I have been pondering my decision and as we are currently traveling in Europe have come across others that have walked the Camino. It is more prevalent here than in the US to have done it because of course it is much close. First I thought it might be a good idea to explain exactly what it is.
The Camino de Santiago, or “The Way of St. James,” is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, where tradition holds that the Apostle James is buried.
For over a thousand years, pilgrims have walked these paths for many different reasons.
Some walk for their faith.
Some walk to heal.
Some seek clarity after loss.
Others are celebrating a new chapter, searching for purpose, or simply answering a call they can’t quite explain.
The Camino doesn’t require a particular belief system. It simply asks you to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I love how each story is different.
I met a wonderful lady in Amsterdam who has done portions of the Camino and wants to complete the last 100km beginning just before Leon. We have connected and when I reach the portion she has not finished (or shortly before) then I will contact her and she will join the trek.
My journey begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France, crosses the Pyrenees into Spain, and continues west through some of the country’s most historic cities and countless small villages.
Along the way I’ll pass through places like:
- Burguete
- Pamplona
- Puente la Reina
- Logroño
- Burgos
- Carrión de los Condes
- León
- Astorga
- Ponferrada
- O Cebreiro
- Sarria
- Portomarín
- Palas de Rei
- Arzúa
The pilgrimage will conclude at the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela before I continue into Portugal for a time of reflection and rest.
Each stage will bring new terrain, new people, and undoubtedly new lessons.
I will be traveling with a full backpack, staying mostly at hostels with some private rooms and rest days built in. My expected completion date is September 17-19th.
My next posts will be more about the experiences with people, struggles, mindset, than a travel guide but this at least gives you all an idea of the logistics and path I will be on specifically.