Camino Finisterre August 2017 - Part One

shelleybritten
Aug 22, 2017
2 min read

Galicia

Whilst Gazpacho is not really the thing here, I will forgive them this. If not purely for the fact that they have embraced what pilgrims mean to the region and go out of their way, leaving fruit for you under a shady tree or setting up a farm stall at the end of a long climb. But also because it is an extremely beautiful part of Spain. Leaving Santiago this morning (Val de Reeee, Val da Raaaa, my knapsack on my back.....)

I was walking on beautiful forest paths and once out of the city perimeter you look back with a magnificent sunrise over the rather imposing looking cathedral. Note to file: a 3 day break between long walks is not necessarily the best idea as I found the 21.5 kms today rather challenging. A lot of uphill. Lots. Like a lot of a lot.... I'm not so fond of uphill. I'm one of those miles and miles of undulating paths kind of walkers, I get the wind in my sails and can carry on forever. Steep unrelenting uphills. Yugh. The unit of measure for spiritual growth As one does on these long walks, you get to thinking. My thoughts were around some interesting questions I've been receiving since setting out on my mission. "Is your soul feeling lighter", "have you experienced spiritual growth", "I hope you find the peace that you are looking for" etc. Ummmmm...... these are pretty difficult questions to answer. What's the unit of measure for spiritual growth I asked my friend. I think for each and every one of us it is different. For some it's to be able to live and appreciate the moment you are in instead of worrying about what's next. For others it will be the ability to be still, content with yourself, not needing gratification from others. Someone once said to me that nothing would ever be put in my path that I wasn't strong enough to handle. I cannot tell you how this simple line has gotten me through. Time and time again. Perhaps the unit of measure is choosing to be positive. For example I choose to consider the 3 liter Camelback on my back as a source of hydration and giving me a back massage as well while I walk ;-) I've just completed Day 2 and am halfway to Finisterre, but after today's particularly long stage I am more than halfway there from a distance perspective. Yippee! These legs, back, calves, feet, knees of mine are beginning to cry out!