I Took the One Less Traveled

Annette Walker
Aug 27, 2017 · 4 min read

I shall be telling this with a sigh, Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, — and I, I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.” — Robert Frost

Day 7

Periodically on the Camino, you are given the option of choosing between two paths, both of which lead to your final destination. Leaving O’Cebreiro, we had such a choice. The guidebook description was, “The lower path is faster and easier, but one might miss a beautiful trail through the forest and happen upon islands in an ocean of clouds.” We chose the higher path and, as you can see, rarely does a description so accurately describe the scene.

The Camino continued to bring us many gifts as we made our way down the mountain into the foothills. We came upon vista after vista, each varied but equally beautiful.

Lest you think the Camino is all fun and games, let me share some the other opportunities pilgrims face on this pilgrimage. Walking 12 to 17 miles a day takes its toll. Blisters, burning feet, aching muscles and sore backs are common ailments that need care every day. You become aware of your physical limitations and best friends with mole skins, Advil and Aspercreme.

The pilgrim’s laundromat is another big challenge. At the end of the day, clothes are dusty and dirty, but there are no washers and dryers! The easiest way to take care of it is to get into the shower with your clothes. The routine goes something like this: Clean the clothes with shampoo or bar soap, take them off, drop them in the shower while you clean your body, and stomp on them like grapes. Rinse, ring out, hang them on any available device and try to get everything dry before the next morning. Socks are the most difficult! I have renewed respect for my grandmothers and mother who cared for our family without modern appliances.

Day 8

This morning we left Triacastela in the dark and were treated to a beautiful sunrise. It was an incredible day as we made our way to Sarria. However, news from home has weighed heavy on our hearts. So many friends are suffering from traumatic and serious health events, as well as the death of a friend’s brother. We had to ask ourselves: Is this more than normal or are we more aware because we don’t have the distractions of our usual routines? In any case, today we took time to turn our thoughts and prayers to these people who mean so much to us. Today, we walked for them.

The Camino also brought us more friends from Sweden, Brazil, Ireland, Spain, Philippines, Iowa, Detroit, and Georgia. On the way down the mountain, we gave one woman an ice pack for a knee injury. When we met up with them again at the bottom of the hill and before we could even reconnect, her husband went to the bar and paid for our beers! This all between people who could not understand each other’s language and relied on hand gestures and smiles.

Lessons of the day:

1) The moments we treasure the most are those that challenged us and pushed us to new heights.

2) The very best gifts that God gives us are the people in our lives. Those we walk with every day and those we sometimes happen upon. Keep them close.

I’ll end by sending a big shout out to my friend Ainsley in Lubbock. As you can see, my “Jesus, Texas and Tacos” t-shirt was a big hit, especially the Longhorns!

We have taken 321,586 steps on the Camino. Today is Sunday, and we are taking a day of rest. More to come in a few days.

Buen Camino! Annette

)

Annette Walker

Written by

Wife of 1, Mother of 6. Grandmother of 12. President of City of Hope Orange County and for at least a while pilgrim.

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