Camino de Santiago

DSC_5185.jpg, originally uploaded by Matthew San Diego.

In early July this year, Matt and I enjoyed 5 days on the Camino de Santiago. A different sort of hike than we've made before, we enjoyed walking this ancient pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago, where St. James is buried.

Many people begin this Camino much further out than we did--we took the easy, quick journey. But, discovered a beautiful and meaningful journey that was well worth our time. Walking with two friends of ours, we enjoyed the time together, the beautiful landscape, the experience with the community of pilgrims on the Camino, and the spiritual gifts of this religious journey undertaken for centuries.

I regret not posting these entries sooner, but I guess this means you get my memories filtered through the intervening months. Distilled, perhaps...

If we had it to do over again--or if we went again--there are a few things I'd do differently. First, I needed even less stuff than I took. Sleeping bags and pads were totally unnecessary for this part of the Camino--a simple sheet would have been plenty, as the refugios supply a disposable bottom sheet, pillows and blankets. Few clothes are necessary, as washing facilities are easy to find. A shirt, fleece or jacket, rain layer, pants and shorts would be enough (plus at least 2 pairs of underwear and socks, of course), as well as a sun hat for while walking and flip-flops for the evening. Traveling light definitely makes the journey more fun...