Sunday, May 5, 2024

The morning arrives early. A determined sound of preparatory busyness shakes me into waking consciousness: snoring, bodies rising from bed, and packing bags. I do not sleep long or deeply. I am still high from crossing the Pyrenees yesterday. A handful of us cannot sleep, so we decide to use the time walking. Out early into the darkness on this second day, five beams of light were projected in front of us, illuminating the trail. We occupy the realm of the silent, deep, dark forest, moving through it and casting shaky shadows onto the foliage. The day warms with the early morning fingers of sunlight cutting through the trees. I spend this time in The Silver Hour, thankful for those around me as we walk through day two: Eddy and Paul, two cats who will become important trail mates over the upcoming days of pilgrimage. We walk close to 30 km into the small town of Zubiri where we will front the lineup for beds at the municipal Albergue. Shower, hand-wash laundry, some food, and a few post-walk pints. Sandwiches prepared for tomorrow’s day out on the trail. I already know this is one of the most meaningful things I have ever done!

Today’s distance walked: 28.20 km    |    Total distance walked: 60.91 km

“No tears. The Lord decided that it was time.” — from Iron Claw