Well here I am (Danielle)....back on a PC after a long, reflective "time out" from technology.
I am happy to report that Jan, Ellyn and I successfully completed the Camino. WOO HOO!! Our Caminos were all very different but all Bellas are beaming with pride about our respective accomplishments.
Jan estimates that from Roncesvalles she walked about 300 kms. She suffered the pain and glory of the trail with her blisters. But lived to tell the tale. She has well and truly "Been there. Done that. AND got the t-shirt."
Ellyn walked a triumphant 400+ kms from Roncesvalles. She championed through some trying days namely one that had her walk 33kms. The last 4 kms without water, leaving her dehydrated and frustrated by the "outskirt" location of the hotel.
I (Danielle) ambled some 800+kms from St Jean Pied de Port to Fisterre. And let me tell you beautiful people, after stopping in Santiago for 1.5 days rest, it was a mission to start up again for the 3 day hike to the "end of the earth" Fisterre. But SO TOTALLY worth it!!! My Camino "malo de cabeza" involved getting eaten alive by bloody "bed bugs". ARG! I discovered the hard way that not all albergues are created equal when it comes to cleanliness.
Our fourth Bella, Raymonde, started with the best of intentions in France with Danielle. However, blisters and Camino life eroded her enthusiasm causing her to finish her walk in Najera, Spain. However, as it turns out, her decision was sound as she was summoned to return home to assist with a family emergency.
So in a nutshell.... There are statistics that state that a certain number of folks start the Camino, some who walk a bit -bus a bit - take the train a bit and those who carry their packs like a snail carries its shell. There are those who arrive in Santiago and some who don´t. But at the end of the day....the Camino is the Camino - and that definition my friends varies for every set of feet (or bike tires) on the track.
I´ll post some pics as soon as I have a chance. (I´m still overseas at the moment).
PS KEEN is definetely on the Camino. HOLLY JUMPIN`are they ever! Every day I met someone who was wearing the boots, shoes and/or sandals. These folks came from all over the globe. Most were from North America or Australia funnily enough. We were "Keen on KEEN"! Our FABULOUS FOOTWEAR got us to our goal. My pair is officially retired as the soles were quite mangled after the 800+kms on them. (I´ll show you those pics as well)
Walk on! or as we so often heard/said "Buen Camino"
The journey continues......
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