Memories of an Amazing Adventure
This is the third in a short series about my experiences of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage walk. In 2014, I turned 60, and to celebrate reaching this milestone, while still being fit and active, I decided that the Camino would be a perfect celebration for me. Much better than having a birthday party, as that really isn’t something that I would enjoy.
This year is the five year anniversary of my Camino walk, which began on 1st June and finished on the 7th July. I hope you will enjoy the series, and I particularly hope that anyone contemplating the Camino will find these posts helpful. Buen Camino!
The Mountains again
Finally the Meseta was behind me, and I was heading towards the mountain that I had dreaded since crossing the Pyrenees on day 1. I left very early and it wasn’t long before I seemed to be walking up in the clouds.. What most surprised me was my fitness. I had expected to be tired and have sore knees by the time I reached this section.
But very quickly as I started the 10 kilometre walk up to the tiny mountain top village of O’Cebreiro, I realised that I was much fitter after the past 24 days of walking and my knees had strengthened. I seemed to power up the mountain that day, and I felt very proud of myself when I arrived feeling tired but not exhausted as I had expected.
The scenery and the feeling of walking in the clouds that day was magical. Many pilgrims took the bus up the mountain to avoid the climb. I found myself feeling sorry for them, as they had missed a very special day. I felt that the climb up to O’Cebreiro was reward for the hard work of the past few weeks.
Santiago At Last
On day 31, I walked into Santiago. This is the day that I had built up so much in my mind for two years, as I trained, and also as I started walking in Spain. Santiago is the pinnacle for pilgrims of The Camino de Santiago. This is where we collect our completion certificate and the cathedral is the destination after weeks and weeks of walking. As I walked into the outskirts of Santiago, I felt really flat and my legs felt heavy and tired. I really didn’t enjoy walking that day through many kilometres of industrial areas to get to the centre of Santiago. As I entered the square in front of the cathedral, I did feel very proud and very joyous. I had done it! And better still, I had done it alone!
A Few Photos
In the clouds and fog as I left O’Cebreiro very early in the morning.
These horses were available for hire to piligrims to take them to the top of the mountain.
A perfect morning walking through this track for hours in beautiful weather. After a few hours, the rain was the heaviest I have ever seen in my life. This was the only wet day since the wintry conditions over the Pyrenees on day 1.
Road through a small village. On this day I had walked for a couple of hours behind a herd of cows and followed it through the village.
One of the pages of stamps in my Pilgrim Passport
Distance Certificate
Compostella – Certificate of Completion
Hi Jennifer, Interesting how you felt fitter over time. You are very inspirational. I love the photos. Thank you for sharing:) Erica
Thanks, Jennifer, for sharing your Camino experience. Your Camino completion is a huge achievement. I have a mild interest in doing a Camino and have been reading up on the various walks. #MLSTL
Thanks for visiting Joanne. I appreciate your comments
I love the attitude of the climb and the view was the reward for the hard work you’d done. It’s a completely different perspective to take – and an inspiring one. #MLSTL
I hope to someday explore these Camino trails as you have! You are an inspiration and perhaps to Donna, too. Glad to read you are going strong after 5 years. Read and shared via #MLSTL
wow you blow me away…amazing feat…a friend of mine has just finished the walk….visiting from Midlife share the love party
Thanks Bree. I’m envious of your friend
Such an amazing journey Jennifer and I love the Pilgrim Passport idea – a great keepsake and it must bring back some lovely memories. Really enjoyed your photos too.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
Many beautiful memories Leanne. Thanks again for popping in
What a great achievement Jennifer, you have every right to be proud of your efforts. I’ve enjoyed reading your posts and learning more about the walk. Thanks so much #mlstl
Thanks Deb. And thanks again for your interest
Pleased you’ve enjoyed the series Deb. Thanks again for popping in
Those pictures of walking above the clouds were awesome! Congratulations on finishing the Camino de Santiago. It’s funny, until 2 years ago, I’d not heard of it and I’m a hiker. I guess it took some midlife bloggers to bring it to my attention!
Jennifer I hadn’t heard of it either. Now that you’ve heard of it you probably see it pop up constantly
Wow your photo’s are amazing! What an achievement and a great thing to do for your 60th – I’d love to do this 🙂 #MLSTL
You could do it easily Sam
I have no doubt you could do it Sam
So impressive Jennifer! I can’t imagine walking that distance–and alone no less. You’re amazing! #MLSTL
Thanks for your kind comments Christie