This trip and its significance is becoming very important to me. The pilgrimage seems to be taking on a life of its own. It has already allowed me to take risks and explore new things. It seems to be asking me to look at my experiences through many different lenses. Coincidentally I recently went to the eye doctor who strengthened my prescription, and I updated my glasses (all hail, Costco). Things are a lot clearer and crisper now. If you…
“Give my scallop-shell of quiet, My staff of faith to walk upon, My scrip of joy, immortal diet, My bottle of salvation, My gown of glory, hope’s true gage; And thus I’ll take my pilgrimage.” Walter Raleigh The most iconic symbol of the Way of St. James is the scallop shell. Today, travelers wear a shell around their necks or backpacks to denote themselves as Pilgrims. Coupled with a yellow arrow, the shell is painted on walls, posts, markers, tiles,…
DO IT RIGHT, DO IT WRONG, BUT DO IT. Squeeze your eyes shut and jump. Because a wonderful thing happens then. Your focus shifts from yourself, your nervousness, and your imagined inadequacies to the task at hand. Barbara Sher Yesterday I walked 6.37 miles with John. It was partly cloudy, breezy, and in the mid-50’s. I wore a walking ensemble of everything I would wear on one of the legs of the journey for a test run (yup, including undergarments)….
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These boots were made for walking… Nancy Sinatra Yesterday I bought hiking boots, one of the necessities of the trip. We’ll be walking various terrains (see, I already sound like I know what I’m doing). I spent two hours at REI trying on pretty much every boot on display. TWO HOURS (did I mention that I am an over-analyzer?). I asked the very helpful guys if this was typical. They kindly said “yes,” but I’m not so sure. Many customers…
“An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break.” Ancient Chinese Proverb If you’ve read the ABOUT THE AUTHOR section above, you know that I am pretty surprised and awed that I am going on this trip. It feels like so much more than a jaunt to Europe. In fact, it feels a bit miraculous! I’ll visit Fatima while I am in…
“But he’d learned long ago that a life lived without risks pretty much wasn’t worth living. Life rewarded courage, even when that first step was taken neck-deep in fear.” Tamera Alexander, Within The Heart Welcome!! You have found the webpage that I have created to capture my reflections, photographs, and experiences as I walk el Camino de Santiago, The Way of St. James. If you would like a better understanding of what I am embarking upon and to learn more…