Today Was a Good Day on the Camino

Today was a good day on the Camino.

After a full day of much-needed rest, Julie and I laced up our boots and headed back onto the trail for a relatively short 9+ mile walk.

When you’re walking the Camino with angry IT bands, “only nine miles” becomes a phrase you use with a completely straight face.

Yesterday was devoted to recovery. I iced my knees, used my metal water bottle as a makeshift foam roller, and faithfully completed my “please build my glute muscles before my knees fall off” exercises.

Apparently, the combination worked.

Today was the best I’ve felt in several days.

Now, before anyone gets too excited, let’s be clear: I wasn’t exactly gliding effortlessly down the trail like a gazelle. My gait still resembles something between a pirate with a peg leg and a shopping cart with a bad wheel. But compared to the past few days, I felt fantastic.

Even so, fellow pilgrims continue to notice that I’m struggling, especially on the downhill sections.

One of the unexpected blessings of the Camino has been the kindness of complete strangers.

Over the past several days, no fewer than half a dozen people have quietly taken me aside and asked if they could pray for me. People from different backgrounds, different countries, and different walks of life have shown genuine concern and compassion.

Today was no exception.

Traveling along our route was a ministry group of more than 25 people. Throughout the day, several members of the group stopped to pray for me.

I have to admit, it’s hard not to be touched by that.

The Camino is often described as a pilgrimage, and while I expected beautiful scenery and interesting conversations, I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming kindness of strangers.

Every day seems to bring another reminder that people are generally good.

And then came the miracle.

After arriving at our hotel, Julie and I checked in and discovered that what can only be described as an angel of the Lord was waiting near the reception desk.

She was a massage therapist.

Without hesitation, Julie and I both signed up.

Within fifteen minutes of arriving, I was stripped down and face down on a massage table.

I can only imagine what that poor woman thought when she began working on my legs.

At this point, my muscles probably felt like a collection of old climbing ropes that had been left out in the weather.

For fifty glorious minutes, she worked on muscles I didn’t even know I had.

The time flew by far too quickly.

When the massage ended, I briefly considered offering to pay her to follow me all the way to Santiago.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t one of the available package options.

Afterward, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner right on the hotel property. Good food, good company, and a body that felt significantly less angry than it had the day before.

I’ll call that a win.

Tomorrow brings another 11+ mile day on the Camino.

There will undoubtedly be more hills.

There will certainly be more conversations with fellow pilgrims.

There will probably be more Voltaren cream.

But tonight, I’m grateful.

Grateful for a body that carried me another nine miles.

Grateful for the prayers of strangers.

Grateful for the kindness we’ve encountered at every turn.

And especially grateful for massage therapists who answer the call to ministry in their own unique way.

For the first time in several days, I’m heading to bed feeling hopeful.

Buen Camino!