Day 9: Najera to Santo Domingo
13.1 miles
Total: 133.5
Today as I make my writing debut, I can't help but be impressed by how far we have come. I will confess that after I agreed to join James and the girls on this trip, I had my share of doubts and mini nightmares about the outcome. I actually had zero doubts about whether we would finish or not, but would instead have images of James and I taking turns pushing the girls in wheelbarrows or pulling them upnhills on makeshift army stretchers, to make it to the end. Luckily, they have completely exceeded my expectations and I have been happily surprised by their great efforts and toughness so far. They should be very proud of themselves!
As I walk daily with this group, it is clear that the lessons I will gleen from the Camino will be much different than I am use to. On most physical adventures my mind is in hyper-competitive mode. Always focused on how hard or far I can push myself each day. My previous adventures have also all been ones of the solo variety, so the social aspect of the Camino is a drastic change. This trail has forced me to slow down and focus on all the things I would normally miss as I'm trying to see if i can get a quick extra couple miles in before dark. I'm pretty sure James is in the same boat. Instead of trying to see how far we can hike each day, we will learn patience, how to listen to topics of teenage conversation we can't relate to, learn how to share lessons we have learned the hard way in a way that is helpful to a younger generation, how to turn every situation into a positive one despite the circumstances, and how to enjoy the present moments instead of always being focused on the finish line!
Today was a good practice session for many of those lessons. As all the pilgrims literally slide, slipped, and clomped down the road in the heavy red clay in the rain, the only good approach was to laugh and try to make that attitude contagious to those around you! Once your mind was focused on the positive, you could notice how beautiful the landscape was we were surrounded by. Although almost everyone you meet speaks a different language, a smile and a laugh as you almost slip is a universal mood lifter!
Overall, despite the adjustment last night to sleeping in a room with 90+ other pilgrims to a chorus of snoring (also universal), the rain, the mud, the wind, and then the blazing sun, it was a good day! We arrived in Santo Domingo by 11:00, so after a nap (I'm a big fan of siesta!) we had ample time to explore the city; which is rich in history better left to James to explain:)
I think the nuns tonight will be a lot quieter (we're staying in a convent of sorts)
To a good nights sleep and fresh legs in the morning,
~Bree
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