June 22 Day 10 to Santiago de Compostela

With only 19 km to go (this pic is the last 1.5km), It was advised to arrive at the cathedral early as it can take some time to get the “compostela“ (certificate of completion of the pilgrimage), sometimes even the next day as it can be so busy. Take a ticket number system and wait to be called 🤷. Not that that’s my reason to do a Camino walk, but it’s nice to have the proof that I did one.

It’s still surreal to me that it has come to an end. The first couple days were wow this is gonna be a long trek and I don’t know if I can do it mentally, and then it turned into an “oh my gosh” I only have 2 days left. I can’t believe it’s going to end this soon.

I’ve met many interesting people. I’ve learnt of many reasons people walk a Camino. Some are personal and deep that resemble mine…to… I just need a break from life or spiritual reasons. Most are 55+, few under the age of 20. You would be surprised to know that about half the people I asked said they don’t have any reason to walk a Camino, they just like to walk.Patrick

It’s crazy how when I was out there walking by myself for hours and hours that I didn’t think about anything back at home. Yes of course my friends and families and things like that, but I didn’t think about work (except food pics) I didn’t think about finances. I didn’t think about the chores that need to happen and I didn’t think about what I need to do next month, not even golf 😎. Almost like I’m in a bubble and I’m just focussing on what’s inside the bubble. Me, and of course all things “Char”, and directional thoughts for the future.

Kind of deep I know, but it really is the accumulation of the past 10 days of solitude. Have I charted my future path, no. Have I set goals for the future, some. Will Char still be with me in the future, absolutely! In my heart/mind and with me physically (tattooed).

I feel I’ve accepted my future without Char’s in-body physical presence, and I know she’ll be with me in other ways. As I move forward with my life without Char, I know I’ll never forget her, as she was obviously a part of my life for over 39 years.

Do I have concrete future plans, no. But I feel I have some degree of direction to head towards. Or to put it another way, the compass dial isn’t spinning anymore, it’s bouncing between N & NW

Did I get what I wanted out of my Camino?, Honestly no, at least not 100%. Am I happy I did a Camino walk, yes 100%. It was a physical challenge as well as a mental one. It was one last dedicated time for me to spend a lot of alone time with Char and say goodbye for now my love. That may sound weird, but unless you’ve lost a soul mate, you might find it hard to relate. And I only know a couple of people that can relate to the sole mate statement.

I wasn’t expecting a miracle and have all my grief and pain go away. I just wanted to feel good about letting her go and moving on with my life.

I’ll wrap this up now by saying “Buen Camino” or “good way”