We rose at 5 am on our second day of walking. We had slept well, and woke without trouble, after having walked 13.2 miles our first day. On day two, we would walk 17.7 miles – far more than either of us have walked in one day ever.
It doesn’t really hit you, what this is, this walking, this journey. But there are moments, miracles, teachers, perfect timings all throughout the day.
I had a moment on day two as I was pulling my socks onto my feet around 6am. A moment of feeling deep reverence for my feet: for how they carried me, and will carry me. For how beautiful and strong they are. I was moved by their strength and sacrifice. So I said thank you to my feet–thank you for taking me through this journey. I said I hoped they would continue to feel okay and strong, understanding as well that if my feet were in pain, I wouldn’t blame them.
I know my feet are a part of me. But there is something special about honoring them for themselves. For their particular contribution to this walk and to my body. Of course, my whole body is a site of ceremony now. All the muscles and tissue, ligaments and bones are working to propel me toward a destination to the end of the earth. A pilgrimage.
This same day, Sammy and I met a barefoot pilgrim – a man named Dal who walks El Camino barefoot every year for the past three years. The last two years, he walked it twice in a row. At Santiago, he took a bus back to St Jean in the Pyrenees and started again. I couldn’t believe his feet, and his kindness. He was such a gentle and sweet soul, and so in tune with his body, mind and spirit. I can’t imagine walking these rocky roads, sweltering from the sun, without shoes. But he does. And he’s the happiest pilgrim I’ve met so far.
More to say on feet later. For now I leave you with an invitation to say a prayer of thank you to your feet. They will take you farther than you can imagine.
Dal’s footsteps
The hot red dirt in the afternoon 
An altar in the desert (meseta)
More…hot…red…dirt
Sofia, Dal & Yoon at la Cantina Casa de Los Dioses, run by David at the top of a hill in the heat
