We are Family

A few of the people reading this blog (at a minimum Sace's mom Cass who likes to google earth our trek and check out the camino webcams) might have noticed that we have meaningfully upped our daily distances since Leon. Why the rush? Why did we all of the sudden decide to put the pedal to the medal? We realized after our stop in Leon that if we averaged 35 kms per a day we would be able to reach Finnisterra. Finnesterra is 90 km past Santiago and would take us all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, or the end of the world in ye olden times. That was never a goal or in the schedule when we originally planned this trip, however once we saw that it was possible we decided to go for it. We were feeling strong, injuries had healed and we wanted to give it a shot. 

This ended up being no bueno. The Camino taught us yet another lesson: While it's great to have goals you must still listen to your body. This is a mental and a physical challenge and one can not override the other. They are like levers; push one, the other pulls. We don't know if it was the increased distances, the overall wear and tear on our bodies from this crazy journey or something else entirely, however we broke down. Sace could barely walk in the morning and had new blisters. I have blisters under my old blisters and ankle injuries. We pulled the plug on Finnestera and took a rest day in Sarria. While our minds didn't like it, our bodies needed it. We now will cruise into Santiago with time to spare.

I have spent a lot of time recently thinking about my family. I am lucky in that I love and respect just about everyone in my family. We are a small group but get it done. My Aunt and Uncle and their spouses kick ass and take names, my cousins rock and I especially love my siblings. My sister Jenny is cool, smart, funny, pretty, loving, married to a great guy (and huge Springsteen fan) and most of all a great mom to my niece and nephew Kayleigh and Aaron who are continuing the tradition of dominating. She has three siblings that I have no blood relation to but we are brothers and sisters from another mother...and father. It's a very modern family.

Finally, and most importantly, my younger sister Kira. Without Kira we would not have been able to make this journey. She has been dog-sitting Jake Dog and the Goose. It's hard not being with them kids for so long, however it's a lot easier knowing they are in great hands. Sara always jokes that I have a bunch of best friends and that this is impossible. At the end of the day, my best friend always has been Kira. We have been through just about everything together. I am so lucky to have her in my life. Kira is loving and caring but can be tough when she needs to be. She is beautiful, smart, special, successful. She has owned her own business for 10 years. Her nickname is the Jedi because she can wave her hand and make shit happen. I am so proud of her. I love and care for Kira so much. Growing up, she was always Josh's sister. I have been in San Diego for 12 years, and there I am still known as Kira's brother. People call me Brother. What an honor.  

Camino Tip del Dia: Be prepared to deal with injuries while on the camino. Know exactly how you plan to handle blisters. Do not pop blisters and be prepared to deal with them when they burst. Know what you can get at the farmacias (eg the ibuprofen is great) and what you can't. Carry a small first aid kit. Pain medicine, Neosporin, alcohol wipes, etc. And if it wasn't clear above, listen to your body. 

Camino Random Observation del Dia: As I said in my last observation, Spain is struggling economically and the Camino is keeping hundreds of cities alive along the way. That is likely one of the reasons that the Spanish locals we see everyday are so nice to the people on the Camino, however I don't think it's the main reason. To me Spanish people seem to be very warm, jovial, friendly and open to strangers and even more so to each other. I really dig all of the buenos, holas, adios, etc that I am constantly exchanging with people on the street. Nice job Spaniards.

Camino Friend del Dia: Richard is an Englishman (originally via Istanbul). Sara has a new favorite Pilgrim and it's Richard. Richard is smart (brilliant actually), funny, caring, personable and a gadget geek; you cant miss him, he's the guy with the ipad and gps around his neck! He is on the Camino for many reasons: A recent health scare that led him to eat better. He loves walking and to date has lost over 60 pounds. A break-up from his true love (but third wife) and the recent reconciliation with his terminally ill brother. He has a lot on his plate and yet is sharing, caring and fun. He is also a very deep thinker. His words are always wise. I have told him that should his law career of 40+ years stall, he would be a great philosopher. Actually he already is one.

Camino Song del Dia: In honor of Dan and my Emory brothers, Rosalita by the Boss.