I recently hiked a portion of the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. These pilgrimage trails have existed for centuries, originating in hundreds of towns throughout Europe and spanning thousands of miles. They celebrate St John and his burial place at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Basilica in Spain.
I did not do this as a religious pilgrimage, although many do. But my father was an Episcopalian priest so I have to imagine he was aware of the Camino and would be proud of my attempt to take this on.
I had a self imposed limit of one week to accomplish the last 73 miles [117km] from Sarria to Santiago. Come to find out that this was ambitious. The first two days were 15 and 16 miles respectively, which was a lot. I took the next day off to recover, and built my mileage back up gradually. What an amazing landscape and range of people I saw and met. Incredible.
Many folks report spiritual awakenings from attempting this. I have to admit to having some myself. But I'm still sorting this out and will have to let you know. But suffice to say that I am changed, as well as tattooed. We'll see what life changes come from this.
I did not do this as a religious pilgrimage, although many do. But my father was an Episcopalian priest so I have to imagine he was aware of the Camino and would be proud of my attempt to take this on.
I had a self imposed limit of one week to accomplish the last 73 miles [117km] from Sarria to Santiago. Come to find out that this was ambitious. The first two days were 15 and 16 miles respectively, which was a lot. I took the next day off to recover, and built my mileage back up gradually. What an amazing landscape and range of people I saw and met. Incredible.
Many folks report spiritual awakenings from attempting this. I have to admit to having some myself. But I'm still sorting this out and will have to let you know. But suffice to say that I am changed, as well as tattooed. We'll see what life changes come from this.
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