Day 2: Zubiri/Larrasoaña

Today's the day. It came so soon. Where I cried. Twice. I've never in my life been as physically worn down as I am as of today. My day started out fine.
Right into the walk, a girl originally from Hungary caught up to me, Anita. She is the eclectic type. She has a lip ring, used to be a bar tender, her latest job is a masseuse, she's vegetarian, and she's here on the Camino by herself.
We talked a lot (in English) mostly about her life. Eventually I ran out of questions and we just walked in silence. Which is good. I like being comfortable enough with someone to be in their company without feeling obligated to say anything.
I started the morning out with all the layers since it was chilly, but a sixth of the way in I was sweating bad. The lack of comfort was slowing me down.
"I'll catch up to you," I projected as I plopped my backpack on the ground.
I never saw her again today.

Today was one of those days where I was constantly adding and removing layers, and changing shoes. You can tell by my comparison pictures. Those happened in the same day.

A friend reminded me in an email (I received early this morning) to remember the journey. To be present in the journey, rather than anticipate the destination (thanks, Summer). I really held onto that today. I stopped and looked at the sheep for a few minutes. I peeked into the unmaintained cemetery. I even looked into the real estate around here (and by "looked" I mean took pictures of my favorite homes. They all have flowers. It's great). I took it slow to appreciate this moment I'll never get back.

Today was mostly forest. Not nearly as variated as yesterday's stretch. At one part there was a creepy tunnel of trees that reminded me of that scary scene in Snow White & the Seven Dwarves where the trees try to grab her. Aaaah! And lots of sweet woodsy smells pleased my nose. Freshly cut pine. Mmmm.

I felt very much in my element today.

So why the tears? I only walked 2.3km more than yesterday...?

Well, I got a little dizzy today and started hallucinating that my leg skin was shrinking before my very eyes. Maybe low blood sugar? I'm burning a lot of everything right now.

It was a little nerve wracking so I decided to stop in Zubiri (a small town) for some groceries: a loaf of bread, cheese, and an apple.
I still had another 5.7km before I reached my final destination of Larrasoaña where I'd find a place to stay for the night.
But that extra 5.7km after allowing my body to stop moving so much, was killer. So I sat on the ground twice. And I cried a little. And I was dreading arriving to town because that mean't finding a place to sleep. And I was just sad. And confused. And regretful. And the bees kept chasing me. So then I was nervous about getting stung.

And then. I made it. I finally made it Larrasoaña. And I got myself a bed in the cheapest municipal hostel. And the lady was so nice. And then she walked in on me crying as I wrote a Happy Father's Day text to my dad. And I really wish he was here.

I walk alone most of the time, and if anyone passes by we exchange "Buen Camino!"s. Sometime we'll make small talk for a few minutes. But sometimes it just ends with the greeting. I like walking alone. It's nice for think-time and for prayer-time for 8+ hours (today was 11 for me because I was "appreciating the journey"). I do miss friends and family, though. I miss being with people who I love deeply and they love me deeply back. I miss hugs. Hugs are so nice.

It's literally only been 2 days, but it feels like it's been 10.

I just ended the night having great conversations on religion with Camille (a school teacher) who is Catholic, Kurt (a Harvard grad/school teacher) whose religion is unknown), and a young Japanese man who's a Buddhist. I love being able to confidently and freely share my religion and faith with these strangers. It's unlike me.

I hope these conversations continue, because what they have to say inspires me a lot, too.