Crossed the halfway point today!

Day 5: Another cold rainy day, but we persevered. Other than the steep climb first thing this morning, the rest of the day's hills were long vs. steep. We walked through many little villages and saw more pilgrims today than other days. As I struggle to complete this pilgrimage, I have to constantly remind myself that I am doing it on behalf of those who cannot and that helps me to press on. Today was only 19 km. We'll see what tomorrow brings.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 4: Up and down, up and down, up and down...

I have finally accepted that there are not going to be many flat paths on the Camino. All day it is up and down. I could never have done this without my walking poles and boots. Of course the rain gear has come in handy too. Today we "walked" 7 hours in the rain. It was miserable. As of this post we have completed 71 km of the 160 and I'm feeling every inch. We passed the 100 km marker to Santiago as well and ONLY have 89 to go. They are calling for rain all week until Saturday. Oh well, it just adds to the challenge right? Buenos noches muchachos!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 3: YAY!!! Downhill today!

Miraculously I felt refreshed this morning. One of my fellow pilgrims is a Reflexologist and she targeted my hips and back. Other than some tight calf muscles this morning, which were relieved by stretching, I decided to forego the bus and go for it. A good decision as the weather was improved, still rainy but bits of sunshine, and the scenery was glorious. Tonight we are headed to another monastery in Samos for Vespers and a pilgrim's mass. Today we walked 19 km, yesterday 21 km and 5 Sunday. Tomorrow...22 km...YIKES!!

Day 2: More climbing...when does the walking start?

Falsely confident after yesterday's climb, we started the day climbing in the rain which eventually turned to sleet and very high winds. After a few hours of this I was asking what I had gotten myself into? By lunch, which wasn't until after we had "walked" 15 km and not until 2 pm, I was having serious doubts and the bus was looking more appealing. Add to that getting lost and the fact my body hated me, the jury is still out about tomorrow.
Adios!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Day 1: Climbing to the monestary

The train arrived in Leon with just enough time to see the cathedral before our meeting and departure. We drove to O Cebriero where we had our first opportunity to walk...just under 3 miles, all up hill. The view was spectacular but the cold rain made the climb challenging. At the top we reached our accommodations in a former monastery for the night. There was a Pilgrim's mass and incredible meal. Rain again tomorrow but hopefully I will get some photos to share. We begin at 9:15 with a slight climb up the mountain and then we begin our decent.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

We've arrived in Spain!

After bidding adios to Rome, we headed to the airport for our flight to Spain. After finding our hotel and getting settled we headed out for tapas and wine. Tomorrow we take the train to Leon and begin our camino. It's been a long day and morning will come early. Ciao!

Leaving for Spain tomorrow!

Tomorrow Lucy and I will fly into Madrid after a full week in Rome. We both agree that all the walking in Rome has been good preparation for our Camino. The first day of our pilgrimage will be Sunday. Join us as we embark on the journey of a lifetime. Ciao!