Faith in Camino’s first 31 kilometers
The 18 kilometers from Barbadello to Portomarín was long and, in parts, physically demanding. By the time we reached the final five kilometers, I could feel the toll on my body.
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The 18 kilometers from Barbadello to Portomarín was long and, in parts, physically demanding. By the time we reached the final five kilometers, I could feel the toll on my body.
Every journey begins with the first step. For us, our Camino de Santiago began in Sarria, Spain, with excitement, anticipation and perhaps a little apprehension. We knew we were not the youngest pilgrims on the road, and we knew that walking the Camino would test not only our legs but also our patience, endurance and faith.
Our first stage was deliberately short, just five kilometers. It was our way of acclimatizing ourselves to the rhythm of the Camino — walking, resting, drinking water, appreciating the scenery and simply getting used to being on our feet for hours. It felt manageable, almost easy.
The second stage, however, brought a much greater challenge.
The 18-kilometer walk from Barbadello to Portomarín was long and, in parts, physically demanding, particularly because of the distance. By the time we reached the final five kilometers, I could already feel the toll on my body. I became dehydrated and realized that I needed to slow down, drink more water and pay closer attention to my limits.
That difficult stretch reminded us how important companionship is on the Camino. Our friends stayed with me, offering encouragement and support when the walk became difficult.
Sometimes, on a pilgrimage, strength does not come from within. Another person’s presence, a word of encouragement and a helping hand can provide the strength needed to take the next step.
When we finally reached our hotel, I immediately took electrolytes and rested. The experience reinforced an important lesson. The Camino is not simply about pushing yourself forward; it is also about recognizing your limits and caring for the body that carries you.
That lesson became even more meaningful when one of our fellow pilgrims who invited us to join the Camino was unable to continue with us and had to be confined in a hospital in Madrid.
We were deeply saddened that she and her husband could not continue the journey. We pray for her immediate healing and hope that she will soon be well.
Her situation reminded us that preparation and attentiveness matter. The Camino can be physically demanding, and small precautions can make a significant difference.
Before we began, we were advised to put Vaseline on our feet to help prevent blisters. The first time was certainly strange; the sticky feeling under our feet took some getting used to, but by the second day, it had become part of our routine.Along the way, we are learning that preparation is not separate from the pilgrimage. It is part of how we care for ourselves and one another.
After three days, we had covered 31 kilometers from Sarria to Barbadello to Portomarín and onward to Gonzar. Yet Santiago de Compostela still feels a long way away. We still have 81 kilometers ahead of us.
But perhaps that is precisely what the Camino teaches us.
We do not have to finish the entire journey at once. We simply have to take the next step.
There will be tired legs, difficult climbs, unexpected challenges and moments when we wonder how much farther we can go. But we will continue together, with faith, gratitude and the support of friends.
There are still 81 kilometers before Santiago, but we intend to finish strong.
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