So, today's stage, to put it bluntly, was a bitch! 19km of foot pounding blister aggravating no breaks Meseta! You know it's a rough section when the guide had this to say about completing this section "Congrats! You passed the ordeal!"...
So, this morning, we woke early and treat to take this section. Packed with food and water for the haul, we struck out in the pitch black under a full starry sky and had several kilometers behind us before the first twinges of twilight peeked over the horizon. What a feeling to be walking and just slowly have the sun rise behind you. But the sun keeps rising and soon cool becomes warm and warm becomes warmer and the feet get tired and there are no significant places to stop... Except for this little "bar"... The bar that is a small metal box and an awning... But, hey, it's better then nothing! We continued another 9km to the next town and anything resembling rest. 9km across the Meseta plain on hard packed gravel road... Feet pounding road... Anyways, the pilgrim train stretched out into this long thin line of very tired looking Peregrinos into the horizon both on front and behind me. Camino Ray, a bit ahead of me, stopped for a shoelace adjustment, I staggered on by only muttering "I'm sick of walking." and staggering right by.
Now, I must admit, the challenge of the day was wearing very thin and I am not ashamed to admit that I had reached exhaustion with the Camino and grew weary of the whole adventure - I wanted the comfort and safety of home! Just as I was about to literally sit down and call-in a taxi, I saw the glint of a rooftop! Unbeknownst to me, I lifted up my poles and started waving them slightly, as the roofs came more pronounced, the poles went up on the air in a victory salute! When I saw a full on village, just at the bottom of a short drop, I spun around and let out my victory yell "WOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"!... Everyone I know within a large area knew I made it! Everyone else knew there was an end to the torture!
It's funny, I started talking to the Camino telling it that " I PASSED, YOU FAILED TO STOP ME!"... I even duh in the poles for extra measure.
I took an hour break with my boots off, probably should have called it a day, but rested enough to make the last 6.6km.... Mistake!
Ooh, we saw Nancy today and even walked for a bit, but she crashed where I should have, the fellowship remains broken.
So my feet hurt! It feels like I have been beating then senseless for the last 21 days... Wait, I have been! Anyways, it is clear I need a few days of the trail or my feet won't be in walking condition. Looks like I'll skip the last few stages on the Meseta and bus into Leon where I'll crash for a few days and let the feet heal. When I restart, I'll do a few short stages to let the feet adjust back. Ironically, many people have bad feet damage - a Peregrino saith 2000km down got a blister! There is a young Peregrino with her get in real bad shape that needed a reminding that this is her Camino and up to 100km, there are no "rules". I have my Camino, she has hers... She's going to follow me into Leon and likewise take some downtime and let her feet heal.
When the Camino speaks, you need to listen! I defeated the challenge, but got my scars from the battle to remind me who is on charge!
So, tomorrow morning, the fellowship will be completely broken as I hop a bus and take an overdue break... My price for not doing so earlier.
Buen Camino!
Kevin
Buddy, where are you? Get a good night's rest, maybe even two nights where you are right now. Before you get on that bus think about it. Think about taking an extra day of down time right where you are, even if that means taking some time off the end of your trip - meaning using a bus from Santiago to Finisterre. And listen to your body. Your body is your Camino partner. When it says it is time to stop, then stop! You are doing great. Hang in there. Buen camino. Ross (Kathleen and I are sitting hear raising a glass of wine and saying a prayer for your Pilgrim Feet.) Kathleen knows about foot pain she was eating ibuprofen like candy. Me, I was fortunate - no blisters -but had to keep an eye on my knee.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny, I was thinking that, then we discovered another young pilgrim that needs to do the same thing. It seems the Camino was speaking loud and clear :). I am in Fromista, so not much of anything but a few houses and albergues. I am going to take two down days, then go forward with pack forwarding for a few days. Going to check different issues in Leon and see if a different one night help. Also, socks might be worn, might get replacements.
DeleteThere is no quit in you. Reading your journey has been awesome. You are in my thoughts and prayers. It is great advice from your friend to listen to your body. If you need down time take it. I look forward to reading more sir. Be safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support :). Heading to Leon for a few days is quite common in this stage, and it is there I will find the supplies I need to restart with healthier feet :).
DeleteOh honey, I am so sorry to hear about your feet. Your body is telling you that you need a few days off from them. You have come so far on your journey and once your feet have healed some, you will finish on this amazing journey. You are not going to let Mother Camino win this one. You are not the type of person to give up that easy. We both know that. I am so proud of you for doing this entire thing. I love you very much. It was so great talking with you. Rest up and we can talk tomorrow. Sweet dreams honey.
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