Arrived at Palas de ReI

DAVE: We woke today fully expecting to walk in the rain from Portomarin to Palas de Rei. Various guidebooks had listed the mileage ranging from 22 kilometers to as high as 28. We had no clue on the real distance but knew we had to travel over several hills. Much of the walk was along country roads and paths, passing through tiny villages.  Another day of beautiful scenery on our way to Santiago.

 The smell of cow manure was everywhere as were patties placed strategically along our path. The sky was generally overcast but the temperature was considered mild so no layering of clothes was needed.  Thank God there was no rain today. Soggy roads mixed with manure is not good for us or our boots. 

We are nearing the end of our journey. We will arrive in Santiago in three days. I've spoken with several Pilgrims about our rapidly approaching completion. For some, they are saddened and genuinely don't want the journey to end. It's a very simplified life we lead on the Camino, with days filled with walking and evenings resting among friends. For me, I am looking forward to Santiago. I'm going to miss the Camino, but I find my thiughts are drifting towards the future after the Camino.  New adventures await us all in life.

So, you may ask, "what is the Grand Lession, you have learned on the Camino?" What is the secret answer or epiphany? To be honest, I don't know. I do know that I've had time to reflect on my life (and my aching feet as well), and how I want to be a better person when I return home. Maybe have more patience, a little more thoughtfulness. I do think the Camino has changed me in a good way. Right now, it's not very clear how.  I see fellow pilgrims struggling with this.  They are seeking the Answer and are struggling to find it as the end approaches. You can't force Epiphanies.  That I'm sure.  As a twist to Joni Mitchell's verse "you don't know what you have til it's gone", maybe we won't know the answer til we're through with the journey.  Maybe it'll be crystal clear a day, a week, a year adter the journey, but for know, don't force it. Don't sweat it.

Anyways, it was a nice walk today, with or without obvious Epiphanies.  Buen Camino.