I recently completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain – a roughly 500-mile journey that starts in St. Jean Pied de Port in France and finishes in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The “Way of Saint James” is a Christian / spiritual pilgrimage that dates back to the ninth century. My wife, Kassie, walked a portion of the Camino – from Sarria to Santiago, then continued out to Finisterre at the Atlantic Ocean (once called “the end of the world”) in 2018. Her pilgrimage, with one of her dearest friends, Diane D., covered over 120 miles.
Kas raved about this experience and the impact it had on her life. We spoke about it often and planned to do the entire Camino together – possibly for our 40th wedding anniversary, which was this past May. Unfortunately, Kas was diagnosed with cancer in March of 2021 and passed away in July 2022. After nearly a year of soul-searching, I decided to walk the Camino on my own, and take Kas with me in spirit. It was something that I needed and something that I believe would make her proud.
The experience far exceeded my expectations. I carried the same backpack that Kassie carried five years earlier, albeit a bit heavier because of what I was now carrying. I completed the journey in 30 days – and it was challenging – physically, mentally and emotionally. The first day, crossing from France into Spain through the Pyrenees, covered 16 miles and nearly 5,000 feet of elevation. I hiked many hours on my own – which is what I wanted and needed. I also met many, many people from all over the world. For roughly a two-week stretch, I walked, talked and shared drinks and meals with a group of about 12-15 pilgrims, or “peligrinos”. Most of these folks started off doing the Camino on their own, like me, yet we became a close “Camino Family”. It is amazing how close you can become with total strangers in such a short period of time. Then, for the last five days of my trek, two of our best friends, Rob and Diane D., joined me in Sarria and walked with me to Santiago, where the amazing Cathedral is the ultimate destination of “The Way”.
I would like to share ten lessons that I learned while walking the Camino de Santiago:
- Get Out of Your Comfort Zone. Try something new, something different, that you never thought you would or could do – you are never too old to try something new. You will grow as a person and be better for it.
People are Good. Between the media and social media, there is way too much judgment of people, creation of divisiveness and, to a certain extent, manufacturing of hate. It was nice to disconnect from the world for over a month. Look a person in the eye, shake their hand, hug them – people ARE good!- Spend Time by Yourself. Be proactive in making time to spend alone to reflect on where you are, where you came from and where you are going – be at peace with yourself. It is good for your mind, body and soul.
- Look for Signs to Make Sure You are on the Right Path. Along the Camino, there are many different signs – the Camino scallop shell and yellow arrows – pointing the Way to Santiago. This reminded me to always pay attention to where you are going – whatever your goals, dreams and aspirations may be – and look for signs (maybe even in the mirror) to make sure you are headed in the right direction.
- I feel Dumb only Being Able to Speak One Language. I met so many people from all over the world on the Camino – and nearly all speak multiple languages. Most Americans speak only English (and arguably, I struggle with that!).
- Don’t Wait ‘til Tomorrow. Do it now, today, whatever it is! Too many people wait too long to take that trip, plan that vacation or embark on their ideal adventure. Book it today – there are no guarantees you’ll be here tomorrow to do whatever it is you dream to do!
- Your Mind and Body are Stronger than You Think. When it feels like you cannot take one more step, or face one more challenge – you’d be surprised at how resilient you are and how a strong will can overcome nearly anything. It’s all about attitude!
- Look Back Every Once in a While. Most of the Camino is headed in the western direction. Each morning, I learned to look back – and was often rewarded with beautiful sunrises from the east. We are all so focused sometimes on where we are going or where we want to get to – that we don’t always appreciate from where we came. Look back occasionally to see how far you have come, and take pride in your accomplishments.
- The World is Exceptionally Beautiful. Get outside, travel, look around and appreciate the natural beauty around us every single day. There is so much wonder for which we should all be grateful.
- Walk the Walk. I talked about walking the Camino for a while, just as I “talked” about doing a lot of things. Then, last April, I spent an afternoon walking the beach in Bodega Bay – one of Kas’ “Happy Places”, and I decided to stop “Talking the Talk” and “Walk the Walk” – so I did – literally. So, stop talking and start doing!!
I used a guidebook called A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Camino de Santiago by John Brierley, but there are many blogs, books, and YouTube videos where you can learn more.
By Mike Wenzell, Resident since 1995