It is hard to believe how quickly time flies by. Three years ago, I was preparing for this epic journey across North America that would end up taking me on a four month, 15,000 mile journey through 42 states and 2 Canadian provinces. And now, a new adventure awaits! In less than a week, I’ll be hopping on a plane for another pilgrimage. This time it will be more structured. This time, I’ll have a general idea of where I’ll be sleeping each night. I’m flying to Toulouse, France hopping on a train to Lourdes, then another train to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to begin walking the Camino de Santiago. It will be a four week journey walking around 490 miles. I’ll have the pack on my back, shoes on my feet and many other pilgrims to keep me company.
This journey was one that was actually inspired by my road trip three years ago. When I was somewhere around Idaho or Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I crossed paths a fellow traveler and we were both from California and knew several people in common. He was talking to me about the Camino and it stuck with me. He and I were headed the same direction, so we shared a campsite in Grand Teton, and Yellowstone before parting ways. He is actually going to be on the Camino around the same time as me, so we will try to meet up on this incredible journey.
My road trip was more about the freedom of the open road and surrendering to the unknown. This trip will be more rigid, disciplined, and I’m sure at times it will be grueling. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, and the changes that I will hold forever in myself from this experience. I know that I haven’t been the best about keeping up with this blog, but I do hope to post some of my experiences while I take this journey and discover what lies within myself.