Packing for a Camino always feels like a mix of research and guessing. Will I need this, or will it just add extra weight to my pack? Will I miss it? Can I wait and get it in France/Spain if I need it? When I walked the Camino del Norte this spring, my packing listContinue reading “3 Camino del Norte Packing Essentials”
Category Archives: Frequently Asked Camino Questions
Why I Won’t Be Posting Updates From the Camino del Norte
For months now, I’ve been following the Facebook pages and Instagram feeds of pilgrims who are walking various portions of the Camino de Santiago. From them, I’ve gathered information about the weather, about where to stay, about what to expect. I’m grateful for them all. And yet, when I leave tomorrow morning, I won’t beContinue reading “Why I Won’t Be Posting Updates From the Camino del Norte”
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”
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”
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”
Why Walk to Finisterre?
When Eric and I approached Santiago de Compostela two years ago, the crowds of people around us grew by the day, as did their anticipation. Together we counted down “the last hundred” kilometers to Santiago, where the remains of Saint James waited for us in an enormous cathedral. On the morning of our arrival inContinue reading “Why Walk to Finisterre?”
Planes, Trains, and Spain: How to Get to the Camino de Santiago
Your pilgrimage begins as soon as you walk out your door, says a popular Camino mantra. Historically, that’s true. After all, the original pilgrims to Santiago didn’t have the choice to hop on a plane or train to get to a well-marked and collectively-accepted starting point. They just picked up their belongings and started walking.Continue reading “Planes, Trains, and Spain: How to Get to the Camino de Santiago”
My Summer Camino Packing List
“All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go…” Well, almost packed. I’ve been working intently on The Book all month (that’s a mild way of saying I’ve been up until 2 or 3 every night for at least two weeks), but yesterday I finally let it go, sending it off to a group ofContinue reading “My Summer Camino Packing List”
Camino Fears
Last week Laurel and I sat down to do some Camino planning. Mostly, we talked about the logistics: our packing lists, how we’re going to get to Pamplona, how far we wanted to walk on the first day, stuff like that. But we also ended up talking a lot about our Camino fears. We’re aContinue reading “Camino Fears”
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