The three of us are in no hurry to leave the warmth of the earthy albergue after a full night of bonding, but we do because this is what we came to do – walk. “I want to walk alone to have my morning cry,” Steven asserts. Drayton silently agrees with a nod and I smile approvingly. We wrap our packs with their fitted rain covers to prepare for the inevitable, yet unpredictable rain. We single-file out into the brisk morning. The sky is a powder blue and the sun shines unimpeded making every drop, left by early morning showers, glisten like a field of diamonds. The sparkle of this, the last hamlet I will meander through, is enough to draw forth the tears. Steven and I glance at each other, silently acknowledging the spring that’s welling in us both and we quickly look away. I put on my gloves and thread my hands through the straps of my batones and walk away. “See you in town,” Steven yells without turning around, “…the first cafe with wifi,” says Drayton. “Yep, and a cafe con leche,” I add with a chuckle.
Soon I’ll reach Santiago, a place I’ve spent little time thinking about to make room for the unfamiliar, unexpected, and magical that each of the past thirty days have held – more than enough to occupy any mind. For the first time, I have thought exclusively about the step I take, as I take it. Sometimes I think of nothing else for long stretches, interrupted only by wishful thoughts that my mother could look upon the majestic views laid out all around me.
But today is different, because now I’m a professional step-taker, someone who hasn’t fallen or slipped on the changing terrains that led me to this moment, and that gives me more time to ponder the very near future. My mind is a swarm of speculations of what awaits me and how I’ll feel as I walk into the ancient city. I wonder if I’ll drop to my knees in front of the cathedral in exhausted reverence, or burst into tears and the arms of my pilgrim friends who have already arrived. I feel droplets on my sleeves, and I look up to see that a huge billowy cloud has settled just overhead. The need to keep dry steals my attention away from my inquiry. I pull my hood up over my head and notice the town in the distance, relieved to have something to do – look for my friends.
I keep my head down and watch as the Way changes from earthen path to hastily-laid black pavement, then to flat concrete that leads to a smoothly molded curb that becomes a sidewalk of precisely laid sand-colored stone. I walk several meters and come to a brass scallop shell embedded in the sidewalk and then another and another. I follow the subtle way markers as the sun takes charge of the sky again. I push my hood off just as I spot Steven.
To be continued…
Pilgrim Tracy HutchinsonU.S.A.
lifecoachonthecamino.blogspot.com
@samuraicoach
Completed first Camino in 2012
Poetically written, emotionally full content that makes my heart flutter again. I have been there, at the threshold of the city, wondering the same things you did – – I look forward to reading about your arrival.
Buen Camino –
Sylvie
I remember that day like it was yesterday. I love your writing Tracy – you’ve transported me back to the Camino. Can’t wait to read more!
Wonderful to follow this adventure. Thank you. Very inspiring.
Yes, Si Si, I want to hear MAS.
WHAT IS MODERATION?
Beautiful writing. I am anxious to read more of your remarkable accomplishment.
Tracy, you write with such ease, and lightness. I feel as if I’m listening to the voice in your mind, softly whispering everything you see. The details are what make it beautiful. Those diamonds in the rough!!! I look forward to your next post:)
I’ve been following Tracy on her journey for many months now. Watching the unfolding of consciousness that gradually takes place is a miracle from God. Having been through transformational inner experiences which are difficult to share with others, I must say that everyone should, at the very least, witness another soul’s journey when they have the chance, even if they are afraid to take their own leap of faith into the unknown. Thanks, Tracy, for sharing your personal journey of your walk of faith — even the reader is transformed in subtle ways.
This post has helped me think things thugorh
Keeping track of your pilgrimage was such a thrill. I would eagerly look at my phone each day and read your updates and think to myself what a thrill of a lifetime she is having!! It is amazing to know what you have done and I am deeply pleased that you have taken us on the journey with you…I so look forward to a book or film that will allow those who many never have the chance to go to be able to experience just a little of the experience.
Thank you…
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I get from just your intro that you are raw and in your emotions and writing. It is so refreshing to read an “El Camino Experience” that doesn’t sound like a tour guide. Please keep posting your journey!
I have had the good fortune, to have read some of Tracy’s writing pre-Camino and I once commented to her that I love her style of writing, because it’s like having her sit beside me having a conversation. Always eloquent, descriptive and poetic, vividly painting pictures with words. Tracy walked the Camino about 3 weeks behind me, so I know how powerful an experience this can be. Her writing continues to be eloquent, descriptive and poetic, vividly painting pictures with words, now enveloped by the heartbeat and soul of the Camino. Magic!