El Camino De Santiago: A Pilgrim’s Way

A 5-week 500-mile Hike From Southern France Across Northern Spain With Her Belongings On Her Back

Originally Posted at “Old Ones Dream” November 14, 2014.

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A Pilgrim’s Way

At the end of October, Tanne walked into Santiago de Compostela, Spain, after a 5-week 500-mile hike from southern France across northern Spain with her belongings on her back. She did this in recognition of her 70th year; and, no doubt, as expression of unspoken emotions. She returned home on November 3, and for 2 children, 2 grandchildren, 2 old dogs and 2 old cats, and the Old One; “… every breath we drew was hallelujah!”.

To me this is an heroic trek - a far land, a foreign language, foreign customs - and few creature comforts. For 50 years I have known that she is fearless, and I believe that the courage to want to take this walk, and the courage to carry it through, is more estimable than the physical requirements for walking 15 arduous miles every day for 35 days with your belongings on your back.

An Old One, she carried her Dream, and I am proud of her bravery and resoluteness. I hope she will write about it.

Friends Along the Way

            Tanne, and her friend and
             hiking companion, Lee.

            - Photos by Tom T Traywick

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