27th May Preparing

 

A little over 7 years ago during my first sabbatical, I took my first tentative steps on what would be a 29 day and 800km walk from the town of St Jean Pierre de Port in France, all the way across Spain to Santiago de Compostella. 

This followed the Camino Frances, the most popular and well trodden of 20 + pilgrimage routes across Spain, to the supposed resting place for the bones of St James. Indeed the name of the city is derived from the translation of Santiago / St James whilst Compostella means field of stars

It was without question one of the best things I have ever done, an opportunity to step back from the routine of ministerial life and into the rhythm of the Camino. It was 33 days of responding, reacting and reflecting on where I was in my life both literally and metaphorically. 

But having reached my final destination at Santiago, and then continued walking for a further three days to Finisterre, (the end of the earth), I wondered if what I had accomplished had been an adventure fueled by rather too much adrenaline. 

There had been the nervous energy of it being the first time I had undertaken such a journey and the very unnecessary misconception that I / everyone needed to be up and out on the road as early as possible, sometimes before the sun had risen, in an attempt to ensure we managed to obtain a bed for the night at our next destination!

Then there was the rumour circulating on the Camino that the service in Santiago Cathedral involving the 'Botafumeiro', a giant thurible (incense burner) was only going to be taking part on a particular day, meaning that everyone tried to adjust their itinerary / pace to get there on that day.  And finally there was the fact that I have already booked a return flight back to the UK and didn't want to miss it. 

This time round, seven years older but not necessarily wiser, with that previous experience under my belt, the plan is to try to slow down as I walk towards Santiago via another pilgrimage route, the Camino Del Norte. This particular 820 km trail follows the northern coast of Spain in a westerly direction for most of its way. If I manage to keep the ocean on my right, then I should be okay. Only time will tell, and time is the thing I have lots off.