I turned, looked at him and his dog... Going where? The village I had come from was many miles back. I started running back after him, " Monsieur, monsieur attente!" I caught up to him shook his hand and put some euros in his grasp. "Bon chance monsieur, ou vous allez." Where ever you are going. I stumbled away embarrassed. " Monsieur" he called after me.."thankyou!"

Thank you for your heat felt posts. I am starting my Camino on the 2 Sept and I have been wondering if The Way is all sunshine and roses . Your posts have put my mind (and heart) at ease...I see now there will be days that are harder than others...but I also see that there will be days that will be perfect for me

JohnMcM · Jul 10, 2014

Thank you Derwen,
You just took me back there.
Buen Camino

journeycakes · Jul 10, 2014

Dear Derwen, I remember how it took me till the first day after Burgos to realize exactly how I needed to walk my own Camino and decide each day on a pace that was right for me. Here at home months after my pilgrimage I recognize the waymarks you've mentioned and remember myself at those same places last year. I loved your latest post and felt relieved that your journey is becoming filled with interesting encounters and sources of delight. I've appreciated everybody else's caring contributions toward healing your spirit and illuminating your pilgrimage. We care.
Buen Camino.
Carmen

vgen5122 · Jul 11, 2014

Glad to hear that you are hanging in there. The Camino always has something to teach you, something new for you to see, or someone new for you to meet. Just keeping putting one foot in front of the other and absorb the wonder and beauty of the Camino. Buen Camino.

OTH86 · Jul 11, 2014

Well - being the slow and pokey one on the way, I only found overwhelmed-derwen after posting to crisis... I'm SO happy to see this update!! Derwen, I love the way you were being passed on by your Camino 'friends'! I didn't realize that's what was happening when I walked last year, but you've made it so clear, and I'll pay more attention this fall. Thank you! Terry

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