But I am once again in the great city of Saint James near the very place he rests. And once again I've found beautiful people to celebrate the achievement of arriving here.
This time I shared only part of the walk - I began in Porto, the others had started in Lisbon - a walk that followed closely along the coasts of Portugal and Spain.
The sharing of beauty, conversation, pain, meals and drinks bonded us in our pursuit towards the same place - Santiago. And we have all arrived!
Along the walk today from Hotel Glorioso in Picaraña, there was the natural beauty of the river valley. I dawdled along, giving my companions a head start. It felt good to soak in the scenery and reflect on my second Camino. I found myself stopping more for the sights of community and home.
The oldest wayside cross in Galicia and where we join the ancient pilgrim way.
And here I began to feel that spiritual pull of a pilgrimage. I had started the walk intending to enjoy companionship, camino spirit, and the Atlantic Coast.
However, too few pilgrims; complexity with choosing route options; and a lack of camino spirit left me lonely and unsure of this Way. The coastal beauty of Portugal was amazing, but it felt simply like a walk.
A return to Spain and familiar customs helped, but until I met those wonderful women in Oia, I was still just walking.
Camino spirit was alive as more people wished us a "Buen Camino", as medicine and bandages were shared, as we cooked and ate together, as we talked and shared.
And as the kilometers ticked closer, I found peace in the way this Camino unfolded.
My previous arrival occurred on the 10th day of the 7th month.
On the 7th day of the 10th month I have returned.
Such a perfect way to complete your Camino!!
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