Every Day's a New Adventure

I just finished Day 8 of walking. Today was a gruelling 31 km from Logroño to Nójera; interesting enough the first half was quite easy, while the second half kicked our butts. There are many parts of our day that resembles one another. For instance, we get up between 5 and 6 am every day depending on the distance that we are trying to cover that day. Mornings tend to be quite chaotic with everyone trying to pack up and hit the trail at the same time. Once the bags are pack the "Blister People" start carefully trying to figure out the best strategy to cushion their feet and to protect the from new blisters. During this time the "Muscle Strain People" apply layers of  Volteran and Icy-Hot to try to hide their pain. After that this process we can hit the road where we spend the day following a small little arrow and if we're lucky, a Camino sign.

Once we get to the next destination, we unpack quickly in hopes for a hot shower, wash our clothes and then try to eat and rest up before starting it all over again the next morning. 

You're probably asking yourself where's the adventure in all of this? The answer is simple...during the walk itself. Everyday we get to visit a new region of Spain - some days we're in mountains, other days the countryside, the big city, and there are days like today where we get to walk through wine country. Everyday I am in awe of the beauty that surrounds me. Spain is such a beautiful country, with very generous people. 

The other adventure comes from seeing "Mama Santiago's" reaction to discovering the newness around her: whether it be a different tree species, a snake, or an insect, her reaction is always pure joy and enthusiasms. Mama Santiago" is from Faroe Islands,a country located between Island and Scotland, where the climate doesn't permit her to see such things. She is a very sweet and generous woman that belongs to my Camino Family and every time I see her joyful reaction to new things, I am reminded to appreciate the small things and especially all beauty around me - including the tress, the snakes and yes even the bugs! Thanks Mama, I can't wait to one day visit your country! 

- Buen Camino!