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A story of a second Camino

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I'm very glad she published that.

Makes me feel better about the struggles I had on my second Camino. I think all the reading and research that I did didn't clue me in to my unrealistic expectations.

A large part of my struggle was letting go of those expectations. Before letting go, I felt like a failure for days. I didn't really comprehend that not everyone has a sweetness and light experience on the second Camino.

I had to accept that:

a. The Primitivo *wasn't* going to be easy for me,
b. I would have to ship my backpack every day in order to finish walking,
c. It was gonna hurt every day ( boy, did it ever),
d. I was gonna arrive around 1630 to 1730 at my destination every day that i went over 20km ( I took 2 short days and one rest day),
e. I wasn't going to have enough energy for anything else, except for the rest day in Lugo.

Like I said, sometimes I still feel like a failure, even though, with God's grace, I did finish on foot. I think I'm just glad to know that I wasn't alone in the struggle.
 
Let us pick up your suitcase once you arrive in Europe....
...and ship it to Santiago for storage. You pick it up once in Santiago. Service offered by Casa Ivar (we use DHL for transportation).
The author is a forum member. Good essay—really resonated with me, both in her struggle and resolution. (We walked together several days on CF in 2021).
 
Why do you feel a failure? You walked the whole way and did it with a lot of pain. That takes mighty effort, resolve and perseverance. To get up in the morning and know that every step you take for the next 20 kms will be in pain and yet still do it shows great strength of character and purpose.
If you managed to do it with some enjoyment of your day and good humour is bonus points. If you just gritted your teeth and got on with it, then that is still awesome.
Using support systems like sending baggage ahead and booking nice flights places to stay does not make the journey any less authentic it just makes it possible.
I am about to start the Kumano Kodo. It is a very holy pilgrimage and is twinned with the Camino de Santiago given you a dual pilgrimage certificate if you walk at least 100 to Santiago. On the KK it is the visiting of the 3 main temples that counts. The journey to get to them is immaterial. In ancient times an important person would be carried the whole way!
You did your Camino the best you could. Well done.
 
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