April 17, 2013, Day 18, Burgos to Hornillos (21 km)

Outer Journey

A lovely walk out of Burgos. Sunny and warm. I pass through the towns of Tarjados and Rabelais and them climb to an altitude of 3,117 feet before descending into Hornillos.

Inner Journey

I walked alone again today. It is one of the down-sides of staying in a hotel…I get separated f from the other Pilgrims.  The Camino teaches tolerance, acceptance and forgiveness.The road can be rough and difficult and the weather changeable.  Walking with different Pilgrims from different cultures with different customs can be very a challenge. I can choose hang on to each righteous opinion or begin to let them go.  I am beginning to reflect on my level of tolerance and ability to forgive.  I am sensingvican improve.  It wouldn’t even be necessary to have tolerance and forgiveness if I didn’t have judgements, opinions and conclusions.

In particular, I am thinking of Alexa who is 13.  I can’t wait to see her and tell her that as that as I’ve been walking this vast stretch of land and wilderness and don’t know what is what will come my way each day, I can appreciate where she is at at age 13.  I want to let her know she is just perfect – smart, kind and beautiful.  I can’t wait to explain to her that when I get upset with her it is only because I am worried about her.  I think I know what is around the corner for her and I want to protect her.  But the truth is I don’t know what is around the her corner any more than I know what is around mine.  And I love her very much and I think she is perfect and her future is bright and beautiful.  I can finally begin to exhale and live unplanned and undefined.

Buen Camino!