Latest Headlines
- NorthEscambia.com Teams With NORAD To Track Santa Live
- House Ethics Releases Scathing Report On Matt Gaetz
- The Tate Showband Can Wrap Your Gifts Today
- Cause Of ‘Major’ Fire At Ascend Remains Under Investigation
- Letters To Santa From Byrneville Elementary Second Graders
- Fire Destroys Mobile Home Being Used For Storage Near McDavid
- Photos: Gingerbread House Day At Lipscomb Elementary
- Ernest Ward Middle Band And Chorus Perform At Winter Concert
- Century’s Small Town Christmas Parade Turns Out Small With Four Entries, No Santa
- Photos: Second Annual Cottage Hill Neighborhood Christmas Parade
Century Resident Hiking 500 Miles Across Spain; Read Her Journal
June 8, 2010
Century resident Terri Sanders is on a 500 mile hike across Spain this summer, and she is taking NorthEscambia.com readers along.
Terri, former owner of the Country Bumpkin and current purveyor of fudge at festivals and events across the area, calls it the “trip of a lifetime”.
As Terri hikes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, she will file dispatches from her journal and send pictures when possible for NorthEscambia.com as she hikes the Camino de Santiago — the Way of St. James — to the Atlantic Ocean.
She will introduce us to the sights and sounds along the way, the local customs and the daily struggles of the 500 hike. Terri made the seven hour flight to Europe on May 29 and started hiking on June 4. She will send us her journal entries as soon as possible after each day. There is no Internet access between towns, but she will send us her journal entries as she arrives in towns along the way that do have Internet access — so Terri’s journal entries on NorthEscambia.com may be delayed by a few days.
We will begin our trip with Terri Sanders today and post updates periodically over the next month. She plants to complete the trip by July 4.
Camino De Santiago
May 29 2010
Most people get at least one shot at a trip of a lifetime. Sad to say most of us never have the guts to throw caution to the wind and grab onto that chance. We let different things tie our hands behind our back, be it a job or finances, responsibilities that we may or may not be the only one that can handle.
Sometimes I think it is fear itself that hinders us from grabbing a hold of that chance, whatever it may be. A trip across America, a chance to go sky diving, take that dream vacation, or just take that job offer that would take you to your dream job. We say no so quickly sometimes without even considering what exactly it is we are saying no to. Our well decorated rut is our security, or maybe our sense of adventure was never allowed to develop as a child.
Whatever the reason, very few people really reach out and grab that once in a life time adventure. My once in a lifetime adventure was hiking the Appalachian Trail. I thought it was intriguing to be able to walk from Georgia to Maine and it was intriguing to say the least. One day about 6 weeks ago another chance of a lifetime fell into my lap.
I thought of all the reasons I didn’t need to take this trip, and all the reasons I wanted to take it. The wants won out and I started making plans to hike the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I knew very little about Spain and virtually no Spanish, but the guy I was going to be hiking with knew Spanish. He had hiked part of the AT with Jerry and I and just a chance email to me about him hiking this trip set things in motion for me to join him.
I booked my flight, practiced up on my phrase: “The rain in Spain falls gently on the Plain”. I have no idea what that phrase means if anything.
My flight left Pensacola this morning and I was on my way. The 7 hour flight over the Atlantic Ocean was my biggest concern. I guess I figured a crash on the ground would be easier than a crash on the water! Anyway the flight was uneventful and I landed in Madrid as planned.
The plan was to catch a bus from there to St.Jean Pied a Port where I would meet up with Lou to begin our hike. I was standing in the information line to see where to catch the bus when this guy walks up to me and says you look like a Camino hiker. You reckon the backpack gave me away?
It took about 5 minutes to find out that he was Walkabout and had hiked the AT in 2003 always just a few days ahead of me. He is from Gainesville, Florida and was meeting a friend of his that was also from Gainesville and was going to hike the Camino. His plans had changed and he was there to tell her he had been called back to work. Her name is Ronnie and he asked me if I would hang out until she got there and then the two of us could go to St. Jean together.
