May 30. Day 18. Walked 112 km (70 miles) since my last blog. Walked 458 of 771 km (285 of 479 miles) total.

I took a much needed rest day yesterday and did not walk at all.  When I arrived in El Burgo Ranero two days ago, I was spent.  I had been experiencing some mild stomach upset all day, the blisters on my left foot were really bothering me, and my hip was acting up off and on.  Many people take rest days on the Camino, but I had it in my head that I would not need one.  However, having hit my halfway mark already, and with the stomach thing as the straw that broke the camel´s back, I decided that a day of rest might help.  So when I checked into the Albergue I chose a private room for two nights at 30€ per night.  Pretty expensive, but I figured if I was going to take a rest I wanted to be able to sleep well and shower (among other things) privately.  It was definitely the right decision.  When I got up this morning and started walking again, I felt (almost) like a new person.  My blisters no longer bothered me, my hip was fine, and my stomach issues were all but gone. 

It occurred to me as I have read some of my past blogs that I might be focusing a bit too much on my physical challenges and not talking enough about the really incredible experience I am having.  Everyone on the camino has some physical challenge or another and mine have really been comparatively minor.  But it is hard to really explain what 6 plus hours per day walking alone and thinking is like.  I guess I haven´t really gone there too much, because I am at a bit of a loss for words on how to describe it.  The morning hours are really the best and most pure.  From about 6:30 to 9:30 I am often able to cover close to 15km and it usually goes by very quickly.  Sometimes it is like dreaming... I know I was thinking about something, but when I look back I can´t remember exactly what.  Other times I remember very vividly what I was thinking about.  I have not had any great revelations or spiritual experiences, as many people who walk the camino have.  However, I have enjoyed the time alone without distractions (e.g. tv) to really think for maybe the first time in my life. 

Talia asked me recently if this was a fun trip.  The answer is somewhat nuanced.  I would not necessarily use the word fun to describe this experience.  I  think playing tennis and going to the movies are fun.  This experience has been very enjoyable.  I thoroughly enjoy the walking.  I have had great moments of community and warmth in the evenings with new friends that I seem to make almost daily.  And I would definitely do this again and recommend it highly to anyone to whom the idea of it holds even the slightest appeal.  I am also getting a great sense of accomplishment as I get closer and closer to my goal.  I have no doubt now that I will walk to Santiago and that gives me a great feeling.  However I do admit that since I now know that I can do it, I also feel that it must not be all that huge of an accomplishment.  And I am starting to think I need to set my sights higher... maybe the Colorado Trail or the AT.  To be honest, I was hoping to rid myself of some this circular and ridiculous "never good enough" thinking.  But hey, I still have two more weeks!

I had intended for today´s blog to be mostly about my daily routine because (a) I think it might be somewhat entertaining for people who know me and (b) I think it will be a good way to help me remember this experience when I have returned home and have ready access to a washer/dryer again.  But I am getting a little tired of writing, so it will have to wait until next time...


Buen Camino!!