On a previous post I called myself a pilgrim, actually the term I used was ”Pilgrimess” and I wrote that with such confidence and gusto. I am retracting that declaration as I am no pilgrim. This endeavor was never for religious purposes nor was it a bucket list item. I was inspired to do a Camino after reading an article my brother Keith had written and promptly realized I needed to make drastic changes in my life. This Camino represents a big fat bookmark between my life’s previous chapter and my next chapter along with rounding out my brother’s relationship with Finnistaire.
I have met so many people on the Camino Del Norte who have previously walked the Camino Frances and I have heard the same comparison over and over. If you are considering between these two Caminos then decide what experience you seek. Most of the folk I have spoken with and who have walked the Camino Frances say the two Caminos feel very different. The Camino Frances feels somewhat spiritually guided and a collective movement as the route is set up for pilgrims with multiple places to stay and eat. It is nearly impossible to get lost as you are constantly reminded you are on a Camino and what direction to go. They all describe what I interpret as an “awakening” and I constantly hear the “Camino provided”. In contrast those same people feel the Camino Del Norte lacks the Camino spirit. They are not complaining as they all love the landscape, the physical challenge and the people. However, because of the difficulties in finding a bed, less pilgrim offerings en-route and often getting lost due to lack of markings it adds a level of stress that they did not feel on the Frances. I do not have first-hand knowledge to compare the two but upon hearing these sentiments over and over I plan to walk the Camino Frances in the my future and I am curious as to what the “Camino will provide” me? I have no regrets on choosing the Norte for my first Camino. Wrongfully friends seem to think I was doing this to find “peace” .. I would like to reassure these people that I found peace months ago, this Camino is about adventure and new beginnings, nothing else. I am feeling good about the progress and choices I have made along with how I have dealt with challenges. Now that I am no longer a pilgrim, perhaps I should stop calling this a Camino and rename it a bookmark!
Llanes to San Esteban De Leces (5.8 miles, walking)
I am now babying my knee so opted on taking the train the majority of the distance and disembarked in a town called Ribadasella. It’s a small town up against a large sandy bay. With extra time on my hands I treated myself to lunch and then forgot my walking poles in the restaurant adding a 1/2 mile extra of walking (It’s a miracle I haven’t lost them yet!). My short walk to San Esteban De Leces was easy but sadly the pain in my knee is still there, argh. I’m happy to be back in a hostel as I find hotel rooms incredibly lonely especially for extended periods. As soon as I entered I saw a familiar face, Birgit. She brought me a glass of wine while I was icing my knee… this is what I love about this Camino community! Hostel living can be fun (as long as you have good earplugs and an eye mask!).
San Esteban De Leces to La Isla (9.9 miles)
Today I kept the distance short again. I watched the sun rise while walking through farmland with a mix of narrow streets and country paths that eventually led to my favorite part.. a narrow path along the cliff top looking down onto the ocean with intermittent sandy coves. It’s clearly a surfers paradise here however there were no waves today. La Isla is a small quaint town with a large sandy beach which was basically deserted when I arrived. My treat was eating pizza with my Tinto De Verona with ocean views. The knee pain is worth it!
La Isla to Soto De Luiña (0 miles)
Today I, gulp, took a bus 113km. It was so frustrating as I had planned to walk every section. Sadly I need to make up for lost time and this is my only option to do that. The mystery shots I received appear to have had little to no effect on my knee. Sitting on multiple busses and weaving through small villages is actually quite fun and I saw areas that are not on the pilgrim route but I feel lazy, and that is not me! The Camino is no different than life, you chose how to move forward, you chose how you react to different circumstances, you chose to succeed or fail in obtaining your objective. Of course I wish circumstances were different and I do feel annoyed and frustrated at times. However, I am proud of my mental fortitude, my resilience and my inner strength… I’m taking this to the end…
