I'm getting closer... less than a week left until I get to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. My long-awaited destination. Since Leòn, I've been out of the wilderness entirely, walking through extended residential communities, factories, small irrigated fields of produce destined for export, and rows of enormous greenhouses for controlled agriculture. Unable to really enjoy the surroundings as I had been in the desert and rugged terrain of the mountains, it¡s just a matter of getting there now.
My plan has always been to rest a few days in Mexico City and begin the return journey on a slightly different route. But looking at myself and assessing objectively, I'm not up for it... my boots are shot and my feet remind me of it daily.. I had the soles replaced way back in Parral, just past the half way point, and have had trouble with them ever since. Now they're completely worn through, as is the leather at the bend points. Since Zacatecas, I've been looking for replacement boots but have found nothing but rubbery, soft walking shoes that wouldn't last 100 miles, much less the 2,000 back to Denver... maybe there are some to be found in Mexico City, but as the largest city in the world, how long will it take me to search for them? How long will they last? How many times will I have to break in new soles?
And my backpack... a key rivet in the suspension snapped a month or so ago, and despite every attempt at a repair, the weight can be only be borne unevenly on two hips points and one shoulder, or two shoulder points and one hip, but not balanced. I've successfully ignored it, but three more months of constant fidgeting and shifting won't serve me well.
I'm woeful. I've been thinking all along that I'll pass through the cool places again and discover other ones for the rest of the winter... can't see it happening though. So, contemplating this for the last several hundred kilometers but only really deciding yesterday, when I arrive at Mexico City, I'll find a bus to take me back (trains are only for cargo here, no passengers). Alas, it will be over prematurely. The bus will take me back over the same general route, so I'll be able to review from a high-speed distance the land that I've been walking.
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8 comments:
Just happy to see you posting! Been a quiet time on the blogger front...which can be disconcerting! Glad to hear your ok.
Sorry to hear your news. I've long been an advocate of trail runners, but that mandates a replacement every 500 to 700 miles. Your trips don't seem to pass an REI store at those intervals.
Looking forward to your next post, wherever it may be.
Do not be disappointed in your decision, Ann. You have accomplished what you really wanted and achieved (in a few days) your destination. You haven't ever backtracked a pilgrimage before and yet have been extremely fulfilled. I hope you will see this trip in the same light and relish the differences between the walk and the bus trip. Looking forward to seeing you sooner than anticipated! --Karen
Karen is right Ann, you should not be disappointed with your decision. You have given many of us descriptions and accounts of your pilgrimages enough to help us dream. When I walked my 1500 km pèlerinage through France and Spain I wished it could go on forever, but all good experiences end at sometime, to give time in the future for other experiences and adventures.
Thank you again Ann, for allowing me to "tag along" virtually with you.
Michèle, Ottawa (ON) Canada
I agree with your buddies...relish in the victory that you did walk all way from here around the corner all way down there. You still are a trailblazer! You just need us to mail you a pair of boots! Look forward to getting together at Tony's and enjoy a nice glass of wine! I wonder what you have been eating...no borscht there!
I feel you have made a very sound decision. The bus trip will be interesting too. Take care.:)
Ann, You are a wise woman! You are making the right decision! Sending best wishes for a wonderful experience seeing the Tilma and in Guadalupe!
We're all crazy proud of you. Hope to see you in Cali someday soon
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