May 6, 2016 St Jean Pied de Port What have I gotten myself into? The Camino... who's idea was that? This project is really nothing short of insane. I was having a nice weekend in France with my friends. Now I've successfully connected to the train bound for St Jean Pied de Port, and tomorrow I start my walking journey. Many pilgrims don't choose to start their pilgrimage with three days of unabashed gluttony, but then I would be hard pressed to ever characterize myself as a pilgrim. While I can't really put my finger on why I am embarking on a 500+ mile/30 day hike, I think we all know that it's not a spiritual quest. I'm simply not that deep. I think my good friend Annamarie accidentally summed it up best in the voicemail I just fielded. When Mike told her I was going on "The Camino" , she assumed it was a large and famous cruise ship, with endless buffets and chocolate decadence parties. She clearly expected reports of lounging about o...
Molinaseca, Spain May 5, 2017 Molinaseca 20.47km; 6:03hr; 53500 steps; 180m elevation gain This is the day we cross over the pass, the highest point on the Camino at 1530m. The pass is marked by a pile of stones and an iron cross. Pilgrims begin their journey carrying stones in their packs to represent their burdens and their prayers. This is where they are left behind. The tradition pre-dates Christianity as ancient Roman travelers would leave stones at the top of passes as a tribute to Mercury, who watched over commerce and travelers. A local hermit Christianized the monument by sticking an iron cross on top. But, the monument transcends religion and is truly the spiritual highlight for the Camino. At this point pilgrims have been physically tested by mountains and blisters, and wind and rain. In the first third of the Camino, we learn to deal with the physical challenges. Then we are confronted with a vast expanse, an eternity to walk across. The Meseta confronts us with the mental ...
Larrasoaña, Spain May 10, 2016 Larrasoaña Pension Tau 19.16 Miles, 44700 steps, 91 flights, 7:33hr Breakfast Stride of Roland (stone measures the length of Rolands stride)
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