Dave & I set a pretty aggressive itinerary for walking the Camino. We committed to 25-34 km daily, depending on elevation changes.
We soon learned, in comparing notes with other pilgrims, that we had a more ambitious schedule with no “rest” days in the big cities and more kilometers/day planned. So we entered into a pattern where we would make new friends and then part ways as we moved on ahead.
Although we were tired every night, we took a bit of satisfaction in the fact that we were pressing ahead of our peers…and this was a source of motivation for us. I confess I once remarked that “I love passing these other pilgrims!” When we attended the Pilgrim’s Mass in Santiago, we noticed that there were no pilgrims that we had seen earlier in the journey. We now admit that we were quite pleased with ourselves.
On Tuesday, we boarded the Iberia flight for Lisbon. The gentleman beside me was dressed like a pilgrim. We began chatting and he mentioned that he completed the Camino— from SJPDP to FINISTERRE in 23 DAYS.
23 DAYS of about 40km each day. He must have passed us one day while we were having coffee or lunch or otherwise gloating.
I began to deflate.
THEN, another gentleman boarded. He was blind and had a guide dog with him. My new friend asked if I had heard about him—- I had not. They had met inside the airport. This man is from Slovenia and is the first blind person to ever complete the Camino with only his guide dog accompanying him. AND HE DID IT IN 21 DAYS. He began in SJPDP on April 18 and arrived on May 9. He says the most difficult part was slipping in the mud. I can’t even imagine. How did the dog know where to go? Did they just follow others? When he got to the end of the day, how did he find a hostel?
I looked at this brave man as he sat in the front of the plane with Biba, his dog. I remembered my complaints of being “sooo tired….my knees ache….. why are these pillows so uncomfortable?….”
Everyone has their own Camino. Each of us are in different places and circumstances in life. We all have different family responsibilities, jobs, and priorities. Dave & I had a challenging Camino, and we both learned a lot about ourselves and each other. We met lots of great people all going to Santiago for their own reasons, in their own ways.
Meet Martin Močnik. This is a man who deserves respect and admiration.
https://english.sta.si/2512039/slovenian-becomes-first-blind-man-to-complete-camino-de-santiago-walk
Sarah and Dave, I have loved all the posts and reading them even lets me get to know the two of you better. Such a good sense of humor, caring, vunerable, humble, and most importantly what a great challenge you’ve accomplished. And doing it together! This post however might be my favorite. So happy for you, proud of you, and impressed. Hugs!
Thanks, Kyle. See you in New York soon!
I have really enjoyed all the post. They have been a combination of informative, funny, thought provoking and always interesting. It would seem that to leave that journey and pace of life behind and arrive back in New York City would be such a drastic change. Should be an interesting day!
Yes…it may be quite an adjustment! Thanks, Kent!