Last night I made my final decision. I am taking the train to Leon and get some rest. It was a difficult decision to leave the last three days on the Meseta, but my body needs a break and I need to be in a Astorga by the 28th.
As I was walking along, I did some self talk. “You can do this Candi, you, can carry your full pack, no problem, keep going, you don’t ever give in, you were just tired last night… yada yada yada. Then my neck felt like it was on fire after mile two and I knew I had made the right decision to miss 50 miles and get some rest and lighten my backpack.
I also realized that choices are part of the Camino. I thought that I was mourning leaving the Camino for a bit, but realized I am mourning that I cannot physically push my body to the limits that I once did. I get very emotional even writing this, but life changes and I must face…well must is a strong word…Right now in my BFF’s, Karen F., “It is what it is!”
0n my other two Caminos I just walked through Sahagun. Today was my opportunity to explore the city for several hours while I waited for my train. Much of my time was spent in the small café, eating and drinking. I watch the family running their cafe with three people. How hard these people work to make the Camino enjoyable for all of us who come through. The owner noticed me back-and-forth throughout the day and at my last visit his wife came out with a tapa and cookie for me on the house!❤️❤️
Today I saw some old friends from the Camino; Heidi, Yun, Rocky, and Shannon from Oregon. Oh and I saw Jonathan from the east coast.
I finally have a picture of me at the 1/2 Camino spot.
I have been reading almost all of your posts and saying to myself, ‘how the hell does she do this day after day! Then you did a 20 mile day and I went , “take a break, Candi!!! Enjoy your days off. Hugs! And yes, “ it is what it it”.
As always you were right