My travel treasure for my Camino is awash with symbolism of my life. Let me tell you the story.
My forever friend Jules (seems like we've been friends forever) travels a lot. She visited Rome a few years back. Her comment the particular week they were there was "you couldn't have swung a cat without hitting a priest or a nun. Why? Here's the rest of the story...By accident (I kid you not) she ended up at/in the Beatification Mass for Mother Teresa. She and her husband took the shorter line to get into St. Peters and well people at the entry didn't "card her", ask for her invitation. Their packs got searched and they were ushered in to THE MASS. Did I mention, they're not Catholic. This lays the groundwork for what I'm taking.
I'll lay the groundwork for what I'm not taking. I have a rosary collection. I have one I always travel with too. But I can't decide which is "worthy" of this trip.
In addition to the silver rosary Jules brought back for me (unbeknownst that I had always wanted one, but never got one) she brought back a little commemorative chaplet...a mini rosary comprised of just one decade set and an addtional bead. This is going with me.
The chaplet is made of rosewood, which is what my first rosary was made of (which is my travel rosary is made off) - the scent reminds me of my mother and keeps the Holy Mother in my mind's presence. The crucifix is a replica of the crucifix Pope John Paul II had on his staff. I loved Pope John Paul dearly. The center piece has a picture of Mother Teresa. Not only did I admire her, I visited one of the Sisters Of Charity's (her Order) orphanages when I last built houses in Mexico. (I am signed up to go build again next year). I suspect, but do not know for sure that the chaplet was blessed by Pope John Paul II.
This little chaplet will have traveled from Rome, to Colorado, to Utah, to France, to Santiago de Compostela. The spirits (and I hope, the Faith) of Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Charlemagne, San Guillén and Santa Felicia (the latter three in my bloodline), St. Francis of Assisi, St. James (who have all traveled this road except Mother Teresa)l and my friend, Jules will all be traveling with me. My merry band.
My pink Bronco hat is going too.
D's sending something special too - I can't wait to see what it will be. I have many special things he's picked out for me decorating my home. Having a bit of him on the trip is only natural.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Flights Out
My only "panic" left was figuring out how to get from SdC to Madrid. Do I book now, do I book when I get there? Do I want more time in SdC if I have it? Do I want to see Madrid if I can? What if I don't get to SDC when I think I will, etc., etc.
I posted once and was given an airline name that didn't do that route. Today I searched on my own and found some companies, but I was also going to be bopped aruond 3 stops in Spain. If I can walk it in a month, I'd think we could avoid a 3-hopper. I can do that in the states with a really obsure location and I couldn't do the AT in 6 months (2000 miles). A kind person on the board gave me the name of Spanair.
Bingo - you won't believe how much I have to pay though.... 4 Euro. That's right about $6. Now there is the $16 in taxes and $10 service fee - 30 Euro or about $45 isn't bad. And...I can book the flight when I get to SDC without worry...or for me too much worry!
I posted once and was given an airline name that didn't do that route. Today I searched on my own and found some companies, but I was also going to be bopped aruond 3 stops in Spain. If I can walk it in a month, I'd think we could avoid a 3-hopper. I can do that in the states with a really obsure location and I couldn't do the AT in 6 months (2000 miles). A kind person on the board gave me the name of Spanair.
Bingo - you won't believe how much I have to pay though.... 4 Euro. That's right about $6. Now there is the $16 in taxes and $10 service fee - 30 Euro or about $45 isn't bad. And...I can book the flight when I get to SDC without worry...or for me too much worry!
Walking Is A Disease
One of my Camino groups had this posted:
"I believe you have mis-diagnosed your condition. Long-distance walkingis a disease. The sufferer is terminally infected with one exposure.For victims of this disease, the horizon is always there, quietlytaunting. [NAME], who participates here, is an admitted victim. Iam an old man with physical infirmities. I dream almost constantly of walking next year from Oslo to Santiago de Compostela. If I can find the money, I will do it. On the Via de la Plata, I met several victims who do nothing but walk. Walking became their lives."
