Optimism Rules

So after my last insecure whine I learned some lessons about having faith in the universe?...myself?...the camino?  Well, okay, not myself...quite yet.

We arrived a day early in St. Jean Pied de Port (Camino base camp). We couldn't get a place in Bayonne and decided that we would just continue on to St. Jean for an extra day. After our first day, we decided that we would just “stroll” up to Orisson where we had a “coveted” reservation in two days. We thought “it’s only about five miles. We can just walk up and walk back down for practice.”

Well...five miles UPHILL is not quite the same as five miles through Portland streets.

As I struggled with each step, I imagined myself pleading with the host at Orisson to change our reservation. I imagined her carefully repeating the RULES to me. I imagined my shame in not following them. But I also entertained the REALITY that I probably would need to return to St. Jean and walk the difficult first leg of the Camino AGAIN.

Maybe it was the endorphins, but I found myself laughing at my own foolish hubris in thinking the walk up to Orisson was just a “stroll”.

Anyway...we arrived and our fantastic host easily and gracefully found us a space to lay our weary bodies. I was so shocked. A reservation at Orisson usually needs to be made months in advance. Then, when John asked for a bottom bunk, she found us a double bed instead!

Of course, I felt terrible about cancelling our reservations in St. Jean. Again, these are coveted things for pilgrims. I rehearsed my confession to her and even planned to offer to pay anyway. I imagined her scolding me and reminding me that other pilgrims need that space. But, our phone call was very pleasant and she completely understood.

All of my fears were completely unwarranted. Every fear I wasted on that rigorous stroll up the hill may as well have been spent swimming even deeper into the amazing landscape all around me. Why did I assume the worst? Why didn't I just imagine the best? So often, everything works out for the best! How much of my life force is wasted readying myself for stuff that never happens?

I did manage to capture a few perfect images of my walk though.