Day 11

A childhood friend sent this to me: 3 Simple phrases pretty much sum me up – because “starting” is always the hardest challenge; once started, then it becomes taking each step as an accomplishment toward the goal; either this time or the next: hence- Lao Tzu Quote “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” and O’Brien’s poem which contains “I’d rather try and fail, than never try at all” as my driver or self-affirmation. Of course after completing or failing task – especially an arduous workout – I defer to John 11:35…”He wept”. 
I think I really appreciate these three simple phrases. 

Day 11 was hot. We started out from Pamplona and it was good. But the Day heated up quickly. It reached 100 degrees. It was a tough climb up and a steep way back down. But it was a good day. 

Each step being an accomplishment…and knowing that you are trying. The joys of meeting new people and sharing experiences of pain and laughter, conversation and meal–community in ways that we sometimes forget about in our rush through life to get to the next place…these are all experiences of the Camino. 

It’s hard. It’s not for sissies. But it’s amazing. And it provides strength and encouragement when you need it. 🙂
Buen Camino. 

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