Now that I am nearly done gearing up for the Camino, I decided to get everything out and see what I could expect for packing. I want to get as close to the real deal as possible for training purposes. Organization Organization and quick access makes trail life a lot easier - and since my … Continue reading First Packing Test
VIDEO VERSION HERE! It is a Camino tradition to carry a rock during one's walk to the Cruz de Ferro at the highest point of the Camino Frances and leave it there. The idea is that you carry your burdens - symbolized by the weight of the rock - to the cross and there you … Continue reading The Camino Rocks
When my Camino Cuz and I began discussing the Camino Primitivo, I saw it described as an "11 day Camino." I mentally tossed in a few travel days and decided, yeah - I can do a two week trip! It turns out that number is a bit idealistic (at least for us!). Traveling Steve Martin … Continue reading How Long Does the Camino Primitivo Take?
I have been out of the United States three times. The first was with another cousin on a month-long Europe trip after college where we visited 10 countries: England, France, Italy, Vatican City (it counts!), Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium. Years later, my wife and I took a road trip that included a … Continue reading Camino Road Trip?
Camino Indulgence No, I am not talking about a mid-Camino spa day! Rather, this post is about the granting of Indulgences, which is part of the overall salvation theology of the Catholic Church. Although often confused with "Tickets to Heaven" or "Get Out of Hell Free Cards," indulgences really only have to do with the … Continue reading The Ultimate Indulgence
Although I love planning and making lists, I've made several mistakes during my Camino planning and I hope listing them will help others avoid them. Here they are in roughly chronological order. (Check back often, as this list will likely grow!) Storing Gear in the Heat For various reasons, I've had to store my camping … Continue reading Muh Dumb Mistakes
What If One of Us Can't Make It? From the beginning of our discussions, my Camino Cuz and I have been very much in agreement that although we are doing the Camino together, each of us is also walking our own. That means that sometimes we'll walk side by side, other times apart, sometimes talking, … Continue reading “Dude, if you’re in a coma I got your back.”
I put two Camino guides on my wish list and got the Cicerone for a birthday present (Thanks Dad!). The other was the Wise Pilgrim book which goes with my favorite Camino App. My cousin got that one, so we're covered either way! Layout The Cicerone book is very well put together physically (more on … Continue reading My Camino Guide
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?
Backcountry Pilgrim 