Yes, Jesus tells us we must learn to read the signs of the times to make wise choices rooted in facing the truth in what we experience. It’s so easy to become blind to difficult truths we don’t want to face. Truths that burst our bubbles of control and complacency. I had to face a difficult truth the day I started the Camino.
It was a horrible day. Every bit of it. The walk was very painful on my legs and back. It got worse the higher I climbed. I kept thinking that I won’t make it over those Pyrenees. They are beautiful to look at but difficult in treading the endless uphill climb. Endless. I met a couple who asked me if I needed help and I thanked them and said I would make.
I met a father and his daughter at one of the impasses and the three of us chose the same path after walking over 9 hours. The last two hours were truly horrible. It was then, after walking 9 hours that I faced reality, a difficult one. I finally read the signs of the times…. And getting older.
I made the choice to take a bus to Pamplona the next morning and I discovered a company that transports backpacks to the next town you are heading for. In Pamplona, I arranged for the backpack to precede my journey. I walked very well with a tiny daypack, in the pouring rain, up one of the steepest inclines on the Camino: the “Alto de Perdon” or the “Mount of forgiveness and mercy.” I arrived at my hostal with my bag waiting for me. My attitude is much better
I did the unthinkable: I took a day off just after one day of walking!! I vowed NEVER to do such a thing, which seemed to be taking the easy way out. I promised some of you I wouldn’t be foolish, knowing deep down I would be stubborn and do the ENTIRE Camino. After all, I have done it before. Piece of cake.
When humility set in, I was able to “read the signs of the time” and decided to get on a bus and take a day off. My world of certainty and taking things for granted was shattered, as was my feelings about the Camino. I’m not sure where or how this Camino will turn out, whether I walk into Santiago or leave and come home early. I am open to reading the signs of the times.
I just finished praying in the Church of the Crucifixion in the town of Puente de Reina. A beautiful name for a church that has the most powerful depictions of the crucifixion I’ve ever seen. I will keep this image of ABSOLUTE LOVE in my heart as I continue.
Fr. Frank's Camino de Santiago 
I am so sorry to hear how horrible it was for you! I feel you! I am on my own
”Camino” – right here in the states. I am reading the times and the signs of my life…getting old. This is a hard pill to swallow. I remember in one of your sermons you said the younger people must increase while we (the elders) diminish. Problem is- that sounds terrible to me. I don’t want to be needy and weak – yet maybe that is God’s lesson to me. At any rate- be at peace with any piece of the Camino you can do- you are there and not in a chair!
God bless you
Becky Lutkus
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Praying for you Fr Frank!
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it is so hard to say I can’t. I failed to do that this week and fell off our deck after trying to move our chiminea. Dumb. Really dumb. But I failed to read the sign of the times. Hang in there Fr. Frank!! It’s not how you start. It’s all about how you finish. You’re in our prayers. Jerry Lutkus
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>Go with the flow. A bus is a good thing.
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You took the high road Fr. Frank. God is walking with you. We are praying for you. Take good care of yourself.
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This is the start of a different but beautiful Camino for you. Listen to and follow your heart. We are with you every step of the way.
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Don’t be too hard on yourself—even God took a day off to rest. 😉
Fr. Frank, you’re an inspiration to us all and I’m proud of you. Please don’t over exert yourself and enjoy the journey.
Peace.
Tom Kadzielawski
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thanks to you Tom and the others for your comments. Your words of prayer and encouragement are helping me in so many ways. All I can do us pray for and your families. I’m trying to remember the names.
The weather has been very wet the past two days. The lady who checked me in today said this had been the rainiest year in many , many years. The ground is beyond saturation as we pilgrims are discovering. We are walking and slipping on wet, red clay!!! But we go on.
Peace to you all.
frank
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HI Fr. Frank
No need to feel shame that you took a day and/or took the bus. Your finding agreement with your body that you are getting older!
Thanks for praying for us!
Mike Gibbs
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St.James will be happy to see you regardless of how you managed to get there. Take a breath and enjoy the beauty of the Spanish countryside. We are praying for you everyday and walking beside you. Pat and Alice
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First, Happy Belated Birthday (and sorry we missed it)! It sounds like this is going to be your most interesting Camino and I’ll be anxious to follow you and learn more when you return to Chicago. Whenever that may be. Be well.
Mark & Susan Matejka
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You will know. There cannot be a wrong path from where you are
Theresa
The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say at the moment when you need them.
Lk12:12
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Oh my goodness! I hear ever syllable of what you are saying. I have thought of doing the Camino again but am truly concerned about my ability to get through some of the more difficult treks. My experience like this happened between del Bierzo and La Faba. The next day I decided to take a cab from La Faba to Ocibrero because it was cold and pouring rain and the same type of climb.
Bless you, my friend, on this amazing journey. Your posts affect me very deeply.
Mary
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God promises to walk beside us, carrying us through every trial and tribulation we face. So when life throws challenges our way (as life often does) hold fast to our faith and trust knowing that Jesus will always be there to guide us and sustain us.
May God bless you and keep you safe on your travel. My He bring you safely home to your people at St. Teresa’s who love you dearly.
Your brother in Christ.
Shalom, Shalom
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Fr. Frank, don’t be so hard on yourself. You will have good days and bad. That’s how it goes, that’s life, right? Think about what you would say to all of us if you were at Sunday mass giving a sermon. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I’m certain you did a lot of soul searching and praying this day. There are reasons for everything. Just give it to God.
You are such an inspiration. We Love you, Christine & Charlie
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Father Frank, I’ve finally come to your blog! In your first post, you express much discouragement. But I see that there are many posts that follow, so clearly you’ve continued your road somehow! We’re all on a road; does it really matter that we don’t walk every mile of it on our own two feet? Isn’t your real road inside you? Keep your eyes and ears and heart open, and contemplate and pray over everything you see and hear at each stop along the way. Don’t worry about how you arrive there.
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