Tag: #Hiking

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.

Today’s walk from Arzúa to Rúa was a mix of peaceful paths and buzzing anticipation. The trail rolled through shaded woods, quiet villages, steep surprise hills, and the occasional roadside café tempting us with fresh orange juice and tortilla.

We started early to beat the heat—thankfully the morning air was still cool. Breakfast chatter was all about the unexpected warm-up, with temps pushing 80 later in the day. Not exactly what we packed for!

We met the Andersons from Ireland today. Mary and Rob were experiencing the Camino with their son Garry. Mary loves to garden, bake, and cook. We talked for a while on our walk and we instantly connected. We knew we would continue to see them on the way to Santiago, as we wished each other Buen Camino and separated for a bit.

After walking for two hours we came across a roadside cafe- A Granxa de Tato. A charming cafe with delicious coffee and, of course, freshly squeezed orange juice. Tato himself served us and we enjoyed chatting with him for a while. He was funny and kind, like most of the locals we’ve met along the Camino.

A short stop to refresh and restore the body is a perfect pick-me-up to keep going. There are many times when quitting creeps up on your mind, but that is not an option!

The landscape along the Camino is nothing short of breathtaking in its diversity and beauty. Each step brings a new scene—rolling hills carpeted in wildflowers, ancient trees stretching toward the sky, and quiet streams weaving through peaceful meadows. I find myself constantly pausing, drawn to capture the fleeting details of the journey: a delicate blossom catching the morning light, a curious animal peeking through the brush, or a sweeping vista that opens up like a painting.

Spring breathes life into everything around me. The earth feels freshly awakened, buzzing with color and sound. Birds call from the treetops, bees dance from flower to flower, and there’s a sense of renewal in the air that feels both peaceful and full of promise. In this season of rebirth, the Camino doesn’t just offer a physical path forward—it reflects an inner journey too, filled with hope, clarity, and the quiet joy of being present in nature’s embrace.

And with every step closer to Santiago, we see our newfound friends over and over again. Each time is a joyful reconnection with total strangers. We stopped for a bite to eat and saw the Andersons from Ireland. We also met two friends from Indonesia. They were so friendly and eager to join our conversation. We shared food, blister care, and exchanged numbers and emails. The success of completing one more day on the Camino is measured not just by miles, but by the people you meet.

The 18 kilometers passed quicker than expected. Legs are feeling it, but spirits are high. We’re just one day away from Santiago now, and it’s starting to feel real. Feet are sore, hearts are full. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Today I feel defeated. Our experience on the Camino on day two did not go as expected. Our trek from Portomarin to Palas de Rei was cut short, but the lessons learned were valuable.

We started our adventure on a beautiful crisp morning in Portomarin. As we stepped out of our hotel the atmosphere was alive with the energy of the many pilgrims heading out to start the day’s journey. It’s Easter holiday in Spain this week, and there are hundreds of high schoolers on school sponsored trips to the Camino. As we started the day, so did the students!

Ready to hit the trail, we said goodbye to this lovely town and began our journey.

Today’s landscape was a gorgeous mix of forests and lush fields bursting with wildflowers. From the very beginning we were faced with an uphill path which continued for about two miles. The path evened out for a bit before starting an uphill climb again.

At the onset of the walk we met a young woman who made this uphill trek enjoyable. She kept my mind off of the pain as we climbed for what seemed like an eternity.

Makaila from Belgium. She was my favorite moment of the day. A young and beautiful soul walking the Camino alone. I asked her why she was doing the Camino. She told me that after college, it was difficult to find a job and she was feeling like things weren’t working for her. She needed time alone to think about her life and future. She would often say to herself “I wish I could just walk.” She had read about this historical pilgrimage and she decided to walk the Camino. We talked about life in Belgium, and life in general. She walked with me and then moved on. We hope to see her again.

As the hours went by, my body started to give me some serious feedback. Blisters? Check. Muscle aches? Double check. And let’s not forget that nagging voice in my head saying, “Are you sure you can keep going?”

The look of pain on my face must have been obvious when two pilgrims we had met before stopped to see if I was okay. The doctor from Toledo offered a pain relief medication that worked wonders. He showed me the package sealed pills to assure me they were safe, and I didn’t hesitate to take one. It didn’t help.

In that moment, I realized that maybe stopping wasn’t a sign of weakness. The Camino is about more than just finishing each day; it’s about the journey itself. It’s about learning to listen to your body and acknowledging your limits.

After a while, I had a tough choice to make: should I push through the pain or listen to my body? I decided to sit down for a moment and take stock. I plopped myself on a rustic stone ledge and felt a mix of frustration and clarity wash over me.

As I sat there, we struck up conversations with other pilgrims who were also taking breaks. Three friends from New Zealand shared their story. Friends in their 60’s who have always wanted to walk the Camino were finally doing it, while their wives rested and vacationed from town to town. We shared our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs in this simple moment. I learned that everyone has their own unique path—literally and metaphorically.

We walked to a hostel and sat on the benches outside and ordered a cab. After four hours of a mostly uphill walk and only six miles accomplished, we were done for today. And although the disappointment had settled in, so had the thankfulness for the refuge and rest that lay ahead.

As we waited for the car to arrive, we met a couple from Australia. Katy and Tony were a funny pair. They were on the search for coffee when they learned the only place to get coffee was 2km away. Tony was about to have a melt down! They sat and talked. We enjoyed their company until they decided to find the coveted cup of brew. They couldn’t wait for their coffee, I was dreaming of a comfy bed.

Heading to our next destination, the town Palas de Rei, I was filled with gratitude. Not finishing Day 2 didn’t feel like a failure; it felt like a lesson in self-acceptance and kindness toward myself. The Camino teaches us to be resilient and patient, but it also reminds us that it’s perfectly okay to pause and breathe.

So, for anyone considering walking the Camino, keep this in mind: it’s not just about ticking off miles or reaching your destination. It’s about embracing the journey, no matter how it unfolds. Each step—whether forward or not—is part of a larger adventure that shapes who we are.

After sleeping for hours, we explored the town for a short time. Here are some highlights of this lovely historical place.

Tomorrow is another day. Buen Camino.