Lessons from the Trail: Why I Didn’t Finish Day 2 of the Camino

Today I feel defeated. Our experience on the Camino on day two did not go as expected. Our trek from Portomarin to Palas de Rei was cut short, but the lessons learned were valuable.

We started our adventure on a beautiful crisp morning in Portomarin. As we stepped out of our hotel the atmosphere was alive with the energy of the many pilgrims heading out to start the day’s journey. It’s Easter holiday in Spain this week, and there are hundreds of high schoolers on school sponsored trips to the Camino. As we started the day, so did the students!

Ready to hit the trail, we said goodbye to this lovely town and began our journey.

Today’s landscape was a gorgeous mix of forests and lush fields bursting with wildflowers. From the very beginning we were faced with an uphill path which continued for about two miles. The path evened out for a bit before starting an uphill climb again.

At the onset of the walk we met a young woman who made this uphill trek enjoyable. She kept my mind off of the pain as we climbed for what seemed like an eternity.

Makaila from Belgium. She was my favorite moment of the day. A young and beautiful soul walking the Camino alone. I asked her why she was doing the Camino. She told me that after college, it was difficult to find a job and she was feeling like things weren’t working for her. She needed time alone to think about her life and future. She would often say to herself “I wish I could just walk.” She had read about this historical pilgrimage and she decided to walk the Camino. We talked about life in Belgium, and life in general. She walked with me and then moved on. We hope to see her again.

As the hours went by, my body started to give me some serious feedback. Blisters? Check. Muscle aches? Double check. And let’s not forget that nagging voice in my head saying, “Are you sure you can keep going?”

The look of pain on my face must have been obvious when two pilgrims we had met before stopped to see if I was okay. The doctor from Toledo offered a pain relief medication that worked wonders. He showed me the package sealed pills to assure me they were safe, and I didn’t hesitate to take one. It didn’t help.

In that moment, I realized that maybe stopping wasn’t a sign of weakness. The Camino is about more than just finishing each day; it’s about the journey itself. It’s about learning to listen to your body and acknowledging your limits.

After a while, I had a tough choice to make: should I push through the pain or listen to my body? I decided to sit down for a moment and take stock. I plopped myself on a rustic stone ledge and felt a mix of frustration and clarity wash over me.

As I sat there, we struck up conversations with other pilgrims who were also taking breaks. Three friends from New Zealand shared their story. Friends in their 60’s who have always wanted to walk the Camino were finally doing it, while their wives rested and vacationed from town to town. We shared our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs in this simple moment. I learned that everyone has their own unique path—literally and metaphorically.

We walked to a hostel and sat on the benches outside and ordered a cab. After four hours of a mostly uphill walk and only six miles accomplished, we were done for today. And although the disappointment had settled in, so had the thankfulness for the refuge and rest that lay ahead.

As we waited for the car to arrive, we met a couple from Australia. Katy and Tony were a funny pair. They were on the search for coffee when they learned the only place to get coffee was 2km away. Tony was about to have a melt down! They sat and talked. We enjoyed their company until they decided to find the coveted cup of brew. They couldn’t wait for their coffee, I was dreaming of a comfy bed.

Heading to our next destination, the town Palas de Rei, I was filled with gratitude. Not finishing Day 2 didn’t feel like a failure; it felt like a lesson in self-acceptance and kindness toward myself. The Camino teaches us to be resilient and patient, but it also reminds us that it’s perfectly okay to pause and breathe.

So, for anyone considering walking the Camino, keep this in mind: it’s not just about ticking off miles or reaching your destination. It’s about embracing the journey, no matter how it unfolds. Each step—whether forward or not—is part of a larger adventure that shapes who we are.

After sleeping for hours, we explored the town for a short time. Here are some highlights of this lovely historical place.

Tomorrow is another day. Buen Camino.