A friend of The Amazing Susan who had been following my blog and FaceBook posting recently noticed that I hadn’t posted much in July and August. It’s not for the lack of things to say, but rather that I have… Continue reading

My pilgrimage continues into a sixth decade of living. Thanks to the extravagant love of The Amazing Susan (TAS) and the usual cast of characters (friends, family, neighbors, etc.), I felt well and duly celebrated. I was especially grateful for the… Continue reading

First, a Word About Generalizations Before I go any further, please know that I have a VERY low opinion about generalizations, stereotyping, defining people by national identity, and/or racism. Pilgrims don’t fit any single homogenous type. There is no prototypical person… Continue reading

Pilgrim Intentions When I chose to do the Camino Frances I was making a conscious decision to give distance to my normal routines and everyday life as a retiree in suburban America. Sounds rough, right? I am aware that much… Continue reading

On May 11th at 1:30 p.m. I walked into Santiago de Compostela, reached the Cathedral Square, saw, embraced, and heartily kissed the Amazing Susan. My walking Camino is complete. I walked the Camino Frances from the French Pyrenees to northwestern… Continue reading

May 8: Portomarin to Palas de Rei May 9: Palas de Rei to Arzua Distance on the Map: 33.4 miles Distance Actually Walked: 29.4 miles Distance by Taxi: 6.36 miles May 8 May 8 was a slog. I wasn’t feeling… Continue reading

May 7: Sarria to Portomarin Stage Distance: 13.79 miles. Actual Distance Hiked: 14.76 miles. It was a good day full of sunshine and cool breezes. My breathing has improved, and for the first time in more than a week, I… Continue reading

May 6: Triacastela to Sarria Distance: 11.1 miles. Distance Hiked: 12.05 miles. This was a relatively shorter and easier stage with fair skies and beautiful scenery. I coughed most of the way but did my best to see and savor… Continue reading

I last posted on May 1 about my journey to Cruz de Ferro. Since that time, I’ve continued to struggle with respiratory issues, fatigue, and a heel blister. Physically, this stretch of hiking has been harder due to these factors.… Continue reading

5/1: Rabinal del Camino to Ponferrada Distance: 20.2 miles. Hiked: 15.45 miles. Taxi: 4.75 miles. Pilgrim Lesson: I observed pilgrims at Cruz de Ferro and what many left there. Some walked on by without stopping – for these pilgrims, it’s… Continue reading