Ending the hike, continuing the journey

So, we made it.  We walked into Santiago Friday afternoon with three of our friends and were greeted in the plaza by more friends that were waiting for us.  In turn, we greeted more that came in after us.  The plaza was full of other pilgrims doing the same.  As a matter of fact, over 3,000 pilgrims came in the same day we did. 

The journey was hard.  Including our few rest days, we averaged 15 miles per day for 38 days, with backpacks, mountains, a very severe rainstorm, heat, pain, fatigue, and unpleasant odors at times. We feel great though, way stronger than when we started.  Yet, we are happy that it is time to stop walking.

The two days in Santiago were a bittersweet time of celebrating then saying goodbye to so many friends that we have made along the way.  Without the relationships, the hike would only have been a hike.

Instead, it has been a life changing experience that we hope will give us long lasting effects.  We aren’t sure what all those effects are yet.  But we hope in the weeks to come we will be able to process what we have learned and what it will mean in our lives back home. Our pilgrimage is not done yet, and hopefully never will be.

And now, for some rest. We took a bus to the coast of Spain and, this time, only had to walk an hour and a half to our hotel!  We will spend two nights relaxing here before taking a bus, train, plane, and car back to our house.  Now that’s going to be a change of pace!  

Before we go, thanks to all who have been reading our blog, thinking and praying for us, and generally taking interest and support roles in our lives. We realize more than ever, that relationships like the ones we have with you are what make life good.

A special thank you to Terri and Laura who were a part of our Camino family, starting the first night in St. Jean Pied de Port.  And thank you to the many pilgrims we met and walked with, ate with, even partied with…(Sophie, Daniel, Claudie, Karen, Tim, Allie, Marie, Francis, and Renatta to name just a few!)

Also, thank you to Kay and Terry Shue for introducing us to this idea, and helping us every step of the way.  All your advice and support has been right on!

The general greeting with those you meet on the trail is “Buen Camino”, “Good Way” or “Good Path”…

Buen Camino to you all!
Eric and Jodi

 

 

Our Camino

Spending time on the Camino with so many different people has been life changing. Yes, the Spanish scenery is fantastic as is the food and culture.  But so much more important than Spain, is the people we meet along the way.  Jodi and I have been to many countries, but most often as tourists.  Although we haven’t been there, I feel like we in some ways know more about Finland, South Korea, and Australia, than if we would actually visit there as tourists.  

We talk to people from different countries for hours on the trail and over dinner.  We hear about their country and their personal stories.  When we travel as typical tourists, we only talk to locals in superficial ways.  For people like us that like to visit and get to know other cultures, these weeks in Spain have been an intense crash course for learning about the world.  

Furthermore, we have made so many friends.  We would have welcome homes in so many places because of this journey.  It’s not about Spain, or the hiking.  It’s about the hundreds of people that we have met from 33 countries (and counting), that have changed our world view and our view of humanity. 

Also, it’s about stepping out of our busy lives to find time for gratitude and to start to look for what God has in mind for us next.  We only hope that we know how to listen.

Last Stretch…

Today we crossed the 100km (remaining) marker, so we have the end in sight!  Only 5 more days of hiking, including some pretty easy ones.  Today topped out at 93 degrees (and I think our room is at least that too), but we get in most of our miles in early in the day before it gets too hot.

At 100km there is a major increase in how many people are on the trail, since 100km is the official amount one must hike to get the official Camino Compostella pilgrim certificate.  So we are adjusting to the different feel of the Camino, which has always been changing.  

We know what you are thinking.  And yes, I’m pretty sure we 500 milers get more get out of purgatory points than they do.  We will check to make sure when we get to Santiago.  If not, I will lodge an official complaint.  I assume they will bring up the whole “workers in the vineyard” parable technicality, but we will give it a try anyway. 😁

Thanks for checking in with us our blog. We hope your summer is going great!

The 100km post.

         Our Camino family, Terri and  Laura.

     They are awesome friends with whom we have gone through a lot!

Rock fence posts.  Use what is available!