Some people would say that is where I made my first mistake, changing my plans, but I had figured in an extra day to meet up with Lou so everything seemed good. I could meet Ronnie grab a bus and we would be in St.Jean as I had planned. Then we find out her plane from Atlanta had been late leaving because of the weather. So Ed and I waited and walked from one end of the airport to the other several times.
To say he is ADD or obsessive compulsive would be an understatement! It then became obvious that I was not going to make the noon bus but could still make the later bus. Finally her plane landed and introductions were made all around. Ed made a hasty retreat to meet his flight, and Ronnie and I was off to get to the bus station. Or so I thought.
Turned out she had pre-bought a train ticket so off we went in search of the train depot. There ought to be a universal word for train, bus, plain, and taxi among a few other words….
We finally found the train station, took a number and stood in line for 30 minutes only to find out that we were in the line to buy tickets for the next day. Back to take another ticket and wait another thirty minutes. Finally at the ticket counter between the two of us we got the point across that we wanted to buy one ticket to the same place as her ticket.
I happened to mention the town. Things went downhill fast from there.
The ticket she had was for a town in Spain alright, but one nowhere near where she needed to go. We got two tickets to Pamploma and found out we had a 4 hour wait. We found a small café and could not read anything on the menu, but took a stab at something that sounded faintly like an American dish.
Ronnie ordered wine and I ordered water .She got grilled chicken with a salad and I got Stuffed Cannolli. Those trips to Olive Garden paid off. I thought they paid off but spell check didn’t have a spelling for this so we will go with how I spelled it.
When the bill came I found out it was cheaper to order wine instead of water. I won’t make that mistake again.
Since I had already saw all of the airport at least twice we went outside in search of a park to sit and wait. We weren’t lucky enough to find a park so we did the next best thing, put our packs on the ground against the building’s window, laid down and went to sleep. An hour later we woke up to the sounds of sirens, and figured we were going to be arrested for vagrancy, but we were not the target of the police.
Back inside we found an ice cream stand and enjoyed a ice cream, then went back to waiting for the train.
There are very few signs to point a visitor into the right direction ANYWHERE! We watched the screen for the announcement of our train and finally boarded. No sooner had we gotten seated than we found out the seats were reserved in this part of the train. We gathered our packs and went to another section, sat down, got comfortable and once again were routed from our seats.
We were beginning to think we would have to stand for the three hour ride, but finally a young girl took us to our seats. The scenery here reminds me of northern Texas, with only the houses setting it apart. The ride to Pamplona was 3 hours. It was just getting dark by the time we got to town.
Comments
24 Responses to “Century Resident Hiking 500 Miles Across Spain; Read Her Journal”
I want to do this but have a 14 month old daughter, I would love to bring her along. I am a single parent and think this experience would be great fo both of us. I have met some tat have done this and say there are hostels along the path. Do you find that true as well?
Way to go, Terri!!! How exciting a journey you are starting! There was mention of a book?? Need a proofreader? Pick me! Pick me!
Stay safe and enjoy the ride!! I’ll be following and thank you for ‘taking’ us with you!
Sparkles
Aunt Terri works very hard…and has saved to make this trip. Instead of buying a candy bar or cold drink at the Tom Thumb, she put her money aside to buy a plane ticket. We can all do ANYTHING if we set out minds to it. I cant take a hike in Spain right now because I have children, and they are my main priority…but u can bet that when Im older, I too will be enjoying the adventures in life. I am so proud of you Aunt Terri! This is a personal journey…and I pray you are getting what God wants you to get out there! Our prayers and support are with you! Love you!
Hi sweetie! Glad you made it there and are on your way! I had to laugh at your train station fiascos! I have been to lots of places where I didn’t speak a word of the language and the first word I always figure out it “Exit”. It helps a TON in train stations and subways.
That first picture of you, is that on the Camino, or is that in Maine from your AT hike? It sure it pretty!! I am looking forward to hearing more as you hike along, but in the meantime, please tell me you have a English/Spanish dictionary with you!! It will help in those tricky restaurant situations!! 
Have been thinking of you! Hope all is well.
I smell another book…..in the making!
I’m so jealous. I have too many responsibilites to do something like that now but hopefully that will not always be the case. Sounds like something I would like.
