There is nothing more iconic than the Camino Shell. They are used on signs and sidewalks to mark the way to Santiago along numerous routes, and actual shells are worn by pilgrims almost ubiquitously. But the origin story of this symbolic scallop is somewhat mysterious. Santiago Since the Camino is literally the way of St. … Continue reading The Camino Shell
You have to bring your own towels on the Camino - and since a towel is about the most massively useful thing a Camino peregrino can have, it had better be a good one! Most household towels are made of soft fluffy cotton - comfy and highly absorbent, but hard to dry, and heavy when … Continue reading Microfiber Towel
I use two washcloths a day. Yep – and I hate reusing them, they never smell or feel clean the second time. The Primitivo will take my Cuz and me a little over two weeks – that’d be a lot of washcloths! Well – of course I won’t be filling my pack with them, I’ll … Continue reading Self-Cleaning Washcloth?
Unlike my awesome Cuz, I am not a Catholic. In fact, I’m not even a Christian. Yes – I do realize the pilgrimage to Santiago is to the Catholic cathedral in Santiago! Yes, I will be attending a Catholic pilgrim’s mass, and getting my Compestela for spiritual reasons. Now, there are as many different deist … Continue reading A Deist on “The Way”
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come." (Hebrews 13:14) A pilgrimage is different than a vacation, hiking excursion, or a road trip. It has a lot to do with motivations and expectations, as well as the experience of the journey itself. Pilgrim or Tourist? Shortly after … Continue reading What is a Pilgrimage?
What's 4k Between Friends? So it turns out my 30k test hike plans were based on a bit of a mapping mistake. AllTrails made it out to be a 23k hike that ended at a point where I thought (based on another map) an additional 7k trail picked up. Alas, that was not the case. … Continue reading 24k, 30k . . . Whatever It Takes
About a month ago now I was on top of the Space Needle in Seattle. Alone. I had never been to Seattle and it seemed to be the thing to do. I’m an independent introvert, seriously don’t understand the word “bored” (I’ve never experienced this sensation), and have been alone – a lot. My husband … Continue reading Hello!
I found a great looking trail that should provide me with a good idea of what an average-to-hard day on the Camino might be like. It's actually two linked trails - the first is 22k, the second is between 7 and 10km depending on where the first one actually ends and where I exit. I … Continue reading 30k Test Hike
Pilgrimage Tech Some people rely on their phones instead of a paper book to plot their Caminos and guide them along the way. I am not sure I am willing to go "app only" - but as a primary resource, many apps look quite helpful. Right now I am just researching and downloading potential apps … Continue reading Camino Apps
Trail Time I am not in great shape. Twenty years of riding a desk has taken its toll - and although I have done the odd hike now and again, I can't kid myself into thinking I am good to go 20-30k/day on the Camino when I barely even stand up most days. So I … Continue reading First 14k Day
Backcountry Pilgrim 