The Camino de Santiago

I've been considering walking the Camino Frances from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain for sometime now.  A 500 mile pilgrim's route over the Pyrenees and across Northern Spain.  Most people who complete the trek accomplish the task in 30 to 35 days, carrying only the minimum on their back.  Staying in Albergues, (think hostels) in villages and towns along the way.  I've been reading about the Camino, also known as The Way, both in books and on-line and asking questions of those who have gone before me.

The plan thus far is to do it.  That I am sure of.  If everything goes according to plan I will go next year most likely in the fall.  Ok, so you ask, Why?  Well if you know me you know I like to hike and travel.  This way I'll be combining two of my passions.  Also, I like the challenge of the walk and meeting new people from different parts of the world and backgrounds appeals to me.  Last year almost 200,000 people completed the Camino so I'll have lots of company.  Many only walk the last 100 kilometers and others start at various places along the path.

As I prepare for my Camino I will be posting my progress and more information about the Camino.  I may start a new blog just for the Camino, but I haven't made a final decision about that.

Since have you asked, why in the world would I want to walk 500 miles across Spain?  Besides those reasons I stated above, this video I found on YouTube answers some of the deeper reasons as to why.  It was made by a man who along with his daughter walked the Camino in 2008.  Take 5 minutes and watch.