We reached a serious detour after the eighth day of our Camino. Laurie has been struggling with her back and the heat. We tried to adjust by doing some shorter days. But the trigger for this change in plans was actually me.
I’ve had some unexplained swelling in my ankle since before we started this hike. No pain or other symptoms. And it seemed to be under control using compression socks and elevation after a day of walking. But after checking in via message with my VA doctor we opted to seek medical evaluation in the town of Logrono on the Camino. After a full day of navigating the medical system, I was evaluated at an urgent care facility where both the nurse and doctor confirmed it wasn’t something serious like a clot. It appears to be water retention, possibly brought on by overwork. The doctor prescribed a diuretic and some rest.
Getting old is not for sissies.
Every Camino has thrown us some kind of roadblock that we had to navigate. From sick days to shoe failures, we found workarounds. For this one we actually took public transit back to Bayonne, a French border town in Basque Country we have passed through before but never visited. We booked an Airbnb for five days with the idea we would both rest, recuperate, and do some light exercise. It’s been a good decision for both of us.
However, this does mean that we will not have time to complete the Camino before we need to leave Europe. The Schengen rules basically mean non-EU visitors can only stay on Continental Europe for 90 days out of 120 and we turn into Schengen pumpkins on October 13th. If all goes as planned, we will return to the Camino Saturday and complete another week to Burgos. That will leave us with about 500 of 800 kilometers left. We can return in the next few years and complete it.
Prayers and good wishes greatly appreciated. We plan to be back on the trail on Saturday.
Prayers on the way! Only the Lord knows why you have this detour this year, yet it’s always best for us to be within His plan (even though that sounds so trite).
While you’re in Bayonne, be sure to eat some authentic Gateau Basque and other Basque specialties.
God speed your healing, and also your return another time to finish this route of the Camino.
Fortunately recovery is going well. Not the Camino we planned but still an adventure.
We have taken advantage of the local cuisine here in Bayonne. The local market hall is small but has a great selection.
Thanks for your prayers!
Dennis