Somewhere Slowly

Apologies for the radio silence, this spring and summer has been busy! Hope you are all well and preparing for your caminos, or walking them, or reminiscing and enjoying planning the next one.

I mentioned that the fabulous Carol of Camino Confidence offered me the chance to lead small groups of women on the camino from Sarria to Santiago, which I was really looking forward to. I decided I would prepare by walking from Astorga to Sarria in time to meet the group, get some miles in my legs and get into the camino spirit. Instead, Carol suggested I could come with her and a small group of ladies on a walk from Santiago to Muxia and Finisterre, to spend some time to get to know each other and basically learn by doing. I thoroughly enjoy the Muxia-Finisterre loop, so of course I said yes!

I met up with the group on their first evening of walking and joined them in an albergue in a restored farm house. It was like meeting a group of friends, and that’s how it was for the rest of the walk – like we hadn’t seen each other for years and were just catching up. I can’t remember having laughed that much for ages! There were silly moments, serious moments, group hugs, tears, detours, surprising menu choices (looking at you, Amy!), sassy uphill moves (Cindy!) and unforgettable quips (yes, Sally, you!), and Carol’s infectious happy laughter while she took photos and videos, or sent emails and checked weather, maps and open cafés en route. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to a camino guide’s role and responsibilities, individual and group care and attention, and approach to problem solving in real time – and she did it all without breaking her stride.

So when we arrived back in Santiago after our walk to Muxia and then on to Finisterre, I no longer felt nervous about the prospect of guiding my first ever group on my own, I was excited! I went to Sarria, walked around, visited familiar and unfamiliar places to prepare for the ladies to arrive, and when they did, the same thing happened – eight ladies from three countries and two continents, arriving as strangers, quickly got to know each other and mixed and mingled.

Some were faster and stronger than others, some found it easier to embrace the slow, mindful stroll through the Spanish countryside. But they each found their own rhythm and their focus, and we wound our way slowly through gorgeous green Galicia from one comfortable accommodation to the next. In the evening we enjoyed some lovely meals together and chatted about the day’s walk, our experiences and highlights.

We visited an iron age hill fort with fantastic views, and a medieval castle; we braved the steep route down to the Portomarin river and rang the bell before climbing up the steps on the other side; we stopped at cafés for lunch, visited churches to light candles and reflect, and sometimes stopped for a minute just to take in the scenery. Conversation and laughter flowed from the first evening, and by the time we walked into Santiago, it felt like we had known each other for ages.

The photos, stories, and memories will stay with me – with us – for a long time, and I am so happy and thankful that I had the opportunity to join these fabulous ladies on their camino – it was a privilege and a pleasure. And to Carol for giving me the chance – thank you so much!

I am now booked in for two more guided tours for next year, maybe more … and I can’t wait! So looking forward to meeting more ladies and walk the camino with them to Santiago, or to Muxia and Finisterre, or who knows – my bright yellow backpack and I are ready for any adventure.

You can find Carol’s website and upcoming walks here: Camino Confidence🌻Buen camino!