“Life is one big road with lots of signs

So when you riding through the ruts,
don’t complicate your mind.
Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy.
Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality.
Wake Up and Live!”

Bob Marley

One of my most favorite things along the Way was the signs. They ranged from the traditional stone structure with a shell and a yellow arrow to modern-day graffiti on curbs, fences, and pavement. The signs are works of art. Many are in process with each pilgrim contributing a rock, a flower, or a trinket to help build their ever changing composition. The signs, to me, are the Camino. Without them, I would have lost my Way.

It truly amazed me how well marked the road is. I guess it has to be since one is meandering through the Spanish countryside. It was always disappointing to come upon a highway, as it was so abrasive after walking in such quiet environments. The mind and body really do become uncomplicated, and the noise polllution grated on my nerves. I found it especially difficult to end the day as a group. To move from solitude and contemplation to friendly chatter so quickly was a tough transition. It wasn’t like a day on the slopes where I look forward to meeting up for apres-ski. I usually felt pretty raw and had a hard time with re-entry; I can only imagine how a newborn feels.

On only a few occasions were the sign hard to find and I/ we took a wrong turn for a bit. It’s okay to backtrack on the Camino. Sometimes along the Way you have to. When you’re “lost,” you’re usually not alone. There are a lot of other lost pilgrims out there too! We’re all on a similar journey: trying to reach the same destination in one piece, to wake up, and to live!!