Walking Across Italy

Today, we hiked 14 miles or 30,600 steps in 5 hours and 25 minutes. Our pace was slow because most of the route was a steep climb over rocky soil. In fact, we climbed over 2,200 vertical feet or the equivalent of 60 flights of stairs.

The day started with a wonderful breakfast at our bed & breakfast. The owner, Thierry, and his wife, Sylvia, made us feel at home and bid us goodbye at the end of their driveway. They were wonderful hosts and we would highly recommend their B&B.

Rather than talk about the grueling hike, I’d like to give you a flavor for the spirit of the Camino. When we met with the French Camino Society in Le Puy, they told us that there are several types of people who embark on this long trek. My son-in-law (Matt) tells me that I like to put people in boxes, so he will enjoy this next bit.

First, there are Athletic Enthusiast (like my companions and me) who enjoy the physical challenge of the terrain. They do it to challenge their body and improve their physique. (Yes, this is definitely us.)

The second type are the Retired Adventurers who now have a lot of time on their hands and want to use it. They enjoy exploring new frontiers, meeting new people, and experiencing foreign cultures. (Juan Pablo might fit here too, although he says that his physique would make Michelangelo’s David feel inadequate.)

The third type, and most prevalent, are the Rock Carriers. These folks have a personal burden that they need to remove from their life. They carry these psychological rocks and use the time along the Camino to work through them. Some people even carry real rocks with them and physically leave them along the way.

For example, we met a butcher who sold his shop to another guy and then was fired by the new owner. Or how about the young event planner who is looking to find a new career. Or the lady from Berlin who raised 4 children on her own and now wants some time to herself. Or the lady who has a suicidal daughter and doesn’t know how to cope. All of these folks are carrying heavy rocks and using the Camino to discard them.

I think you get the idea.

Tonight we are having dinner with another B&B owner. Hopefully, it will be just as nice as last night.