Transformation - CDN Day 5

“Coffee and canas make a Camino day better.”

This morning we got moving in the chilly dark of 06:30. Gernika was asleep. And honestly, I wasn’t really feeling it. This felt like a job in a way - that somehow we left the fun behind on day two.

We struggled up the first slippery rocky pitch in the morning gloam. We reached the ridge and caught our breath.

The trail eased a bit, and we fell into conversation. My accomplice mentioned that as she read reviews of the sections of the trail, that mostly they were complaints about this and that. “Too muddy. Too long. Not enough this. Too much that.”

But one guy wrote, “I like the longer sections, as it gives me more time to spend with God and contemplate.” (Roughly paraphrased)

He’s absolutely right. I forgot the point of this journey. I got lost in the bricka bracka of trail life. I let the mileage, the hostels, the body pain, and physical endurance occupy the majority of my thoughts. I forgot that this trail is meant to open yourself up to God. Whatever that means to you. It’s a personal journey.

It was this reminder that set me free. It reset my mind, my spirit, and my joy in this endeavor.

The rest of the day was spent in mindful appreciation of the day. Nothing bothered me anymore. It was all great.

And this is what I saw.

100 Meters of Slick Muck

Nice Trailside Shaggy Mane

This farmer wins for most gourds or marrows.

We walked several miles through eucalyptus and pine forests. Nice aroma!

Miniature ponies and donkeys are my favorite farm animals. They often come by to see if, perhaps, we might have a carrot for them.

I haven’t fed them, as I think other pilgrims have overfed them, and their owners wouldn’t appreciate it. Besides, the grass they eat is top of the line.

Basque cheese cake is worth the effort.

We made it to Bilbao! We are taking a rest day tomorrow to recouperate and try and find a dentist. More to come on Tuesday.

Ciao!