I heard it on the trail….

We have been on lots of great hikes, in the last 5 months. We have increased our stamina, muscles and strength.  Some outstanding ones have been; Turkey Pen Gap ( awesome, but long), South Mountain (confusing trail markers; we had to actually cross a river to continue on the trail), Morrow Mountain (bad for Vic because of his back pain), King Mountain and Crowders (a local favorite).

We still talk about whether we have the chutzpah to walk 100 miles in 7 days. Oh yeah, and did I mention the first day is across the Pyrenees, from France into Spain! It is 14 miles, mostly uphill. We have been told by friends that have already walked the entire Camino (~500 miles)  that it is a 8 hour day of hiking, mostly uphill. But I read the 

Camino de Santiago Forum, which gives me great insight into issues and questions about walking the Camino. It also provides me with encouragement.

 “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”

~Einstein~

Along the way we have met some lovely people.People that inspire and encourage us. We also met a man who told us about seeing bears on the trail. A man with a HUGH knife. When I asked him why he needed such a big knife he said “you never know when you’ll need it”. Yikes!  On the trail, we always take our dog, Nestle. He LOVES hiking. He especially loves swimming in streams/rivers along the way.  Whenever we walk, he walks twice as far. Running ahead, then circling back, two or more times.  When he returns to the car, he is out cold for the ride home. The walks have really helped Vic and I get in better shape.

This is me about 15 pounds heavier! Hiking and weight watchers has helped that!!! Vic has also lost about 25 pounds over the last 5 months. He also  has started working out at the gym and watching what he eats.  Nestle is wondering why he has to work so hard and get in shape for a pilgrimage that he is NOT going on!

Vic and I are extremely grateful for what we have, and what we are trying to achieve. You can never take your health for granted. It can be snatched away in a heartbeat. Literally!. 

Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.

 -Thomas Jefferson

From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.

 -Catalan Proverb

And finally a quote that sums up our work so far..

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination. -Tommy Lasorda

May you have the energy and enthusiasm that our sweet Nestle has life!!