This is my Camino

This is my Camino.  There are many like it, but this one is mine.  It is my life.  I must master it as I must master my life....

I was thinking about that on and off and it seems oddly accurate as it seems to underscore my previous comments on how personal each Camino really is.  It also echoes the pride I have in conquering each obstacle mother Camino throws at me.

If Is common amongst people leaving home for various reasons, that the first week is physically challenging, the 2nd is emotionally challenging, and after that you even out.  This happens pretty much universally across military, people with
Jobs that take then away from home, and not to be left out, people on Camino.  The first week has certainly between physically demanding with Mother Camino dishing out punishment upon punishment.

Today started early, leaving at 6:30 and absolutely hammering out the trail to Torres Del Rio, all the while remembering the warning about has the second stage LOOKS easy, but in reality is a beater.  We stopped at a supermarkedo (a very tiny store), bought food for breakfast and lunch.  The owner was even nice enough to provide a banyos that had soap, water, and paper towels!!!  Three luxuries on the Camino fit sure.
So along the 2nd leg, getting my daily dose of mother Camino's punishing lessons, 1/2 way up a steep climb, I momentarily had a 2nd week emotional challenge.  Now it was fleeting as I am dedicated to this course, but also interesting in that it proves the earlier comments about separation.  For a fleeting moment, i was just done with the grueling treck.  Now's it was fleeting and I gathered myself, but it reminded me of why I am here.

We checked into Izol Albergue in Viana and did our regular pilgrim chores (sharing a room with only 17 other pilgrims, a quiet night) and was told to seek out g food earlier then later as there was some festival in town...
It is worth noting, the Spanish LOVE an excuse to party and this is "Fiestas de la Virgin de Nieve", celebrated in a small running of the bulls and followed up , not with a bull fight, just more of a pissing off of the bulls!  Entertaining without the killing and harm to the animal.  Seriously, it was as awesome as it sounds.  Mother Camino knew I was over the physical part and was entering the emotional phase and she handed me this city wide celebration and it was something I was quietly bumming that I would miss...  Had I fought my Camino, I would have missed this special treat.
I still missed my family, but my spirits are lifted from this treat.
As to how the Camino is changing me, no measurements are being taken, but I suspect new t-shirts in my future - with Camino designs to remind me of my journey and to keep the Camino alive when I return home.
This wraps up day 11 on Camino and my 9th day walking.  For those keeping score (which you shouldn't) this puts me on stage 7, but I listened to my body and the Camino and did two stages in parts and got a fabulous reward and hugh spirit lift.

Buen Camino!
Kevin