I distinctly remember walking my first real mile and then two and I leave in 31 days to 500. As long as I can see the destination (even if it is futher than my vision), I can get there.
"I believe you have mis-diagnosed your condition. Long-distance walkingis a disease. The sufferer is terminally infected with one exposure.For victims of this disease, the horizon is always there, quietlytaunting. [NAME], who participates here, is an admitted victim. Iam an old man with physical infirmities. I dream almost constantly of walking next year from Oslo to Santiago de Compostela. If I can find the money, I will do it. On the Via de la Plata, I met several victims who do nothing but walk. Walking became their lives."
I distinctly remember walking my first real mile and then two and I leave in 31 days to 500. As long as I can see the destination (even if it is futher than my vision), I can get there.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
El Cebrero / O Cebreiro
This is a place I will be visiting. The miracle that occured here is of great interest to me spiritually:
(My description is from The Pilgrimage, written by Paulo Coelho). Mass was being celebrated by a monk who was almost completely lacking in faith and who ridiculed a farmer for having made the effort he did in coming to Mass in such inclement weather (this is near the highest point of the Camino - weather is challenging year round). At the moment of consecration the host had actually been transformed into the body of Christ and the wine into His blood. The relics are displayed in the church. It is considered a treasure greater than all the riches of the Vatican. The author of the book was led to the church by a lamb and it moved me so much I planned to hunt the church down even if it meant going off the trail. But…..I don’t have to – it is in a hamlet I’ll be staying in.
This is how the Camino calls to me.
(My description is from The Pilgrimage, written by Paulo Coelho). Mass was being celebrated by a monk who was almost completely lacking in faith and who ridiculed a farmer for having made the effort he did in coming to Mass in such inclement weather (this is near the highest point of the Camino - weather is challenging year round). At the moment of consecration the host had actually been transformed into the body of Christ and the wine into His blood. The relics are displayed in the church. It is considered a treasure greater than all the riches of the Vatican. The author of the book was led to the church by a lamb and it moved me so much I planned to hunt the church down even if it meant going off the trail. But…..I don’t have to – it is in a hamlet I’ll be staying in.
This is how the Camino calls to me.
Marina Sums It Up
I don't know Marina, but she just finished the Camino and blogged her adventure. She wrapped up her account with this moving finish:
"All that I learned on this trip I value, but what I will never forget is how impossible the distance once seemed. With one glance at a map, I felt like I would never arrive.
"But I did arrive. With one foot in front of the other, one step at a time, I made it. Life often can be harsh, stubborn, or present us with difficult and challenging situations. The important thing to remember is that in all of us lies the power to overcome; no matter how scary or impossible something seems. Stop, breathe, rest for a minute, and take each hurdle at a time. Like this, you too will arrive to your Santiago."
Start with the last post and move backwards through the Previous Post links: http://www.gonomad.com/travelreader/2007/07/compostela-final-reflecition.html
"All that I learned on this trip I value, but what I will never forget is how impossible the distance once seemed. With one glance at a map, I felt like I would never arrive.
"But I did arrive. With one foot in front of the other, one step at a time, I made it. Life often can be harsh, stubborn, or present us with difficult and challenging situations. The important thing to remember is that in all of us lies the power to overcome; no matter how scary or impossible something seems. Stop, breathe, rest for a minute, and take each hurdle at a time. Like this, you too will arrive to your Santiago."
Start with the last post and move backwards through the Previous Post links: http://www.gonomad.com/travelreader/2007/07/compostela-final-reflecition.html
The Parties Are Starting
The group I work with travel a lot. We've learned to seize the moment and do what we have to when this or that person is in town. One dear friend of mine is in town this week - and the topic has already come up of a going away party.
I feel like I'm moving away or something.
