“…of all shelter, traveller, you’ll ever find on the road, even with those you know, the stranger’s love is best of all.” – David Whyte, Pilgrim

Walking the Camino is a great metaphor for life. You put one foot in front of the other, forced into presence to pay attention to the terrain you’re about to encounter without looking too far ahead.

Then there’s the road itself: sometimes rocky, at times paved, but the motion of walking doesn’t change. You just keep going, step by step.

There are people you travel with, the ones you pass, over and over, and countless strangers along the way.

It’s scenic, challenging, rewarding, and exhausting all at once.

There are ups and downs, but along the way, you find places to rest and refuel.

Eventually, you arrive at your home for the night, grateful for the refuge.

Once still, you get cleaned up, eat and rest, so you can do it all again tomorrow.

[Photo: Leaving Sarria on our way to Portomarín]