We started walking at 7 this morning and after 23 kms we saw 15 pilgrims including ourselves. We are not staying at all the usual stages but in smaller towns so this may account for fewer pilgrim sightings. 

It seems that it is about this stage after 10 days of walking that groups that had formed at the beginning start to change. One pilgrim stops sooner than the rest of the group, someone decides to take a rest day while others want to keep moving, injuries slow pilgrims down. Sometimes pilgrims want to have solitude as they walk and can even feel they are too reliant on other pilgrims. 

One pilgrim shared with me that she was really enjoying the companions she was walking with she, “found that getting into the slipstream of my initial group led me to be less self reliant and resourceful than I want to be. I need to hone those skills. I’d also like to meet new people and slow down a bit at some point. I’ve proven I can do the walking. I’ve got The SJPDP to Roncesvalles down and this latest long 29k stage down. So physically I’m strong enough I think. I want to make sure I move to my own rhythm as much as I love the camaraderie. I’ll need to find a balance.”

This is such a great reflection on how Camino helps you grow and challenge yourself!! 

We also have heard people comment that they have slowed down and that may be they have to bus parts of the camino. Caminos are all about adjusting expectations, listening to your body, and being open to everything!!

Well that’s all I have for now. Hope you are doing great. Buen Camino!!

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