Good luck. I’m looking forward to your next entry.
You go girl…you are an amazing person. Looking forward to this journey with you. Those of us that can not do this kind of thing, are grateful for people like you, Terri. Please send us some good pictures and postings. I will keep you lifted up in my daily prayers. God is Good, he will help you achieve your goal.
Be Careful and we Love you.
Debbie and Family
okay..I will have a surprise when you get home
Tonight, I saw your people who were selling your fudge at the May Fest. Likable folks. God bless your journey. I hope you have “the time of your life.” Looking forward to your next journal entry.
thanks for all the positive comments and for those sticking up for my writings. It does take money for a plane ticket,and you can’t count the food expense as you would heat at home.Walking is cheap though. It is costing 9 euros for a bunk at night. I took my rainy day savings and said what the heck.do it now and not wait for a rainy day.I grateful Lou invited me to come along on this hike with him.It has already been a God thing and a history lesson to boot! There is a challenge to try to converse with someone who speaks no English and you speak no Spanish! continue to pray for us as we walk.Check out http://www.partnersworldwide.org for mmore info on Lou known to me as Africa which was his trail name on the appalachian Trail and we hiked together!
EMD – I agree about repressed anger. Could also be jealously because most people (money or not), do not have the get up and go to push themselves away from the computer or off of the couch and away from the TV.
Do something you enjoy and be grateful for the life god gave you. Be it trekking through Spain or walking around the block and actually smelling the roses. Life is about living.
So here is to Teri, someone who is not a wall flower and believes in adventure. Can’t wait to hear more from her.
CONGRATS ON SUCH A GREAT OPPORTUNITY. I WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO READING ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY. HAVE FUN. SOME OF YOU THAT HAVE MADE RUDE COMMENTS NEED TO STOP BEING JEALOUS AND WISH HER LUCK ON HER JOURNEY.
JW You stated my similar thoughts about some being so sensitive. I sense quite a bit of, perhaps, repressed anger here. Can’t we just be happy for Teri?
I don’t believe Terri meant to offend anyone on here. Quit being so sensitive. If you had an oppourtunity to do something outside the norm, wouldn’t you do it? Your responsibilities aren’t going anywhere. Just taking a break from them. Quit getting all bent out of shape for goodness sake.
wel said whitepunknotondope
May God be with you on this awesome journey. Have a great time. Love the journal.
“:Sad to say most of us never have the guts to throw caution to the wind and grab onto that chance.”
It takes more than guts Sandy. It takes money, and the freedom from responsibilities and obligations to others. We’re all happy you are free and have no such responsibilities, but don’t insult others by implying that others lack guts.
I agree with you punk. Must be nice to be able to afford to fly somewhere to go on a walk. You could walk here for free. But that doesn’t take guts.
Terri, this is awesome! I am so excited for you! You are amazing! I can’t wait to keep up with you and go on this journey with you through your writings. Much love!
I think this is just awesome. I will keep up with you through your articles. Have a fantastic time!
“:Sad to say most of us never have the guts to throw caution to the wind and grab onto that chance.”
It takes more than guts Sandy. It takes money, and the freedom from responsibilities and obligations to others. We’re all happy you are free and have no such responsibilities, but don’t insult others by implying that others lack guts.
Some of your folks at the The May Fest told me you were going to do this. I couldn’t believe it. Terry, I had no idea you were into anything like this. You go girl! Aren’t you somewhat close to my age? Wow! I want to know what you eat. lol. May God protect you, and use you to His Glory. I hope you have a great time. Awesome!
Glad to see you finally made it! Good luck with the approach trail! I hear its a doosey!
wow..that pic of you convinced me ( half-hearted ) that sad to say never would have made it. Darn my Congestive Heart Failure !!!!!!!!!!!!..I am there in spirit kiddo ! love ya oxoxo
Hey Teri,
Sandy here (from Arizona) I made my first Camino as far back as 2001 and now live in Logrono, the Camino goes right in front of my house. If you need anything at all or if Nigel and I can help you in anyway, do let us know.
Blessings and good weather,
Sandy and Nigel