Camino Day 13: Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Day: April 13th, 2022

Distance: 21km/ 13 miles

Time: 6 hours (8:30am-2:45)

That nyquil sleep hit different! I got a blissful, solid 8 hours in the albergue, which was just what I needed. Iris set off before me, so it was my first solo solo walking day.

I took advantage of the park right outside of the albergue. Found a bench to sit on & listened to one of my favorite 5 minute meditations before starting my walk.

I had a feeling today was going to be a good day! 13 has always been one of favorite numbers, and today was day 13 on the Camino. I just happened to pass a random 13 sign early on today.

Today was walking, thinking, presence. Quiet from my end. Listening to a Yoga Girl Daily podcast about witnessing thoughts. Listening to encouraging words from a friend. “You don’t need to know what you’re doing with your life because you’re living your life right now, as you take each stop on this awesome journey. Don’t put any pressure on yourself other than sorting that achilles out.” (Thanks, Jill <3)

Ate the classic tortilla for lunch & drank mint tea. Sat outside with some new friends.

The road stretched on after lunch, but since we we’ve been breaking up the longer stints (21km today instead of 30), it felt very manageable. Twas a lovely, chill and uneventful walk.

They day ended in the typical Camino fashion- heading to the nearest plaza, greeting familiar pilgrims with waves and smiles, sharing a meal with new friends, plenty of beer and wine, and a whole lot of laugher.