Why is This Even a Debate in the First Place?
I truly have enjoyed the last few days of hiking despite the fact they have not been easy.
I have been plagued with a massive head cold and sinus congestion for the last six days. I have also only averaged about two hours of sleep per night because of that. It has exhausted my body and made hiking very difficult.
I have persevered and am now beginning to feel much better!
Yesterday, was another long day, but we avoided the rain – 26 Km
In our town, Villafranca del Bierzo, we met 2 German hikers – Daniel and David. Great guys who were lots of fun.
It really was nice to connect with some new people and go out and have a good time. I really enjoy walking with my friend Ric. I haven’t seen him for two years since meeting him and his wife and their friend on the last Camino.
The four of us in the pic below will all reunite tomorrow at the top of Mount O’ Cebreiro and spend the next few nights and days walking together.
They introduced us to some Swedish friends and dinner was fun.
Today was a shorter day- only 17 Km. My resting place is Vega del Varcarce. It’s a lovely town and the walk had some great vistas. It was unfortunate that 90 % of the walk went along a major highway.
We are in a basic Albergue tonight! Paper mattress covers and I’ll be forced to listen to other people burping, farting, and snoring! Yes, it’s called the Camino Serenade!
Tomorrow is a new day. We do however expect 6 days if torrential rain ahead! Oh joy oh bliss. The calm before the storm!
I HATE hiking in rain!
BUT…..
That old debate came up!
What Makes a TRUE Pilgrim of the Camino?
It’s a debate that I find irritating because there is no answer to it, and not has there ever been one!
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The following two things are misconceptions of what makes a true pilgrim of the Camino, and what makes one authentic to completing the Camino.
- Must I walk EVERY step? (meaning that taking a bus for a section is prohibited).
- Must I carry my full backpack every step vs shipping it ahead if I can’t carry it?
This is my 3rd time on this walk and the 1000th time these questions have come up.
I’m so tired of it.
I really researched this pilgrimage for many years before I did for the first time in 2015.
I’m in thus trail for the third time now. I have just spoken to a priest and this was his reply to both questions;
NO! Absolutely not!
It DOES NOT matter a person walks every step, rides a bike, rides a horse, rents a scooter, or rides a stork to get to Santiago.
It DOES NOT matter if one carries their own pack or rents a sherpa.
What matters most is that you rid yourself of prejudice and prejudgment. The less time people have to be concerned about how others walk/ride/do the Camino, the more they can truly understand it’s meaning.
THERE ARE NO RULES NOR HAVE THERE EVER BEEN!
It’s your Camino and if you wish to put those restrictions upon your own walk that’s fantastic but don’t ever put them on someone else’s!
What matters most is YOUR journey done YOUR way and what lessons you take from it and put into practice!
Buen Camino!
Tomorrow I promise photo from the top of O’Cebreiro!
KEEP WALKING!
