Santo Domingo de la Calzada 3 September 2021
Yesterday I walked in to Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Two years ago when I arrived I was limping with a bad blister on my right foot. I couldn’t believe that I had a blister as I’d been walking for almost 10 days and I thought I had dodged that particularly malady. I’m glad to say that I’m blister free but I am nursing something that feels like tendinitis in my right heel. So count me as one of the walking wounded.
Having this problem has frustrated me. It feels like a sign of weakness and I fall back into berating myself. I should have trained more. I should have checked in with my physician before going. I should have brought some ibuprofen. I should have asked for ice for my foot. I should have used my voltaren gel before this. What am I doing on Camino?
Here’s the rub (no pun intended)…I’ve heard scores of pilgrims say those same things to me and I would never chastise them. I would offer encouragement. Take your time. If you need a day off to recover take a cab or a bus to the next town. Use some of my gel to calm the pain. I’ll help you find a pharmacy.
I’ve been the recipient of that kind of grace. Puy in Estella walked me to the bus stop and helped me get a ticket. The next day in Los Arcos Oisu drove me to Logrono and helped my get to my hotel. Beautiful acts of kindness that helped me to recover from the heat exhaustion I was suffering from. Grace
So I have a prayer for this camino…
Help me to acknowledge my weakness with grace.
Buen Camino
One day I decided to go for a walk... 
It’s not a weakness, those are facts you can’t deny. You know what to expect and you hadle it when it turns up. You all look after each other and that’ s important to to push on as best you can. You are unique and special. Have faith in yourself my dear friend you’re going to be a winner.
Hi Michelle, Camino Linda here. I was thinking about you and wondering where you are on the Camino. I’m in Burgos and would love to catch up!
Email me at michellewalksthecamino@gmail.com