“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” Walden, Conclusion, 1854 This quotation comes at the end of Thoreau’s most distinguished work, Walden. 
Lindsay and I embarked on our Camino journey today. We stayed in a very nice albergue with a lot of rules. Most were fine but the one that was difficult for us was that breakfast was at 6:30 and we were expected not to leave until breakfast was served and we had eaten. We wanted to leave at 5:30. Okay. So we left an hour and a half later. 
But today’s journey is 7-8 hours without stops said the people at the pilgrim office. I vaguely remember leaving two years ago between 6:30 and 7 and arriving between 2:30 and 3:30. I stopped essentially twice maybe for 45 minutes two years ago. Today I dragged. I know I must have frustrated Lindsay but she was patient and got tired too. But the biggest difference between last time and this time is the temperature. Last time there was a mist that hung over the Pyrenees the entire day and the temperature was cool (20-30 degrees cooler). So even though you were climbing 5000 feet and the altitude was different it was just really hot today. 

It was one of the most difficult of any of the runs, bicycle rides, walks, hikes I have ever been on but it was good. Lindsay and I have been planning this for more than two years. So it was also one of the best runs, bicycle rides walks, hikes I have ever been on…

And each person walks at a different pace. Some fast, some plodding, some moving quickly on ahead only to take longer rest periods. Each one hearing a different drummer and keeping the pace that he or she needs to keep. 

And I’m so thankful that this time on this journey that Lindsay and I kept pace with each other. Sometimes she kept me going other times I encouraging her. Listening to the drum beat of each other’s music so as to keep that pace. 

“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away

I prayed all day for cooler temps. And well now it’s foggy and cold. 🙆🏻

Buen Camino 

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings of eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31. 
When I started the Camino two years ago the climb up from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesevalles seemed overwhelming and I like hills. But the first day is nearly 5000 feet for 16 miles. But as I was nearing the top I saw eagles soaring and then I saw them again resting when I reached the highest point. And this this passage came to mind. 
But not just on this day on other days…when my feet were blistered and worn, when I was missing home, when I couldn’t understand the language or people couldn’t understand me, when I wondered why I decided to walk 600 plus mikes across Spain. 
And at other times in my life when questions seemed bigger than answers, doubts seemed to loom larger than faith, when failures were more numerous than “successes”, when hope gave way to despair. 
I know I’m not the only one to feel this way. 
I only hope that you have felt that strength also. God’s strength that is given especially in times of despair and hopelessness, weakness and doubt. And that you have been lifted on wings of eagles, that you have found strength when you had none, hope when you were lost, and were able to keep going when you did not think it possible. 
Buen Camino 

First Day reflections-traveling
Just some random thoughts about the Camino that may help in life too. 

I was asked if my views on packing had changed since the Camino and if I had any advice. Yes!! Without a doubt they have changed. Here you are: less is more. Put aside what you think you need. Then pull out only essentials. If what you are taking is more than 10% of your body weight repack. Unless you are traveling to the wilderness most places have necessities that you can purchase on arrival or as you may need. 

Often we take what we think we may need but then never use. Now I think what do I need. Really need. Not “what might I use just in case…” It’s a complete change in perspective. And doesn’t really come easily. But if you are moving from place to place everyday and carrying your belongings on your back you “trip” into this understanding…quickly if not gracefully or graciously.

When you are traveling overseas to walk or even ride the Camino. You will be very excited and anxious to get started. It’s understandable…you have planned and planned for this most likely. But after arriving at your starting point whether that is Le Puy, Paris, St Jean, Ronscevalles, Burgos, Leon (wherever), take a day to rest, acclimate and begin to receive. Whatever distance you are walking is a long way and you may have time constraints but taking a day to get over jet lag will benefit you long run. (This is of course mainly advice for non Europeans. But I believe the same applies). Learning balance and listening to not only your body but also your surroundings and nature is a divine gift. Give yourself sabbath at the beginning, along the way and especially at the end. 
Less is more and taking time to rest are both things I have continued to work on since arriving back home. It helps. Balance. 

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” attributed to Mark Twain

My guess is that many of us do not feel personally that we are prejudiced or bigoted or narrrow-minded. It’s so much easier to see it in someone else and not in oneself. It’s difficult to accept the things we need to change. But this quote, attributed to Mark Twain gently but rightly  encourages all to get out of one’s comfort zone. I need to be reminded of this often. Even though in my life I have had the privilege to travel. 

As Lindsay and I found our way to Pamplona today we ran into more pilgrims. She asked me if people were nice on the Camino. I said absolutely. Then two of the people sitting in the bus station asked us to watch their bags and one of them engaged Lindsay in a lengthy conversation. It was beautiful. 

Learning a new language, stepping out of your comfort zone, talking to someone different than yourself…all of these things are baby steps to what Mark Twain was talking about!! 

Bon Jour, Buenas Dias, have a great day!! 

Buen Camino