Arzua to Lavacallo

Day 31

Today I sent my bag ahead as I knew it was more than 30k. With the lighter load I was able to move much quickly than in recent days. I was still able to enjoy the walk. Took plenty of pictures of flowers and old farm buildings. The fact that I was mostly walking through shaded eucalyptus forest also helped my pace and mood.

As I was approaching Lavacolla I was actually toying with the idea of picking up my pack and finishing the last 10k today. On the final decent my knee started aching a bit and it was apparent that my feet could use a rest. Tomorrow’s only a few hours away. It can wait.

I’ve had some questions about the end of the venture on email. I’ll attempt to answer them here.

Q: Will I finish the pilgrimage on my knees once I get to the chapel?

A: No. I feel very blessed that my squeaky left knee has not caused me much discomfort and that I’ve used my knee brace a total of once. No sense in asking for trouble.

Q: Will I burn my clothes that were used during my pilgrimage?

A: No. The tradition was started in centuries gone by when bathing and laundry was not a priority on the road. Sometimes it didn’t happen at all and burning may have been the only way to kill the parasites and get rid of the filth. While I understand it’s now considered a way to shun the past and start fresh – the tradition was also started before the advent of quick-dry clothes – which are mostly petroleum based.  The toxic cloud would be difficult to justify. Plus, it seems a bit wasteful. I will, however, be jettisoning as donations clothes that no longer work for me. Sandals that have never fit right. Yoga pants that are now two sizes too big. They’ll find a new home.

Q: Coming to the end of the journey – am I tired or anxious?

A: Neither. I’ve been astonished at the rejuvenation power of sleep. I awaken each day refreshed and ready to go. At the end of the day I’m only tired from that day’s activity – not the accumulation of weeks of walking. The missing ingredient is stress. My days are filled with flowers, sunshine, friends, farm animals, laughter, and plenty of exercise. There’s no cumulative mental stress. Makes a huge difference.

I’m not anxious about getting to Santiago. I feel like I’ve been given a huge gift to be able to take this adventure. Saying goodbye to my friends (for now) will be bittersweet – but we’re all feeling that.  I have a wonderful family at home, my own animals to care for, and a job that allows me to take time off for an amazing adventure when I needed it most. Reacclimatizing will take some adjusting but that is to be expected. I’ll be arriving home on the 4th of July, for crying out loud. At atmosphere of celebration. I’ll be fine.

Staying in the only albergue in Lavacolla. Probably on early night.

More later…