What Lies Beneath The Surface

The metaphor may not be obvious to all, in fact until I saw this sign, it hadn’t occurred to me either.

The place on the Manistee River Trail where this sign is located is at the top of a long and quite difficult, uphill over tree roots, rocks and sand, climb. It tested my mettle and that of my hiking companion Val. It was very much like a long forgotten logging road in Maine but with much more sand and terribly narrow. Sand makes each step a bit interesting. Again, another metaphor for life. Target heart rate achieved in record time.

This “camino” isn’t the one I hoped to be on, but it has proven to be an adventure nonetheless. I have kept my mind and heart open to all the possibilities. I have put aside the disappointment and embraced what has been put in front of me.

I have learned sleeping in a tent (again) is good for the soul and not so much for the hips. I have learned roasting my dinner over an open fire tastes “5 star” and the cook has a much better sense of humor than an uptight chef. I have learned at just what angle among the trees affords the best place to answer nature’s call, even in the bright light of day (beware the stinging nettle if at all possible!) I have learned (or have been reminded) most people are inherently good. I have learned I am able to overcome physical adversity, despite my “advanced” age, when I compete against myself. I have learned the beauty of the world is (still) there; I only have to slow my step, open my eyes and listen. I have learned my pack still contains too much stuff and can be significantly pared down and I wouldn’t miss it.

I had no doubt that I would be able to complete the Camino de Santiago, after all, it is just a walk, one foot in front of the other. What I wasn’t completely sure of was how I would handle the difficulties which I knew would occur. I wasn’t sure I had the stamina and yet, here was this sign at the top of yet another hill (who know Michigan was so hilly) while I waited for my heart to slow and my breathing to calm to gently remind me that what lies beneath my “surface” is a force to be reckoned with. I am my own geologic forces. What is revealed is simply beautiful.

Buen Camino Americano

“Holy” Sneakers 500