Camino RAW – Page 2 – Full-of-Grace

Full-of-Grace

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Category: Camino RAW

Camino Day 9: Stumbling Back to the Way

Fever Recovery in Logroño and Finding the Pilgrim Spirit Once More The drenched pillows speak of fever's night visit – my body, a furnace that consumes itself. Sweat-soaked blankets twisted into ropes from fitful sleep. Morning brings no clarity, only the strange constriction in my lower ribs that makes each breath a conscious act rather than the invisible gift it should be. This is how pilgrimage teaches – through presence and absence,...

Camino de Santiago: Day 8 – When Stillness Becomes the Path

Unexpected Pause on the Camino Frances Today, I am writing from the same place as yesterday—a hotel room in Logroño. This was not the original plan. Yesterday, I barely managed to walk those few kilometers from Los Arcos to Sansol before my body simply refused to go any further. When I woke this morning after many hours of sleep, my only journey was downstairs to the reception desk to extend my stay. The Camino would have to wait. Staying...

In the Footsteps of the Heel-Holder: Finding Saint James on the Camino

A personal reflection from the pilgrim's path Today, I lie in a hotel bed with fever, my walking pilgrimage temporarily paused. Yet somehow, in this enforced stillness, I feel closer than ever to the saint whose path I follow. The physical Camino may have granted me a respite, but the interior journey to Santiago—to Saint James—continues uninterrupted, perhaps even deepened by this unexpected detour. The saint emerging out of the night...

Day 7 on the Camino: When the Journey Calls for Rest

Los Arcos to Logroño - A day of listening to my body's wisdom Today marked my seventh day on the Camino de Santiago, a day unlike any other on this pilgrimage. Not for its beauty or challenge, but for the humbling lesson it offered about honoring my limits. The Storm Before the Storm Yesterday in Los Arcos, as thunder cracked overhead and electricity flickered on and off, the once-warm albergue quickly transformed into a cold, damp shelter. I...

The Pilgrim Heart: Strangers Walking Homeward

Discovering Our True Journey In walking the Camino de Santiago, I've been reflecting on what it truly means to be a pilgrim. Along the ancient stones of The Way, where countless feet have worn smooth paths through centuries, it’s impossible not to be drawn into this mystery. As the golden sun strip away the morning fog and church bells mark the hours, deeper insights emerge about not just this physical journey, but the pilgrim nature of all...

Walking the Camino: Day 6 – Estella to Los Arcos (21 km)

A Morning of Mindful Beginnings I woke naturally at 5:15, before my alarm, but embraced a new approach today: not rushing. I remembered Lizzie, a colleague with whom I worked in a nursing home in Bray, who never hurried yet always finished on time. Taking her wisdom to heart, I slowly treated my blisters, packed methodically, and braided my hair without haste. Estella in the morning Leaving Estella shortly after 6:00, I walked through...

Walking the Camino: Day 5 – Puente la Reina to Estella

Early Morning Struggles and the Pilgrim's Call to Transcendence I woke before my alarm today, at quarter past five, my body somehow knowing the journey ahead demanded these early stolen moments. Despite what should have been the best sleep in a while, I felt a heaviness lingering in my bones—already struggling, already aware that today would ask more of me than yesterday. Morning streets of Puente la Reina At dinner last night, a Canadian...

A Pilgrim’s Progress: Day 4 on the Camino – Pamplona to Puente la Reina

From Dawn's First Light to Detours: Pamplona to Zariquiegui The fourth day of my Camino journey led me from Pamplona to Puente la Reina, a day marked by detours, reflections, and an unexpected encounter with grace upon the Mountain of Forgiveness. Pamplona famous for running of the bulls Sleep continues to elude me in the crowded albergues. Despite my exhaustion, sharing sleeping quarters with over 100 pilgrims makes rest difficult for my...

Day 3 on the Camino: From Zubiri to Pamplona

Restless Beginnings There's something deeply humbling about walking a path that millions have trodden before. As I make my way through the third day of my Camino journey, I'm reminded that some pilgrims wait decades to experience what I'm privileged to be doing for the second time. Leaving Zubiri behind The morning began with heavy eyelids, the aftermath of another restless night. Sleep evaded me yet again, likely due to those short, innocent...

Walking the Camino: Day 2 – From Roncesvalles to Zubiri

The darkness surprised me as I set out at 6:10 this morning, a stark contrast to my June Camino of 2019 when the early hours were already bathed in light. Thankful for the small lamp affixed to my backpack, I found my way forward through the shadows. The rain looked so innocent at this stage Early Morning Departures and Dark Woodland Paths The path to Burguete unfolded quickly through serene woodlands, a gentle beginning to what would become a...