We arrived in Spain filled with the anticipation and excitement of a dream nearly ten years in the making—a dream to walk the Way of St. James, the Camino de Santiago. Whether inspired by a movie, or by the physical challenge itself, we knew this journey would mean more than all our expectations. Were we ready to walk in the path of so many pilgrims before us? Did we properly train to walk 115 kilometers from Sarria to Santiago? We would soon learn what our minds and bodies could endure, and the lessons learned along the way will forever shape who we are and how we live our lives.
The Camino de Santiago is a spiritual and personal journey rooted in history spanning over a thousand years. Pilgrims from all over Europe walked through different routes to honor the remains of St. James the apostle, and patron saint of Spain. The Camino Frances (the French Path) is the most popular, but there are many other routes leading to Santiago de Compostela.
We began our last day on the Camino before sunrise. Today we walk 20 km (12 miles) to our final destination- Santiago de Compostela! I was nervous. My legs were in pain and my stomach was queasy, but the determination was strong. We would finish our journey.
This was the most challenging day for me. The long uphill climbs and steep descents tested my endurance. Still, the journey was filled with unexpected moments of beauty and joy that made the effort worthwhile.
The air was filled with the fresh, invigorating scent of eucalyptus. I hadn’t expected to find myself in a forest of towering eucalyptus trees—it felt like a gift for a weary traveler. I breathed it in deeply, savoring the moment, until the next hill appeared, reminding me that the trail’s challenges were far from over.
As the hours ticked by and the hills got steeper (or maybe I got slower), I began to resemble a weary turtle—sweaty, grumpy, and carrying too much on my back. Enter my husband, the unsung hero of the day. With zero fanfare and just the right amount of smugness, he took my backpack and added it to his own, transforming into a two-pack mule with the swagger of a Marvel character on pilgrimage. He powered up those hills like it was nothing, while I trudged behind him—grateful, yes, but also suspicious that he was secretly enjoying his moment of glory. Still, in that moment, I was reminded that love isn’t always flowers and romance—sometimes, it’s just someone hauling your stuff up a mountain without complaint.
We had met a few days before a beautiful Jewish family from New Jersey. Two daughters traveling with their 85 year old mother. Their mom had majored in medieval studies in college and her interest in the Camino was born in her 20’s. Today, over 60 years later she told her family that she wanted to do the Camino, and she wanted them to come with her.
We talked about family, and bonded over our shared upbringing in NJ. Shout out to the garden state! I was inspired by their mom’s resilience and dedication to follow her dream at the age of 85.
There was a different energy along the Camino today. Our hike through Galicia would end in just a few hours. What would it feel like to reach Santiago? What life-changing revelation would this journey unveil? Deep in thought my mind wandered to the sound of bagpipes. Bagpipes? Another Camino surprise was waiting just around the bend.
I’m not sure if this musician always plays along the Camino, but for all future pilgrims, I truly hope you get to experience this magical moment.
A word about the friendly pets along the Camino. We interacted with so many dogs and cats that were mostly friendly, and some a little territorial. This sweet little cat was one of my favorites.
Leaving behind the lush forests, quaint villages, and beautiful countryside we were now getting closer to a big city. The road was dotted with businesses and general traffic was now more significant as we reached the city limits. We could see Santiago in the distance. We were almost there!
Beyond tired at this point the mantra continued – “one foot in front of the other, I can do this.” Getting closer, with the city in view in the horizon, a few of the boys on a high school tour of the Camino began to walk barefoot. At first I thought they were just fooling around, being boys. Then I realized that this was part of their pilgrimage. I was in awe of their faith, since our final destination was still about 3 miles away. I hope they made it.
As you enter Santiago, spirits are high—we made it! Well… not quite. The modern outskirts of the city welcome you first, but the historic heart (and that iconic cathedral) is still two miles away. So, take a deep breath and keep on walking!
The closer we get to the historical center, the more excited we are. I’m struggling now with the pain in my legs and feet and each step is hard. I hear in the distance the cheers from pilgrims that have made it to the cathedral. Those distant cheers help to propel me forward.
Finally, 5 days of walking, 115 kilometers, and a lifetime of memories later, we are standing in a huge plaza in front of the most spectacular Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Sobbing, I embrace my husband. The emotions at that moment were unexpected. I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for being in this special place. We did it!
Looking around at all of the pilgrims exclaiming the same thing – we did it! We made it to Santiago de Compostela, and we all had our personal reasons for completing this pilgrimage.
For me, there was no grand revelation—just a deep sense of gratitude that I am exactly where I need to be.
I’m grateful and blessed to have a beautiful family. Daughters who are my everything, and of whom I am immensely proud. Grandchildren who fill my soul with happiness. Sons-in-law, for the men you are and the love and respect you show your family.
To my blended family—our children and grandchildren—you are such a blessing in my life.
To my siblings, my sister and brother – I can’t go a day without speaking to my sister, my confidante. I love you.
To my mom – thank you for always being my champion.
To my father – my hero. I feel you always.
To my nieces, aunts, uncle, and cousins – I adore you.
To my friends – you know who you are. You are my daily dose of sanity, laughter, and support.
And to my husband—my partner, best friend, the love of my life, and biggest fan. You lift me when I need it and challenge me when I need that too. You are my North Star and the person I want to grow old with. Maybe we’re already there, actually. I love you more than words.
The Camino brings people together. Complete strangers supporting each other, finding joy in each other’s presence. How is it possible that the world we live in is filled with hatred, when people from every place on earth can come together in a pilgrimage founded in love.
I left the Camino with a a renewed understanding of myself, and with a newfound hope. Hope for the future. Hope for this beautiful world we live in. Hope that love will always prevail.
Buen Camino.
Road Drifters 