Adjustments

Hard days. There will always be hard days, just like there will always be easy ones.

Walking El Camino has proven a bit more taxing than I thought it would be. I trained for about six weeks. I love hiking and prefer to be in nature than elsewhere. What could be hard about walking all day in the great outdoors?

Well, for one, backpacks are heavy, and even though I am traveling relatively light, a rain poncho, an iPad, and Chacos probably weigh approximately 2 1/2 pounds, and 2 liters of water, another 4 pounds, in case you are wondering. Every ounce counts when it’s on your back. My hips are hurting in places that I didn’t know existed.

If you are a backpack-carrying expert, I’m sure you have diagnosed what I’m doing wrong. Yes, I am watching Youtube videos to improve my packing skills and tightening straps, this way and that, to get just the right fit. It’s all about adjustments.

As we left Sarria this morning, a town that marks the last 100 km of El Camino, the most famous stretch of this trek, hundreds and hundreds of people, including many bicyclists, joined El Camino. Large groups change the walk’s quiet, peaceful, contemplative nature. I wasn’t expecting a crowded Camino. So, in addition to adjusting my backpack for a better fit, I am making an adjustment to adapt to changes on the Way, because it often goes differently than anticipated.

Adjustments help the backpack fit better, and make us a better fit for the unexpected.