And I'm flattered :)
I feel like I'm moving away or something.
And I'm flattered :)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
September Weather
Based on 30 year averages across the entire region - I'm looking at averages of 60-70 degrees (my favorite range!) and the coolest ever 47, and the warmest ever, 80. I've been training in 90. I wear shorts from 50 upwards.
Rain? High 9 days, low 4 and that depends again on the regions. I have my slicker and I did live in Washington State for over a decade and know that I will not melt.
I'm similing
Rain? High 9 days, low 4 and that depends again on the regions. I have my slicker and I did live in Washington State for over a decade and know that I will not melt.
I'm similing
2006 Pilgrim Stats
Below is a link to the 2006 Pilgrim Stats. I will be in the 2007 group :)
The site is in Spanish, but they have nicely included little animated graphics that will tell you all you need to know. (Personally, I like the amigo pulling the donkey the best).
http://www.archicompostela.org/Peregrinos/Estadisticas/estadisticas2006.htm
Enjoy!
The site is in Spanish, but they have nicely included little animated graphics that will tell you all you need to know. (Personally, I like the amigo pulling the donkey the best).
http://www.archicompostela.org/Peregrinos/Estadisticas/estadisticas2006.htm
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Well Wishers
More and more people are asking me about my trip. I think they are as incredulous as I am that it is actually going to happen. The questions vary. I think I get the mostly about the amount of time I spend walking. (When was the last time YOU walked to get 22 lbs of groceries?) (My mom and I used to always do it - we didn't have a car :=)
There's a lot of joy being shared about it - and for that I'm grateful. Every question means that someone cares. And there's a lot of caring people out there.
Funny - I have an extended family group - friends, husband's family, and cousins of in-laws that I have connected with. We've become a tight bunch. My own family though has actually used the word "crazy" and hasn't really given my plans much credence. On one hand I'm sad, but on the other - oh well. I am my mother's daughter and of my grandfather's and great aunt's gene pool. Glad they bunched up in me! And to my Native American Great Grandmother (I'm guessing where that line crossed) - thank you for infusing the love of nature and the guts to follow my heart. I wish I knew the "language" to thank you properly.
Thanks to you all - keep chanting "don't take it" and I'll actually get the pack down in weight. I'll thank you every step of the way - literally.
Love you all!
There's a lot of joy being shared about it - and for that I'm grateful. Every question means that someone cares. And there's a lot of caring people out there.
Funny - I have an extended family group - friends, husband's family, and cousins of in-laws that I have connected with. We've become a tight bunch. My own family though has actually used the word "crazy" and hasn't really given my plans much credence. On one hand I'm sad, but on the other - oh well. I am my mother's daughter and of my grandfather's and great aunt's gene pool. Glad they bunched up in me! And to my Native American Great Grandmother (I'm guessing where that line crossed) - thank you for infusing the love of nature and the guts to follow my heart. I wish I knew the "language" to thank you properly.
Thanks to you all - keep chanting "don't take it" and I'll actually get the pack down in weight. I'll thank you every step of the way - literally.
Love you all!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Progress
I practiced packing again tonight. I got everything in the pack - I'm only about 7-10 lbs over weight - that will be with water and electronics.
I look at a smaller pack and can't see how I could do it. I trimmed about 2.5 feet off my fleece. This will still give me plenty of length to snuggle down. The silk sleeping bag is going to be my savior - it is so comfortable that every time I test it out I want to go to sleep.
I'll try again in a couple of days to see if I can't get a few more ounces off.
Other than that - I'm rarin' to go!
I look at a smaller pack and can't see how I could do it. I trimmed about 2.5 feet off my fleece. This will still give me plenty of length to snuggle down. The silk sleeping bag is going to be my savior - it is so comfortable that every time I test it out I want to go to sleep.
I'll try again in a couple of days to see if I can't get a few more ounces off.
Other than that - I'm rarin' to go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
