Sept 23- La Mesa.. the ass-kicker

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius

Today’s nine hour trek wasted no time, pitching upward the moment we left the albergue. The path to La Mesa carved its way through dense forest and along the rugged mountainside, pulling us higher with every step. The rain may have lifted, but in its place stood a new adversary: a trail as fierce as it was relentless, daring each of us to rise to the challenge.

Just when I thought the scenery couldn’t possibly be surpassed, today swept me away with some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen in Spain. The hike carried us higher and higher, until the world opened up in sweeping vistas untouched forests stretching to the horizon, emerald pastures glowing in the light, and wild horses grazing freely. It was pure wonder, the kind of beauty that leaves you standing still, just to take it all in.

You couldn’t help but feel the strain in your calves and legs with the steep climbs of today’s trails. Much of the path was rocky, still slick and damp from the rains of previous days, adding an extra layer of challenge to every step. Yet we were blessed with cool breezes and soft sunlight breaking through the clouds, small mercies that made the effort a little lighter.

The hike was long, and as with every stretch of the Camino, the mystery of what lay around each corner kept me moving forward. Sometimes it was a view that stole my breath, other times another climb that pushed me higher. Even when the trail leveled out, it was only for a moment..just long enough to gather strength before the path rose once more, leading us toward yet another unexpected challenge. Through it all, my friend Kathleen was right beside me, step for step, impressing me with her perseverance and reminding me that this journey is never walked alone.

My thoughts: Today was hard physically…exhausting in a way that tested every step. At times, all I could do was focus on the simple rhythm of one foot in front of the other, refusing to stop. With no cafés or stores along the way, there was nothing to distract us, just the raw climb up the mountainside, and the long descent that followed. Yet in that challenge came strength. I’m so proud of both myself and Kathleen; side by side, we never gave in, pressing forward no matter how steep the path. And still, even in the struggle, we found ourselves pausing to marvel at the beauty around us, humbled by the privilege of walking this trail. To think of the countless pilgrims who have hiked this same path before us is deeply moving..it reminds me that every step we take is part of something far greater than ourselves.