Monthly Archive: October 2025

When I read about the last 100km of the Camino’s Portuguese Way I noted the difficulty level was considered easy. I’m not really sure what scale was used to determine this, but it’s definitely not the same used for, say, cruise excursions where easy means you have to have a pulse.

Admittedly I did not train for hills, and living in Florida for the past 45 years where the only “hill” is a maybe a curb, left me unprepared. At one point toward the end of the day’s walk we turned a corner and were faced with a big hill. I must confess I literally said, “No f’ing way!” (Only I didn’t say f’ing.) I have to hand it to my fellow pilgrims though as one simply said, “We got this,” and started up that hill.

Needless to say, I found the experience challenging, but I’m glad I did it and I’m kind of proud too.

The Camino means different things to different people. For some, it’s a traditional religious pilgrimage, while for others it’s a spiritual journey or a “walking cure” that offers a holistic and therapeutic experience.

Noting the many memorials along the way, it’s obvious the Camino is also a healing from life events. It offers a way to process grief, loss, or major life transitions. Walking becomes a form of moving meditation that provides the space and time needed to heal.

Unplugging from modern life cannot be understated. It was wonderful to not hear or see any news for eight days while also knowing that for over a millennium, pilgrims have walked the same routes, creating a profound sense of connection to history.

For me, the reason for doing the Camino was very simple. I believe that when God puts something in your heart, you do it.

Thanks for reading.

Buen Camino.

If I had to pick a favorite part of my Camino experience, it would be the bagpipers (Doedelzak in German) who appear out of nowhere in the forest. You would hear this charming sound long before you came across the wonderful sight. Also, the many pop up “cafes” along the way just when you needed it. And when I say café, I use the word loosely. These were sometimes merely a trailer in the forest that some enterprising Spaniard turned into a haven for pilgrims to sit for as long as they wanted or needed – in the sun or the shade – and rest, have a refreshment, get a stamp, and connect with others.

The stamps were also a favorite of mine. To earn your Compostela (certificate) at the end of your Camino you must have at least two stamps from each city along the way. This has turned into a fun Easter-egg-hunt-type experience for pilgrims and a great tool for business folks. One of my first stamps was a “betty boop” type that looked like we may have gotten it at a strip joint (we got it at a bar). Everyone asked where we got it, and someone even took a picture of it.

The landscape and the animals were, of course, a highlight. I saw only two stray dogs, both of which were so healthy looking and friendly that I kept searching for the owner. Thankfully, the cats all seemed happy and well cared for too, and there was plenty of cat siesta-ing everywhere!

Hardly a favorite was that I lost no weight. Don’t get me wrong that wasn’t the purpose of the trip, but come on! Two hundred thousand steps and not even a pound?! It may have been the 3-4 cappuccinos per day, which were mostly made with creamy whole milk. And perhaps all the bread… Alright, fair enough.

Next up: Finale

I was admittedly a little nervous about my journey to Spain for what I dubbed the “Baby Camino.” (And, I had the feeling everyone else was a lot nervous.)

If you have never heard of the Camino, I ask that you google Camino de Santiago. It’s a famous pilgrimage that folks have been doing for over a millennium. I chose the simplest version of it – the last one hundred kilometers.

Two months before I left, with all my supplies ready, and many miles of training under my belt, I would mention the Camino to hubby, and he would inevitably say, “You’re serious about this?”

I wasn’t offended. I’m typically not very gung-ho about travel and haven’t ventured out alone in years. What’s more, the last time we traveled to Europe, I forgot to leave airplane mode on. We are still trying to figure out how we avoided thousands of dollars in cell phone fees.

During a visit last year, hubby’s cousin from Germany mentioned that his wife wanted to do the Camino. Hubby’s eyes immediately met mine because he knew this was something I’d been talking about for years. (And he has said more than once that he isn’t interested in going on vacation to walk. I get it. Not many are.)

I’m not really certain what put the Camino in my heart, but last December the dream was hatched to meet my two fellow pilgrims from Germany in Vigo, Spain at the end of September 2025, to walk to Santiago de Compostela.

To be continued…