A Taste Of Humble Pie (Day 32)

Today’s walk was 20 miles of little, but quite steep, climbs and descents. It was also a bitch. Not a “crossing the Pyrenees on days 1 and 2” level bitch but a bitch nonetheless.

It was also exactly what I needed. It reminded me of who i was when I started and who I am now at the end. A majority of the people on the trail now are newcomers who started 3 days ago in Sarria. They are also the people I’ve been bitching about in the last couple of posts. Today I watched many of them struggle as I struggled and almost all of my snarkiness slowly dissipated and I felt for them. Because that’s what they did, they struggled. They didn’t cry. They didn’t quit. They put their heads down and marched up the hill. Some limped up the hill. Some stopped with cramps or blisters. Some stopped to catch their breath. All of these people that I saw then started walking again.

It’s beginning to look like fall in Galicia. Much of the hike today reminded me of home.

The weather had a touch of fall as well. Dodged rain for the most part but did get a nice misting at one point. It had been raining for about 30 minutes before someone asked if I was going to put on my pack cover. I hadn’t noticed the rain. Perhaps I’ve lived in Portland too long.

The hike reminded me of how far I’ve come because I just trudged along. No foot issues, no need to stop (except for a coffee break because what are we, barbarians?), no catching my breath. I just slowly plodded up and down every hill and enjoyed the scenery. I passed many people younger than me who were huffing and puffing and rather than think, “serves you right short timer” I actually voiced some words of encouragement. In hindsight having an older man with a Santa Claus beard and gut to match whizz by you and say, “you got this” or “just keep going” was probably the ultimate burn. Whatever, my heart was in the right place.

I’ve got two walks left. Tomorrow is only about 12 miles and then a final 14 mile push to Santiago. Michele is at the airport now and beginning her journey over here (and then subsequently to Africa for her grand adventure) and I’m beyond excited to see her and to finish this. For the next two days I will try and remain engaged in the walk and enjoy these last few miles of this amazing country. I will also cheer on my fellow walkers, whether they like it not. After all, I’ve been doing this for awhile.

Other pics from the walk:

Lazy

Double lazy