60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday: Lost on the Camino – Now What?

Hello to you listening in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Spain!

Coming to you from Whidbey Island, Washington this is Stories From Women Who Walk with 60 Seconds for Time Out Tuesday and your host, Diane Wyzga.

One morning on the Camino I called ahead to inquire about an available bed in an albergue I hoped to reach by the end of my day. The hospitelero who answered the phone asked, “How many pilgrims?” I realized he meant me; I was no tourist, I was a pilgrim. And like pilgrims who have gone before me I was learning to rely on the kindness of strangers and Camino magic when I most needed it.

What do I mean?  It was still quite dark when I set out on Sunday morning leaving town on the dirt path that led me to the Laguna – a place where witchcraft had been practiced since the 16th Century. I kept walking as the dense mist over the water obscured the path until I looked up to see that I was lost – in an industrial area – shuttered for the weekend – a few chained dogs who lunged and barked. I was quite lost. Now what?

And truly – out of nowhere appeared a man in dirty coveralls. I asked him “Donde esta la camino?” He vaguely waved toward a dirt path uttering some words in Spanish, one I recognized: fabricante (factory). After taking a few hesitant steps I turned back to thank him; but he was gone. Just gone. I kept walking another 30 minutes in the direction he had signaled until I found the factory, crawled under a chain link fence, tumbled down into a ditch, scrambled up the other side, crossed a 2-lane road and there it was: the small familiar blue and yellow sign with the scallop shell; I was back on the Camino.

Here’s the thing: when you feel like you are quite lost, hold it with both hands and trust. Trust that the kindness of strangers will show you the way.

You’re invited: “Come for the stories – stay for the magic!” Speaking of magic, I hope you’ll subscribe, share a nice shout out on your social media or podcast channel of choice, and join us next time! Remember to stop by the website, check out the Services, arrange a Discovery Call, and Opt In to stay current with Diane and Quarter Moon Story Arts and on LinkedIn.

Stories From Women Who Walk Production Team

Podcaster: Diane F Wyzga & Quarter Moon Story Arts

Music: Mer’s Waltz from Crossing the Waters by Steve Schuch & Night Heron Music

All content and image © 2019 to Present: for credit & attribution Quarter Moon Story Arts