Day One

I’ve read endlessly about walking the Camino De Santiago. Actually being there and walking, my pilgrim shell tied to my backpack, felt surreal. At one point I felt like I was walking inside of a painting. Being there was full of the sounds of cow bells and the constant awareness of tired, aching feet and sore knees.

I felt absolute awe as we slowly ascended the Pyrenees with dozens of other “peregrins.” That’s the word French for pilgrims. When we crossed into Spain we became Peregrinos. Once I started walking I stopped doubting whether I would be able to do it. I knew I could. We ascended to 4,757 ft at the top. From there it was another 4 miles down to our hotel. We did it.