Gobsmacked might not be the best word but we liked the alliteration. What we’re trying express is that we’ve had moments of doubt that we’d make it this far, and yet here we are!

Today marks two weeks of walking. We’re nearly halfway to Santiago and are so grateful to get this far. Being greeted by a rainbow in the León exurbs expressed our amazement to reach this point in our Camino attempt.

About ten days ago, we arrived in Burgos and Jane had developed a painful heel that made walking difficult. We weren’t even one full week into the Camino and there we were, discussing if we’d already reached the end of our road.

Jane went to work, learning how to care for her irritated bursa. She wrapped it in kinesiology tape, bought new shoes and recommitted. We decided to take it one day at a time and see if we could make it to León.

Today posed some challenges for Jane as one of her walking sticks broke down mid-morning, causing a minor meltdown on Ms. Leonard’s part (she uses two sticks to help generate the 25% extra thrust that her 75% hamstring needs for full speed ahead). Lori spotted a stick for sale at a department store about an hour later, and that helped immensely.

The stick malfunction approaching León mirrors the shoe malfunction in reaching Burgos. Help in the nick of time. The Camino challenges and then the Camino provides.  You just have to have patience. It’s very difficult in the moment, and both of us are working on trust!

We are soon leaving the plains and starting into the mountains — longer days and hills upon hills ahead. We’ll continue to take it one day at a time, work on trust, and be grateful for the experience. But first, a full day of rest tomorrow!