April 8, 2017
Today was so much better emotionally and physically. I began the day slowly because my Achilles’ tendon on my right foot was been killing me. But with some Advil and water it usually feels better after an hour of hiking.
I spent the first half of the day talking to myself— literally talking to myself haha! I talked as if I was in a therapy session. The night before one of my Camino family members, Sebastian, gave me some lovely insights to ponder throughout the day. I was messaging him night before about how lonely I was and he helped provide me some “thinking points” to discuss with myself while walking. I am forever grateful for his advice.
The weather has been incredible. Not a cloud in sight and not terribly cold. I wore shorts yesterday and I am paying for it today— the backs of my legs are so burnt! Damn you Oregon for making me so pasty white! So I had to wear my black leggings, thank god for the washer machine here because those things were STINKY after today. Haha!
(Everything is still so green even though we are in the desert.)
A quick Camino story for you–When I took my lunch break I was going to try to pay in coins, I just had some large bills and the lady wanted me to use coins but I was missing 5 cents, this guy next to me say “how much do you need?” I have never said a word to this guy and here he is offering me money. He then offers for me to join their table for lunch. I learn their names, Mateaus (goes by Mate) and Lucy. They would also be at my albergue in the evening. The Camino brought me these lovely people to help remind me that I am never truly alone, even if I am by myself.
I took the rest of the day easy, it was a shorter hike and pretty flat. So my body was happy.
(An old convent that used to house leopards is now an arch we walk under on the camino.)
OH AND I FIGURED OUT WHY MY RIGHT ACHILLES TENDON was hurting. My insoles were too big and I just needed to adjust them. It was like I had new feet. Well until my left foot started cramping haha. But alas the pain kept me present.
(There is a silver lining to being able to see the town you are going to. It’s so close but so far away!)
(The beautiful house I get to call home tonight. Even though I am, yet again, surrounded by people who snore 😡)
Today was still emotional but I am learning how to remain present and appreciate all that I do have, which is a lot. I have a wonderful family, who is there for me whenever I need them. My momma talked to me a lot yesterday and helped recenter my mind. My sister is so incredibly supportive and inspiring. My Dad is doing his own adventure, biking across the US, so that is inspiring as well. My friends, man oh man do I have the best friends. I just have so much to be grateful for. My health is great, no diseases or serious ailments. I have enough money, not starving. I have a nice car and a career I can easily return to.
I could go on, but my point is that I was able to really acknowledge all these things today! And now I am going to work on appreciating them.
-Ashley
El Camino Chronicles 
Desert hiking ❤
Just let the snoring remind you of me too!! 😉
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