We are now well into our Camino. Day 8 and over 220kms/136 miles. We are over 1/4 of the way to Santiago de Compostela.

The memories flood back and I share memories of caminos past even as we are creating new memories. Every Camino is different and unique and transforming. Now we are past where Noël has walked before so all new.

I spent the last year and a half preparing. I wrote about being Camino Ready…always wanting to be Camino ready. For me this means if someone were to ask “would you like to go on the Camino?” I could ask, “when do you want to leave?”

For me this includes being physically ready, mentally ready, and spiritually ready. All of that takes preparation but also an openness, a readiness to pivot and shift if things are difficult and challenging.

As I prepared for this camino I focused first on the physical. It was a gentle start walking 10.000 steps a day or approximately 7-8 kms. Along with that adding in some longer hikes with packs. As the months past and it got closer to our pilgrimage I was walking 15-20kms a day. Great physical readiness.

And the challenge comes because the Netherlands is flat. And the first day of the Camino Frances is 20 kms up 1420 meters. And then a 6kms down steep. The first day kicked my butt. I got nauseated. I had to take a LOT of breaks. And then I remembered the first day kicked my butt every time I’ve done it. And life is like that. Some days just kick your butt.

That first day I remembered humility. And along with that humility came perseverance and resilience. The humility taught me that I can be Camino ready and still struggle. And also that within me are reserves to keep going and stop when it is time.

I must say that I feel stronger and more prepared for this Camino than I have in my previous Caminos. I will share more about that coming up. Buen Camino!!

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