37 Comments
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Amy's avatar

I hope you enjoyed León. One of my biggest surprises was how busy I felt much of the time. You are so right that the days are full, even though walking is only part of them. All of the extras of dealing with food, laundry, reviewing the next stage and taking care of your body does take a lot. Even though you’ve done this a number of times, I can imagine that it still presents challenges. Hang in there!

Susan Nichols's avatar

It has been a Pluto read your journal. I have missed some days…. Living a pilgrims life is exhausting and busy. I am in Leon tonight and continue walking tomorrow. Buen Camino, Amy

Bridget Herrera's avatar

All the feels, but in the end it is the journey and the connections, I know. Loved how you summed up the relationships. You did so well, Amy. Be proud.

Amy's avatar

Thank you so much, Bridget. I’m a little late in acknowledging messages, but super proud of you and Steve for getting through your Camino. I know there were some challenges along the way, but I hope you feel a huge sense of satisfaction.

Mary Karen Vellines's avatar

Hooray! What an amazing journey and accomplishment! Congratulations! Have a great night’s sleep and a nice bottle of wine tonight.

Terry and Gloria Crawford's avatar

So great to have followed you on your walk! Congrats on finishing it and thank you for writing about it!

Amy's avatar

Thanks for following along Terry and Gloria. This is something that you should try someday. Especially you, Terry, since you have a passion for endurance challenges.

Mary R's avatar

Congratulations Amy! Quite an accomplishment with so many memories to reflect on. Your part of a special group

Of people who have hiked the Camino de Santiago! Enjoy your stay in Portugal and safe travels!

Amy's avatar

Thanks, Mary. Your photo albums from the two years you spent visiting national parks really inspired me to document my journey. Your photos were incredible. I will be consulting with you one of these days when I’m ready to visit some of the parks that you and Pat went to. Thanks for your support!

Audrey's avatar

You did it!!!

Barry DeCarli's avatar

Yay, Amy! Congratulations!

Jennifer & Dennis's avatar

Congrats on your major accomplishment. Now, it's time to give your feet a nice rest.

Amy's avatar

You are so right! I have been taking care of my feet and mostly resting them for a week now. I think they are starting to forgive me!

Lynne Stack's avatar

Yay Congratulations Amy !!!

Fran Rossi Szpylczyn's avatar

Ah, so anticlimatic for you also. But still a special moment in our lives, entering that space of completion. I wish you all good things. Take your time to unwind now, in a way, your journey has just begun.

Amy's avatar

Yes, the finish lacked power in the moment, but I think after the pilgrim mass and connecting with friends later in the day, as well as reflecting on the whole experience, has more than made up for what I didn’t experience in the early moments of finishing. I know you’re right that there is so much more to come. This experience will always stay with me.

Fran Rossi Szpylczyn's avatar

The mass and reconnections were great!

Dory Streett's avatar

When I woke up yesterday morning, I immediately thought that you were in Santiago having finished your walk, and probably in the cathedral at that very moment. I will definitely miss reading your notes everyday -- you have done such a wonderful job of documenting your journey for us (and for yourself). I've known others who have walked a Camino but reading your daily entries and watching the fun little one minute videos allowed me to share the experience in such a personal way. Thank you! And brava Amy!

Amy's avatar

It’s so nice that you were imagining me reaching the end as you got up on May 1. As you could see, the poles that you and Kristin gave me played a starring role in the finish! I hope to see you this summer and to chat with Dave about his experience. Thanks for following along.

Vanistan's avatar

Hooray for you and huge congratulations! It’s been a treat to follow along with the blog, and I’m so happy that they did the incense thing for you at mass! What a memory! Get some rest, and some fresh clothes, and get on home to plot your next grand adventure!

Amy's avatar

Sabena, I’m so glad that you were part of my journey. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other, but your posts make me remember all of the times that we spent together in our travels. What great experiences, memories and laughs we shared. One of these days, I am going to make a big road trip and will definitely connect with you.

Janice Mullin's avatar

Congratulations Amy!! What an accomplishment- wow!

Amy's avatar

Janice! Thanks for your support! Hope all is well with you and that we will connect at a reunion soon.

L Hart's avatar

You did it, Amy! Wow, what an incredible journey and accomplishment! Enjoy your rest and relaxation time. I’m looking forward to catch up more with you when you’re back.

Amy's avatar

I can’t thank you enough for your interest in my trip. It meant a lot to me that you went out of your way to learn about the Camino and to ask about my preparations. I’m so glad you were a part of my support team!

KathyS's avatar

Fantastic !!!!! Congratulations!!! And I echo other commentors of how wonderful it's been to follow your blog. Such an inspiring accomplishment which no doubt you will continue to tap for reflection and deep memories for years and years to come❤️

Amy's avatar

Thanks to you and Bill for following along. I know that you really understand the value of contemplation and intention. That was part of this trip. I’m eager to see you and Bill this summer.