End of the physical stage

Today ends what is often referred to as the physical stage of the Camino. At this point my body has adapted to walking 10-20 miles per day in the sun with a 22-pound pack on my back.

Today is also the last day walking together with the group of friends I’ve formed on this first phase.

It seems almost poetic.

Emma has an early start tomorrow. The rest of us have agreed to meet for mass at the cathedral at 9.

Afterwards I have a nearly 20-mile walk to Hontanas. This starts the second phase of my Camino journey, traditionally known as the mental/emotional phase.

It’s also when I start the Meseta, a long section of large flat plains in the centre of Spain, between the cities of Burgos and Leon. Some pilgrims actually skip this part. Others find it to be fundamentally necessary to the Camino journey. Time will tell what I encounter.

* * * * *

I wrote a lot more in my journal, but I’ll share a bit more rapid fire, but I’ll keep it short because it’s past 11 and I have a long day tomorrow:

- gourmet dinner yesterday

- humbling to meet Kimmy, a young woman in her 20s who’s walking to mourn the death of her boyfriend

- best sleep I’ve had yet

- friendly folks from Ireland

- more heart to hearts with Lauren and Matt today ❤️

- probably a long time until I see Emma again. Will miss her!

- Reconnected with Jason. Hope he recovers and can see this through to Santiago.