Day 12 - Melide to Salceda

Our Sunday 'day of rest' hike was 15.35 miles.  Melide, our starting point, is where the Camino Frances joins the Camino Primitivo that we have been walking.  Because of this, we saw many more fellow pilgrims today.

The Camino itself remained mostly rural and more level.  However, there were still hills to climb.

At this point, we have a fairly regular pattern.  We get up, pray and offer Mass, eat breakfast, and get on the road around 8-8:30.  Usually we make it to our next day's lodging after 7-8 hours of hiking.  The nightly routine is sink laundry and trying to stay awake through supper.  Evenings, you would guess correctly, are where the thought of getting another 15 miles in the next day is NOT inspiring.

This is where a pilgrimage like the Camino gives me support in the spiritual life.   The deed of the day is to be accomplished, whether it seems exciting or not.  The vocation (marriage, priesthood, etc.) and regular prayer don't just accidentally happen, but must be faithfully chosen on a daily basis.

A huge caveat is that none of this is possible simply by strength of personal will and decision.  Even the ability to do something challenging comes from God's gift.

So we have received the ability to walk the Way of St. James thus far, and we have received unexpected graces along the way.  The main point is to choose to walk each day with Jesus.

Tomorrow, God willing, we'll have the gift of walking 17.25 miles to finish our 'minor Camino' and then continue our lifelong Camino as time goes by.

181.75 miles down...17.25 to go!