Sunday, October 11, 2015

T - 2 days to Santiago!

Well, we have cleared the 40km marker, which puts us at about 44km really to go (reminder, markers are old, Camino path has changed).  Tomorrow's walk puts us ~22km from Santiago and a very energetic conclusion to 818km and 39 days of walking.  I have every intention of celebrating and letting my "WHOO-HOOO!" be belted out in the main square, announcing my arrival to all my friends in town.

My energy levels are really high, even after finishing the days walk.  Speaking of which, the paths in Galacia are really beautiful, crowded, but beautiful.  So, our albergue is at the top of a hill climb, is motoring so easily up the hill, I part two bikers!  When I first started walking, hills were a bitch, now it's like "whoo-hoo!", hill climbing mode, get out of my way.  The stride lengthens, pace quickens, whistling starts, and I seem to just fly up the hill.  It is a very new sensation to me to be just absolutely flying up a hill when that very obstacle should be a consistent challenge

Anyways, I came out to Camino to embrace the whole Camino experience and I got it and a whole heck more.  I'm walking 20-30 km each day and when the walking part of the day is ever, I'm still very active.  The whole experience has helped me grow healthier mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and in too many other ways to count.

Being on the final approach to Santiagoi have been reflecting on the journey that started almost 3 1/2 years ago.  What started as a calling and grew to a shouting and inspired me to walk ~774 km to where I am now.  But the pilgrimage really started when I decided to makes the journey and all the associated mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional prep.  The sacrifices of many, particularly my family, but also of friends, coworkers, my gym friends, and the numerous others who supported this journey.  This whole pilgrimage has taken a life of its own and given me far more then I could have anticipated before I started.  I also realize that there are so many aspects of my journey that I don't want to fizzle out when I leave Spain, like community and compassion for your fellow man.  I have also been admired for "living life out loud:)"

I'm not saying everyone else will get the same experience, actually everyone else's will be different.  A lot of what you get out of it is weekday you bring to it and his much you open yourself to letting the journey exposed you to new things, new people, CV and how you react to challenges on Camino.

Anyways, once again, is late.  Going to go to bed and rock this Camino again tomorrow!

PHOTO DUMP :
https://goo.gl/photos/oWrTUNr4DoCwobR78

Buen Camino!
Kevin

3 comments:

  1. Oh honey, we all had to sacrifice some for this to happen for you. It is well worth it, you have had a great journey and have gotten so much from it. We are so very proud of you for this huge accomplishment. You go rock this Camino tomorrow and I will be listening for you WOO HOO. Love you all to bits. We will chat tomorrow.

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  2. Felicidades mi amigo. Ahora voy a seguirte hasta la montaña . Buen Camino! - Arne

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  3. WHOO-HOOO! Kevin! You are a Super-Peregrino! Thank you for sharing your story of your 3.5 years of this journey. It IS a profound, life-changing, and life-enhancing journey, right?
    Love those horreos!!
    R & K

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