Day 38- Mother’s Day

Carla and I were on the Camino last year on Mother’s Day. It was tough as I had lost my Mom that year. Today’s focus is on moms. I love you Mom and I know you are with all of us but I do miss you so. Time marches on. Now my daughters are moms. If you can, honor and hug the moms in your life. Down below is a prayer for moms which is one of the most powerful prayers I have ever read. I included it in last year’s posting on Mothers Day.

Today was the longest day of the entire journey, over 21 miles. At the outset of this journey, I said I would take my time and not rush. For some reason, I decided to test myself today to see how fast I could walk. Initially, the conditions were good- cool temps, soft paths and gradual descents. I even wore my 2nd pair of shoes (the others have done their job and I will retire them unless there’s more rain)- felt like walking on pillows. With about 10 miles to go a nasty ascent on hardscrabble trails slowed my pace considerably. As I was trying to race through the day (I did stop and pray at a couple of crosses and a church) I asked myself what Gad would think of this- not sure but I hope he would understand I just wanted to test myself physically. I gave him thanks for giving me the strength to power through the day. Felt good.

Camino Comedy- When I woke up, I was trying to decide if I should start extra early given the mileage or have breakfast at 7:00. I decided to have breakfast. I went to the bar/restaurant attached to the hotel a little early-it was locked. So I decided to just start walking. PROBLEM- the only way out of the hotel is through the restaurant and it was locked. They eventually opened at 7:15, I had my breakfast and off I went.

I felt a lot of joy today.

After lockdown

Note the electrical box next to the door

My lunch stop for the day

Day’s end