Camino del Norte Packing List

I’m 36 hours from departure for the Camino del Norte, and so this afternoon I gathered all the things to see what I have. This is my third Camino, so certain things are familiar (same backpack, sleeping bag, pillow, towel, etc.) But once again, “what to wear” was a question that needed some thought. InContinue reading “Camino del Norte Packing List”

Walking “the Whole” Camino

I saw another article this morning that referred to “the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile walk that stretches from the French border to the city of Santiago de Compostela.” The mistake was made by a reputable travel site, so I considered writing a polite letter to the editor, pointing out their error. But if IContinue reading “Walking “the Whole” Camino”

A Camino Moment: The Deer

It was a cool morning in mid-April, and we set out across the French countryside through a thick mist that was almost rain. Eric walked ahead with the Brothers Grim, peppering them with questions and practicing his French. They loved him. I lagged behind as we crossed a field of brilliant springtime green, so IContinue reading “A Camino Moment: The Deer”

Camino del Norte: To Plan or Not to Plan, That Is the Question

Three weeks from today, we’ll be on an airplane, flying (direct!) from Seattle to Paris. Which means that right about now, I’m on that teetering seesaw between over-planning for the Camino del Norte and promising not to over-plan. I’ve got all of the gear: I’ve spent hours stalking REI Garage bargains, buying all of theContinue reading “Camino del Norte: To Plan or Not to Plan, That Is the Question”

Book Cover Reveal!

Three years ago today, Eric and I woke before dawn, pulled on backpacks and hiking clothes that still felt awkward, and walked out of Le Puy, France, on what would be a 79-day, life-changing trip. And so it’s particularly fitting that today is the day I get to introduce you to the face of Walking toContinue reading “Book Cover Reveal!”

Camino Shoes: Take 4

I’ve reached that part of my Camino planning when I’m buying all the things and simultaneously promising that I’ll pack lighter this time. You’d think by now, prepping for my third visit to the Camino, I’d have everything I need. But a new hiking shirt (and matching Buff headband) seemed justified, and, well, those pantsContinue reading “Camino Shoes: Take 4”

Le Puy-En-Velay

On the Monday after Easter three years ago, Eric and I arrived in Paris after an overnight flight. We took a train to Lyon, and then another one to Le Puy-en-Velay, one of the oldest starting points of the Way of Saint James, according to the twelfth-century guide for pilgrims—considered one of the earliest travelContinue reading “Le Puy-En-Velay”

A Day Alone in Burgos

A couple of weeks ago (yeah, I’m behind with my writing) I did something I’d never done before. I went to a play by myself. And not just any play. I went to THE play. Hamilton. The story of how I got there is long and not very interesting. Short version: I have been geekingContinue reading “A Day Alone in Burgos”

The International Women

Happy International Women’s Day! I woke up this morning to discover that it’s International Women’s Day, the day when we honor the movement for women’s rights around the world and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women. Of course, for me there’s no more noteworthy achievement than a pilgrimage. And no groupContinue reading “The International Women”

The Train That Is Me

I had this whole other blog post planned for this week. (Actually, I had it planned for last week, too…) But a few days ago my Camino friend Roy Howard posted this quote from Mark Nepo on his Instagram page, and every word of it just nailed me: “Like most people I know, I struggleContinue reading “The Train That Is Me”