When you think you should stop....go further??

Camino Day 10 Melide-St. Irene
26 km

Sept 2010
Left our hovel of an auberge at 9:30 after breakfast of bread and chocolate and then hit the road. Biking today was painful. Ruth had a bad cold but was bearing it silently and we had to take the trail because the hiway was too intense and full of transport trucks. The trail was beautiful and had a series of Eucalyptus Forrests which made me miss Israel. We were happy in the forrest but then the rain came. It took us out on our last 17 K’s with no aubergue’s in sight. We stopped for lunch in Arzua which is known for it’s soft white cheese which I was the only one to appreciate. There was a big town square where a big band played to my Dancing Cammie’s heart’s content. We felt good but then…17 K’s later we were back on the bikes and ended our journey on the side of the highway and the rain started. The choice was go back, or keep going till the next auberge.

5 km didn't seem like much at the time. But judging by our fatigue it was actually monumental. We kept asking, 'how much further.' RAIN. 'not far', the answer. Which when your tired and wet and the kids are cranky in their trailer.....not far is definitely too far. Eventually we would find a tiny municipal auberge in St. Irene because the rain was pelting down so hard. We would have rather packed it in the and continue on the mud paths. Final mind game was making it to St. Irene’s and fortunately it was all downhill!

This auberge was great and only 5 Euro’s! We surprisingly met our British friend Jules there who had done 95 K of walking in the last two days! He and ruth were exchanging recipes’ for cold medication which was healrious. We talks to people from Spain and Stockholm and had some good talks about “the way” and the rhythm of life it requires from you.

We’re kind of all in shock that tomorrow is the end. Trying to let it not end to soon and yet there is always that pull to “just get there.” 'For the walkers who have been out now for 5 weeks following arrows the end is both a relief and a shock. To have now slowed life to this pace and then suddenly...'There is a flight on Wed.' 'I am back to work the day after.' What a shock. What a horrible way thing to suddenly be faced with the lightning speed of reentry into life. Even for us we feel this after only 10 days. How will we be when this is all over? Tonight though is a fun night, full of camaraderie hanging out wet clothes and sleep! Sleep comes quickly to everyone.