Camino Gratitude Primitivo

Hiking the Camino today combined beauty and endurance. Beginning at 6:00 AM for a 32-km hike from Campiello to La Mesa, we walk under the silver moon glow before transitioning to a vibrant, multi-colored sunrise. The trail was alive with Spring, wildflowers lined the path in full bloom while birdsong accompanied every rhythmic step.

As we climbed the grassy mountain ridges, the path was full of grazing horses and cows, and incredible pilgrims along the way. The Camino brought together Germans, Swiss, Spaniards, Australians, and New Zealanders, of all ages. I was impressed by an 87-year-old Australian widow battling asthma. She has walked every Camino route and stops every 60 steps for a minute to catch her breath. To maintain that lovely, optimistic attitude over 220 miles is beautiful resilience. I also encountered Armando, a hardworking Spaniard running a small coffee and juice oasis at the highest peak, a welcomed spot to pause, breathe, and enjoy the first cup of the day.

The Fruits of the Camino

I’ve categorize the virtues blossoming between the pilgrims on the trail. These are the “fruits” of our daily Camino labor:

• Generosity: daily silent exchange of advice, bandages, fruit, and water.

• Gentleness: no raised voices, even at the end of exhausting days to wait for Alburgue check-in.

• Goodness: encouraging pilgrims to enjoy moments.

• Joy: shared wonder of mountain tops, flowers, and resillence.

• Kindness: simple, selfless act of sharing food, water and wisdom without expectation.

• Love: a quiet bond of respect through miles of struggle and heavy packs.

• Modesty: beautiful equality on the trail, where every pilgrim’s journey is respected.

• Patience: every steep climb, rainy mile, and blister is taken with grace and some tears.

• Peace: An internal stillness that settles into every rhythmic stride.

Buen Camino!

Blessed