Becoming a Pilgrim

My wife and I are walking the Way of St. James. The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage with many routes ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. We are taking the popular 'French Way' which starts at Saint Jean Pied de Port, France and winds its 500 miles through northern Spain. The itinerary breaks down to about 15 miles a day in 6 weeks with a few days off for rest.

The many Camino Routes. Ours is highlighted in red.

The history of the Camino starts in 814 AD with the rediscovery of the tomb of the apostle St. James in Spain. A chapel was built on the site, then a church and later the cathedral which stands today. The site became a pilgrim destination and 200,000 pilgrims a year walk the Camino in its various routes. Wikipedia explains the routes and history of the Camino.

The Decision

My wife and I have casually discussed the Camino for years. Do we want to try it? Could we finish it? Could we get time off work to even start it? As the casual conversation became serious, the biggest question we had to answer for ourselves was, "Are we interested in going on the Camino or interested in the IDEA of going?" 

It is one thing to dream about a big trip. It is fun to imagine the good days and unique experiences and fall in love with an idea of an adventure. It is quite another thing to cope with the realities of lost work and wages, the cost of gear and airfare, the burden of carrying everything you need on your back, and the pain of blisters and sore muscles after weeks of walking. Most stop dreaming at the mention of those realities and with good reason. Against the tide of sound logic and sense, we decided to walk the Camino.

A Camino Marker

The Reason

Why would anyone subject themselves to such misery? The answers are as varied as those who walk the Camino. The first pilgrims walked to be nearer to Christ by paying homage to one of his apostles. Today, people of all faiths walk the Camino for their own reasons, both spiritual and personal. Some walk for weight loss and conditioning. Others walk to rid themselves of a bad habit or to form new ones. Some walk to unplug from the modern world and find a simpler path. Some just want more time with God. All are great reasons to walk, and I hope to get those benefits as well.  I have my own reasons to walk. 

One reason is I'm drawn to the Camino itself--an ancient path hewn on Roman trade routes by faithful pilgrims. As a Catholic, I have a world-wide Christian family with history and traditions stretching across thousands of years back to the days of Christ. The Camino allows me to follow in the footsteps of my Christian brothers and sisters from centuries past and to add my own steps to this history.

I've studied Christian history in books. I've visited amazing cathedrals and seen relics adored by millions. With the Camino, I can live this history. Granted, I have the benefits of modern, lightweight materials and technology, but I will still be a simple pilgrim. I will carry all my possessions. I will live daily with food bought and shelter found along the way. I will leave each mile behind using my own two feet. With this, I have the chance to be the Camino's history instead of seeing it through a picture or the words of another.

I have other personal reasons for walking, but to hear those you must either meet me on the Camino or buy me a beer. 

Pilgrims in the rain. Image from Ottsworld.com blog. She has a great travel blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

While explaining our trip to others, these are the most common questions I've answered.

Will you be traveling with a group?

No. My wife and I arranged the trip on our own and will be walking solo. The way is well marked and plenty of maps and guide books are available. 

What's the difference between a pilgrimage and a mission?

A mission usually involves helping someone else--building a school, providing medical needs, or other practical and spiritual help of another. A pilgrimage is a phsyical and personal journey, usually involving a sacrifice or hardship, toward a spiritual goal. Both have potential for great spiritual growth. 

Will you be blogging along the way?

No. I will be keeping a daily journal and taking pictures, but I will not keep up with a blog.  Other than updates to family and friends, I will be disconnected the entire trip. I want to experience the Camino first, then when I'm home with time to reflect I will post pictures and stories. 

Will you be camping?

No. Camping is generally not allowed on the Camino. Pilgrims stay in albergues, much like a youth hostel but reserved for pilgrims. Albergues can be anything from hotels to converted barns or church basements. Beds, bathrooms and shelter and sometimes a meal are provided for a small fee.  Also, many towns and cities have hotels and other rooms. 

Are you taking a camera/cellphone/laptop/other item?

For the sake of traveling light our only 'modern' item is our iPhone. We will limit the phone, internet and email usage. Otherwise, it is our camera, emergency phone, nightlight, alarm, translator, music, journal, maps, conversion calculator, etc. 

Do you speak the language?

Teresa is fluent in Spanish. Plus we have translators and dictionaries on our phones. 

Is this a Catholic only thing?

Catholics have been on the Camino for centuries, and everyone else is welcome, too. Everyone walks for their own reasons. 

Questions for You

The Camino makes a topic for interesting reflection. 

• If you had to limit your possessions to 20 lbs for six weeks, what would you keep? What could you leave? 

• For what would you walk 15 miles? Would you walk everyday for a month? 

• What would you do with six weeks away from jobs and responsibilities? 

• How much comfort and convenience are you willing to give up for a unique experience?

Buen Camino!

In a couple of months, I'll update my blog with pictures and reflections on the trip. Until then, please pray our feet carry us the whole way! As long as we avoid injury and illness, I'm sure we can handle the rest.