And Here We Go…

It all started when we watched the movie The Way. It’s the story of a father who decides to walk The Camino de Santiago after finding out that his son has died while on the hike. While walking The Camino, the father meets a cast of characters who each have their reasons for doing the pilgrimage. Their experience changes them all. After watching the movie, we began to imagine doing the pilgrimage. What would it take? Could we do it? Who could help us plan this adventure? We had many questions and began searching for answers.

After much research, we decided to focus on the route known as Camino Frances. It is the most popular path, is close to 500 miles, and from the pictures we’ve seen and videos we’ve watched, it’s beautiful. In addition, the Camino Frances begins in St. Jean Pied de Port, France, crosses the Pyrenees Mountains, goes through the Galician countryside and ends in Santiago de Compostela where St. James’s remains are said to be buried.

We will pass/visit/stay in cities, towns, villages, and hamlets along the way waiting for peregrinos (pilgrims) so residents can say, “Buen camino” (“Have a good walk”.) In addition, our path will be marked with the pilgrim symbol, a yellow seashell, so we do not lose our way. The weather may be hot or cold, sunny or rainy. Each day will be an adventure in and of itself. Nothing is predictable just like in life.

Jim, our friend Anna, and I will see more churches than we ever thought possible. We will be eating local foods that include a large variety of cheeses, fresh seafood, local produce and wine. We expect to meet people from all over the world, and hope to make new friends along the way to share our adventure. We will be forever changed.

However, the most important aspect of this journey is our reason for doing this pilgrimage. Each one of us has our reason. Mine is to honor my grandparent’s and parent’s lives for without their love, encouragement, and support I would not be who I am today. I know that as I walk this path, their essence will be with me, giving me strength when I’m weary, surrounding me with hope when I feel defeated, and helping me with levity when I get too serious.

I will be posting our adventure along the way and would love to have you join us via this blog. The adventure begins September 3, 2022. Will you join us?