Parting thoughts.

Posted by VQT

I read a book - Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter.  In the book he talks about how comfortable our lives are - we live in climate controlled houses, we sit in comfy chairs, we have access to food 24/7 and drive almost everywhere.  Easter believes we should challenge ourselves with a physical goal that we could fail at achieving.  For the past 4 years the Camino has been my challenge. We hear of and have met many people that due to injuries or some other reasons are not able to complete their Camino.  Walking hundreds and hundreds of miles on all types of surfaces in various weather conditions is HARD.  It’s both physically and mentally challenging.  

The Camino has changed from when we walked in 2022.  In just 3 years there are more people, more trash on the path and stickers (What’s up with putting stickers everywhere?), e-bikes (IMO these should not be allowed on the Camino - they are too dangerous to share the path with the people walking.), food and lodging costs are higher (maybe 30 to 40%?) but services and more food options do seem to be more plentiful.  The people of Spain that run the cafe/bars and Albergues work very long hours day after day for most of the year (some places do close in the winter) with no break from the never ending Camino influx of people.  I wonder if the Camino has grown so big it’s at a tipping point?  But, then I think the Camino is over 1,200 years old (starting in the 9th Century) and has always been changing…The Knights Templar were needed to protect the pilgrims starting in the 12th Century and now you can walk without any fear of crime. However the Camino evolves the people of Spain deserve our thanks and respect for all they do to make the Camino an unforgettable experience.  

LP is the best Camino partner.  We meet many people walking solo and some tell us they wish they had a friend to walk the Camino with.  I’m lucky - I’ve had a friend for all 4 of my Camino walks. For now LP & I have no plans for another Camino.  (But, Stacie & Mindy are talking about walking the Portuguese Camino in 2027 and want us to join them.)

I’ll be thinking of a 2026 challenge but now I’m ready to be home with Pom Pom Buddy Sunshine.  I want to sit on my comfy sofa with the tv remote in my hand and a refrigerator full of food that I can access 24/7.  I’ve completed my 2025 challenge so I’m ready for comfort!

Buen Camino!  

Stacie, Tina, LP, VQT and Mindy facing the Cathedral of Santiago.  

Stickers.  Why?   

Pom Pom Buddy Sunshine.