April Fools Day, 2022, I started my first Camino de Santiago…a 500+ mile pilgrimage from southern France through northern Spain…St John Pied de Port to Santiago and beyond. I invited 80 of my friends and 10 chose to join me.
April Fools Day, 2025 will find me pursuing that same journey. You’re invited to join me for whatever time you can spare. It is one of the most amazing opportunities I have ever experienced…and yet, as you are pondering that opportunity, I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you a few things I learned along the way. The Camino is a compassionate teacher but that doesn’t mean the consequences aren’t real.TRAVEL...I will probably be flying into Northern Spain…Bilbao, San Sabatstion or A Coruna.
Last time I flew into Paris and out of Madrid. Wherever you come into, you will need to manage transportation to your starting site…usually by train or bus. With your phones translation programs you should have no problem getting to where you need to be. TRY to arrive a day earlier than when you start walking. You will love the cultural nuance and you’ll be better rested for your first 10-15 mile day.
SHOES…Most of the journey is done on country roads. It will shift to cobblestones, asphalt or trail but you don’t need expensive hiking boots. Comfortable walking or running shoes will do great and don’t skimp on your socks. Your feet are your horsemen and you want them dry and comfortable.
PACKING… My first trip I thought that my pack could weigh up to 20% of my body weight. I weighed 250 so I tried to make sure my pack weighed 50 or less. I WAS WRONG! Your pack should weigh no more
than 25 lbs if you plan on carrying it. You can have it shipped ahead for about $7 a day, depending which part of the trail you’re on. There is a lot of wisdom and advice on line to help you understand the process and our Camino Coordinator, Ja***@ja*********.com, is a spectacular resource.
than 25 lbs if you plan on carrying it. You can have it shipped ahead for about $7 a day, depending which part of the trail you’re on. There is a lot of wisdom and advice on line to help you understand the process and our Camino Coordinator, Ja***@ja*********.com, is a spectacular resource.FUNDING…We’ve seen airfare from $600-1200. Housing runs from $10-15 a night if you stay in an alburgue ( communal living ) up to a $150 for a nice hotel. I try to stay in the alburgues most of the week and spoil myself with a cheap hotel for a night or two. You could come walk with me for a week in Spain for $1500…and it would be worth every penny! As far as managing money on the go…most weeks I’ll take out enough for the whole week, use cash when possible and credit cards when needed. ( you might want to check out an international friendly credit card that has minimal fees. )
What to expect. We’ll leave the alburgue by 7:30 or 8. We’ll follow the camino markers, 
stopping for coffee/breakfast. During the course of our day we’ll stop for lunch, walk through an amazing culture and countryside and find our next place to stay sometime in the afternoon. We’ll meet folks from all over the world, eat food that will make you smile and experience sore backs and feet BUT we will have amazing conversations and contemplations that wouldn’t happen anywhere else.
stopping for coffee/breakfast. During the course of our day we’ll stop for lunch, walk through an amazing culture and countryside and find our next place to stay sometime in the afternoon. We’ll meet folks from all over the world, eat food that will make you smile and experience sore backs and feet BUT we will have amazing conversations and contemplations that wouldn’t happen anywhere else.This is a life changing opportunity. Looking forward to seeing you.
Kevin
Make sure you connect with Ja***@ja*********.com 
with any questions or concerns. Work out with her where and when you can join me. I’d like to be surprised when I see you:-)
with any questions or concerns. Work out with her where and when you can join me. I’d like to be surprised when I see you:-)