The Journey Began in the year 2000

This first blog includes journal entries from my first attempt at The Camino de Santiago de Compostela. I had become interested in The Camino when I saw Shirley McLean discussing her book on Oprah in 2000. I couldn't get my mind off of it, and finally in 2003 I was able to set foot on The Camino:

May 5, 2003 (Bordeaux, France)
A little nervous about the Camino, but I know I will be fine.

May 7, 2003 (St. Jean Pied de Port, France)
Well, I got here alive! Pretty easy, since all I had to do was follow the huge group of backpackers! I got checked in (pilgrim's passport), and found a room. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get to Roncesvalles tomorrow :) I'm pretty sure it will be well marked with seashells and yellow arrows. I'm planning to leave bright and early @ 6:30am. That way I should get there around 2:30 or so. I am quite amazed at the number of people that are doing this walk! Feeling a little out of place, because I am so young. It seems like people are fascinated that a girl my age would do this on my own. Actually, I'm wondering the same thing! I have a LONG walk tomorrow...and every day after for the next month! I am going to see if I can get some food or something and take a little walk around town before settling in for the night. Hope everything goes ok tomorrow. This is going to be an AMAZING experience!

May 8,2003 (Roncesvalles, Spain)
Oh My!! Well, I started out this morning @ 7. It was NOT an eight hour walk. It was a 9 1/2 hour HIKE! I DID IT! I know now though that I will not be able to do 35km in one day. Today was 27, and it was really tough! I will start walking every day, but might take the bus or taxi part way. I've been meeting some nice people though. I attended the Pilgrim's Blessing Mass tonight, and ate dinner with some nice women from the States. Looking forward to sleep :)

May 9, 2003 (Zubiri, Spain)
Well, always a new story. I started out walking with Pat, Jay and a girl from Austria. We stopped for breakfast and then continued on our trek. Today was better, hiking wise, but after about 14km my stomach started acting up. Everyone tried to help find someway to get me to Zubiri, as I could not walk with a bad stomach. 2 men eventually helped me hitch a ride, and I was there in 10 minutes! I slept for a couple of hours until people started to arrive. I am very impressed with everyone's kind hearts. I hope I will be able to walk the whole way tomorrow.

May 10, 2003 (Pamplona, Spain)
Well, I started out a little late this morning, as I did not feel very good. I walked 5 or 6km with Daniella from Italy, but she had 2 backpacks, and couldn't go as fast as me, so I said goodbye and went on my way. It was a good walk. I could have made it a lot earlier, but that's life. When I arrived here, the Refugio was full, but this Brazilian guy helped me convince the lady to let me sleep on the floor. I had a cold shower, and ate a little, but will read and rest, then get up super early to walk on to Puente La Reina. This is definitely an experience of a lifetime. I am surprised @ how good I feel, considering the amount I've done.

May 11, 2003 (Puente La Reina, Spain)
Today was my day of rest. Daniella and I met these 2 men yesterday (Jose and Angel), and today they drove us to Puente La Reina. From now on though, I am going to get up early and keep a fast pace. Daniella is too slow.

May 12, 2003 (Estella, Spain)
Today was good, but I went too fast. My left ankle is really swollen, and I can feel my right acting up as well. I now have 5 blisters that are being treated with this stuff that's BRIGHT red. I hope they won't get infected. I am fed up with Daniella, but met a nice girl Julie, so that's nice. I am going to walk on my own from now on!!!

May 13, 2003 (Los Arcos, Spain)
What shit! I have tendinitis in my Achilles heel. I couldn't walk today. I walked for a 1/2 an hour, but was in tears from the pain, so I turned back and got a ride here. I saw the doctor, and he told me I should only walk when I have to. I have to massage with this cream, take pills 3 times a day and drink 2 or more litres of water a day. So, we will see how it goes. I have realized the purpose of this trek for myself though. You do what you need to do, as it is your own journey, and don't let anyone strain you to do something you don't feel is right. Everyone has their own Camino, and maybe this is part of mine. I've realized I don't need to feel guilty about not walking when I know walking would hurt me more.