What I Wish I Knew Before I Retired
I recently had a conversation with another hiker about convertible pants. Yup, the ones with the horizontal zipper (or Velcro strip) allowing the pants to instantly become shorts. Attractive, right? She said that they are a fashion faux pas and must NEVER be worn….not even on the Camino. I said that I would not do… Continue reading The Camino Trail: Convertible Pants, and other Packing Tips
The problem with walking the Camino Trail is that it gets a hold of you and won't let go. In 2010, Richard and I walked our first Camino, 110 km from Tui, Portugal to Santiago de Compestella, Spain. In 2016, we walked another 110 km from St. Jean Pied de Port, France to Najera, Spain.… Continue reading La Via Francigena – The Plan
Why to ensure that 'the shoe fits' before embarking on your Camino! #WordlessWednesday
I love following the Thursday Doors Series. Still, I rarely contribute. The doors to which I have regular access seldom speak to me. That all changed during our recent trek on the Camino Trail. Actually, if Richard hadn't given me his 'ahem' voice (quite a few times), we would still be lingering in Spain, with… Continue reading Spanish Doors of the Camino
When I left you last, Richard and I had finished our full Camino and had just spent four interesting (and restful) days in Finisterre. Since we had padded this trip with extra days, we had almost two full weeks left before our scheduled flights home from Paris. What to do? Some of you suggested Portugal,… Continue reading And We’re Back (Home That Is)!
Day 32 - Arriving in Finisterre - 17 km. As we walked our final kilometers to Finisterre, we became poignantly aware of all of the lasts that we were experiencing. Our last morning in an auberge (desperately trying not to wake those around us), our final glimpses of stunning Camino scenery, and the end of… Continue reading The End of Our Camino Experience: Arriving in Finisterre
Day 25- Reaching Santiago de Compostela- 25 km. Last week, I published my Camino post one day earlier than usual. I wanted to open this new entry with arriving in Santiago. Arriving here can be an indescribably moving experience, and the thought of it filled me with anticipation. Above, are photos of our two separate… Continue reading The Camino Trail 2017 – Reaching Santiago…Then Heading to Muxia and Finisterre
Day 18: Herrerias to Fonfria - 20 km. .. I was a bit anxious about today's hike. Our guidebook described the first eight kilometers as "it climbs steeply through the chestnut woods and offers no respite along the way". After that, even our 'non-judgemental' map showed today's walk to consist of relentless ups and downs.… Continue reading Postcards From The Camino Trail 2017: Week Four
When I left you last, Richard and I had just arrived in Leon. Since the city offers so many cool things to see and do, we were contemplating staying an extra day. That night, we stayed in the Monastery (five euros each). Richard and I had decided to make it an early evening. We were… Continue reading Post Cards From The Camino Trail 2017 – Week Three
When I left you last, Richard and I were in Burgos (lingering in a restaurant that offered free WiFi). Burgos is home to the only cathedral in Spain that has independently been declared a World Heritage Site. So, we decided to have a peek inside. Two hours later, we were completely overwhelmed and had barely… Continue reading Post Cards From The Camino Trail 2017 – Week Two
Retirement Reflections 