It’s interesting how things work out sometimes, 2 days ago I was hurting and questioning if my knees would hold up. Strange how incedious negative thoughts can be.
After the decent from Cruz de Ferro, I was in a bad way, I blogged about that. I woke up the day before yesterday and felt much better both physically and mentally.
We had 2 difficult days in front of us, the climb to O’Cebrieo an the descent into Tricastella.
The climb was long and hot but I found it to be a great motivation. The first part was quiet, we left before 0600 and we followed a couple rivers that soothed the way. Leighton and I walked together for a fair part of that stretch.
Somewhere in the middle, I apparently started to pull ahead and did the majority of the climb alone. We’d sent our packs ahead which has been a huge help by taking 16-18 lbs off my knees.
I came across a Spanish woman who was struggling, I offered to carry her pack to the top, an offer that she declined but appreciated. She made it. I saw her again today and she told me her foot was better.
As as we approached the summit, you could feel the change, the air was cooler and the clouds began to roll over the top of the mountain. I think my entire attitude began to change too.
Still stiff but but less painful my knees have improved. Less weight or a Camino miracle (not), who knows.
The descent today was more difficult but beautiful and I’m glad I did it. The Spanish cows have some of the smelliest crap but even that couldn’t deter me.
Looking forward to meeting the newbies in Sarria and to sharing this experience with them. Santiago is now 6 days out and that is bittersweet.
Life changing experience, I don’t know. An experience that I will never forget, absolutely. I plan to savor every remaining moment.