I have been writing for a few years now. Actually I’ve been called a “Creative Writer” since I was in Junior High. I remember my English Teacher telling me I should be a writer at the wee age of 13 years old. Oh gosh no, I have plans to be a Veterinarian. That obviously never happened, actually far from it! But I have been writing and journaling ever since. Maybe she knew more about me, than I knew about myself. Imagine that?!

George and I took a respite from the trail. I asked him a simple question, so I thought. What have you liked about this route compared to the Portuguese Coastal Route? Oh boy, I opened Pandora’s Box! You can’t ask me to compare this to that. It’s like asking you to compare the Desert to an Oasis! Wow, I didn’t expect that. I was just trying to make conversation so I’ll share my thoughts regarding walking, not so much this or that, just putting one foot in front of the other.

First, a wonderful quote from one of my favorite philosophers, John Muir.

Hiking – “I don’t like either the word or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains – not hike! Do you know the origin of that word ‘saunter?’ It’s a beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, ‘A la sainte terre,’ ‘To the Holy Land.’ And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”

John Muir was onto something, way before I was even born. He understood that when we allow ourselves to saunter, we are opening ourselves to more than we ever thought possible. This walk through the “Holy Land” is truly whatever we can open our hearts to. It’s not getting to a predetermined destination, but rather an opener to what the Lord wants us to hear, see and feel. He has allowed me to witness this walk in different eyes. Maybe that’s what He saw in me years ago. When I was sitting at my 8th Grade desk writing for an audience of one. All I needed to do was place one foot in front of the other, for just a little inspiration.

So now, I can say that yes, the Portuguese Coastal Route and the Frances are two different paths in life. The day to day saunter is the same, the scenery changes but in the end, it is all what you are open to experience. And maybe, just maybe, it depends on how open your heart is?

George and I had a nice relaxing time in Fisterra. It was unexpected in the fact that neither of us have experienced this place together. The fresh air, the warm sun, the blue skies and the ocean breeze. Yet after spending a day or two here, honestly, we both yearned for the trail. Let me say that again! Me and George both, wanted to return to the past routine of placing one foot in front of the other. To hear the voice of the Lord, to see what He has created and to feel His presence. And isn’t that the reason why I keep going back. Again, again and again.

So this duo will hop back on the path and continue onward, towards Santiago. One foot in front of the other, and maybe, just maybe, I will share my experiences and thoughts about the Portuguese Route versus the Frances? Or maybe I’ll just keep that to myself. God only knows. He will keep searching my heart, as I seek His. For that is all I truly desire & need.