Hannah:
Hello all! After months of planning, anticipation and excitement we have finally completed day 1 of the Camino! What a day it has been, so let’s get into it.
Last night we had so much to do, and as per usual, I was rushing around last minute trying to finish it all. My dad ended up going to bed at 1am, I went to bed at 2am, and we both got up around 6am. Not exactly the type of rest we want on the first day of the Camino. Right before we left I weighed my backpack that I carry my son in, and it weighed a total of 41 POUNDS. My son alone is 20, and my goal was no more than 30 but clearly I failed that one.
This year I am travelling with a suitcase since I can’t possibly carry my son + everything for him and I. There are shuttle services on the Camino to pick up your bags and drop them off at the next stop. Because we stayed at an Airbnb last night I had to push my gigantic suitcase 1.2km to an Albergue (hostel) that offers shuttle service. I was SWEATING before we even started the Camino.
Today was a simple 11.5km day (simple through the lens of the Camino), and relatively flat with only one short but very steep hill. We immediately met a couple from the US who gifted us a little prayer card and Camino charm. The Camino is the best place to meet the friendliest and most generous people.
My son has been a huge hit already, he has many fans. Everyone wants to say hello, and he just loves it. He smiles, giggles, waves and sometimes even holds their hand. Most people can’t believe we are doing this with my son, and honestly I can’t either sometimes haha.
Thankfully we finished around 12:30 today and had plenty of time to nap and relax. Walking on such little sleep exhausted us quickly so it’s been a relaxing afternoon and an early evening!
As always, we are grateful for your love and support and interest in what we are doing. Please continue praying for us, Ana we will be praying for you! God bless,
Buen Camino
P.S. In case you are wondering, I intentionally am not sharing my son’s name or photos of his face for his own privacy and online safety. But trust me, I wish y’all could see how dang cute he is!
Go you awesome thing!!! 👏👏👏
What a wonderful undertaking. Your son will have a blessed life with all the prayers that will be said for him on this pilgrimage Hannah.
I wish you calmness and strength to handle the challenges. Be gentle with yourself and enjoy the journey.
Ultéria! Buen Camino.
He must be “a chip off the old block”.
I envy you, as I find it a challenge just to get down to the dining room and back to my room. But we do get out on the street for one half hour walk.
Hoping to make it to Kamloops for the 60th anniversary celebration.