I’m writing today from Portomarin, a Camino town that features a Romanesque, fortified church that dates back to the 12th/13th Century. In 1963, the entire town was moved to avoid flooding when the nearby river was dammed. The church was moved, stone by stone, to its current central location.
From superhighway flyover bridges to church relocation, you have to give the Spanish credit for being superb engineers.
I have just five days left on my walk, and I’ll arrive in Santiago on Thursday. It’s been an interesting hike, but far less rewarding than my previous caminos. Maybe it’s just lost its luster for me, maybe it’s that I’m older now and it’s taken more out of me this time, maybe my status as a multi-Camino pilgrim is not that unique anymore. But whatever, I’m quite certain that this is my last Camino. Yeah, I know, I ‘ve said that before.
Right about now, putting my feet up for a while before traveling again looks pretty damn good.
In the course of this walk, I’ve had hot (90s) and cold (low 40s) weather, I’ve been in downpours and fog, and I’ve probably lost 10-15 lbs. All my shoe research and preparations didn’t keep me from losing both big toe nails and getting some big blisters. So it goes.
But that’s the challenge isn’t it? Persevering when the going gets tough? I’m proud of myself for, whatever the situation, continuing to put one foot ahead of the other. And I look around me and see all the others, many in far worse physical shape, doing it, too. It lifts the spirits, my friends.
As does your encouragement and continued support. Thanks for coming along. Cheers!
