Day 3: Monistrol-d'Allier to Le Villeret d'Apchier

 Day: 3, Miles Today: 7.01, Miles To Date: 28.68

Warning: To those who think this post is overly dramatic or that I’m being too hard on myself, you should have seen it before the edits!

Today’s post is a hard one to write. I intend to share all the joys of the Camino, so I have to share the down times as well  

“ A contrite heart or spirit is when a person's inner man or will has been broken so they no longer run after the things they want, but surrender to the things that God wants.”

Today, the Camino wore down my will.  

As I planned this trip, Mary would say I should take a taxi or stay in a hotel room if my body tells me I need it. And I stubbornly claimed I wanted to be a “real” pilgrim, no taxis, no hotels. I would just suffer and push through. (ie, I’m in control and my pride is at stake.)

I planned a 14.7 miles hike for today. After 12 miles on day 1, I thought that seemed reasonable. And it would have been reasonable on the flat roads in Dallas. But today started with a 3,000 foot climb in the first 2 miles. That’s extreme. The remaining miles all had their own challenges as well And my gas tank was empty.

At 1pm I reached Saugues, the last real town before the Gite (hostel) where I had reservations and the halfway point. With 7 miles to go, and as slow as I was moving, I ran the real possibility of finishing in the dark. That’s not a good idea.

I made the decision to take a taxi for those last 7 miles. I feel like I cheated or quit. I thought about that for a long while. But I think it is part of humbling myself and giving up control. 

I’m learning that I need to stop with all my plans and details. I just need to wake up and put 1 foot in front of another. Sometimes I’ll succeed, sometimes I’ll grow through failure. Trust God and take it as it comes.

I hate this personal growth.   


A view down the valley to Monistrol-d’Allier. Had to hike all the way down there and all the way up out of the valley.



An impressive family on the Camino. They have 4 daughters with them. There are the older 2! With their packs. And Dad is pulling a cart with extra supplies!




Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 3, 2025 at 12:19 PM

    Thank you for sharing your honest truth. I’m sure it was a difficult decision, however, a wise one. MFB

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 3, 2025 at 12:26 PM

    Thank you for sharing your hard truth. I’m sure it was a difficult decision, however a wise one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 3, 2025 at 3:43 PM

    Michael, as long as you didn’t take “Uber Black,” I’m sure all will be forgiven. As you remember, Joseph got really mad at me in Paris for that. I’m proud and impressed you made that decision. I know that was hard for you. 😉

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousApril 3, 2025 at 5:42 PM

    "You are like a block of marble in the hands of the sculptor. The sculptor must chip, hew and smooth it to make it into a statue that is a work of art. God wishes to make us the living image of Himself. All we need to think of is to keep still in His hands while He works on us, and we can rest assured that the chisel will never strike the slightest blow that is not needed for His purposes and our sanctification; for, as St. Paul says, the will of God is your sanctification."

    Words of Fr. Jean Baptiste Saint-Jure much better than any of mine. Sending love and prayers. -YO

    ReplyDelete
  5. Paul VApril 4, 2025 at 7:37 AM

    Learning to let go of your plans is the first step. Praying for you brother.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jan D.April 4, 2025 at 10:27 AM

    Knowing you; this was as you wrote a very hard decision to take a taxi...but you didn't give up! It's important to know when you need to pause and take care of yourself for the long journey!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Paul TomasoApril 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM

    You can always take a taxi forward and one back the next day to where you left off. Take day off and rest your body. It’s ok to regroup and get your energy back. Especially since you have so many of us praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousApril 4, 2025 at 1:22 PM

    I say that got is blessed among women! Her is a trooper pushing the younger daughters things. And I can’t believe how big and heavy the young ladies backpacks look. You are walking in good company! Greg

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousApril 4, 2025 at 1:24 PM

    Should read that guy is blessed…and He is a trooper..

    ReplyDelete
  10. Benjamin RichardsApril 4, 2025 at 4:31 PM

    Thank you for sharing, Brother Michael. The intent and effort is what matters. We will continue to pray for you.

    ReplyDelete

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