Why the Camino?

The biggest questions that I get asked when I tell people that we are going on a Pilgrimage in Northern Spain are "How did you hear about it? and Why the Camino?".

The first time I even had a sense that there was such a long distance pilgrimage came after I saw a program on public television that chronicles the development of churches through Europe. It explained that Santiago became a focal point for Pilgrims and that some of the best Gothic architecture came along those paths that led the pilgrims to Santiago. These paths stretched through Europe and in the 9th century onwards, were highly trafficked by Catholics.

We have many relatives in Spain and on a previous trip we discussed the Camino and it sounded very interesting.

Having always wanted to do the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, the Camino sounded like a similar experience that combines our Catholic heritage, long distance walking, a true experience of Europe, and an opportunity to grow in our faith. It is also a chance for Caroline and me to spend time together before she moves into that part of her life where college and friends will take precedence over family. I call this her "Rite of Passage" to adulthood to steal a phrase. We went together on a mission trip to Honduras last summer and this may be the last time she and I can spend time together and share an experience that should be a highlight of our lives.

There are many Caminos to Santiago, but we have chosen to take the one that is most popular, the Camino Frances. This normally is begun in France at St. Jean Pied du Port, or over the mountains in Roncevalles, Spain. To start here is usually a 6 week trip and I could not afford to take that much time from work.

Our plan is to begin in Leon, Spain and walk over 250 miles to the sea at Finisterre. We will have three weeks to do this, including travel. It is quite an endeavor that seems more and more intimidating as time draws closer for us to leave. We will need to walk 15-20 miles each day to be able to complete the trip and have rest days in Santiago and Fistera.