THE BACK STORY
It all started in 2001 when Fozzie came from England to volunteer at my farm. Through WOOF, Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, people from all over the world sign up to volunteer at organic farms. The WOOF agreement is the volunteer works for four hours per day in exchange for room and board. Since my farm is located on the southern tip of Florida volunteers want to come in winter - which is during our busy season.
When Fozzie arrived, I learned that he wanted to use his free time to finish writing a book about his experience walking across Spain on the Camino Trail. Fozzie kindly let me read chapters as he was writing them, and this became my introduction to long distance hiking. Learning there are trails you can walk, that take you across whole countries, opened up a world of possibilities!
After three months volunteering, Fozzie went back to England and I continued developing my farm. Several years later, I was at an event and met a woman who shared that she had walked the Camino when she turned forty. That was the second time I heard about the trail. I decided to read up on The Camino, and one day I said to myself “I’m going to do it!” That very same day, a package arrived in the mail and it was Fozzie’s published book. I took it as a sign that I really did need to walk The Camino. So I did – in 2010.
I announced my intention to family and friends. Some were surprised, some didn’t know about the Camino, and all expressed support. My friend, Lori, gifted me a smooth, sturdy walking stick inherited from her father. When I arrived at the airport, security wanted to take it away from me! I explained that I needed it for my 500 mile walk across Spain. Finally, I had to ask “Do I look threatening?” - only then did I get the “Go ahead” and I actually, really, headed for The Camino!
What is the Camino de la Compostela?
The Camino is an ancient pilgrimage trail that stretches for over 500 miles across Spain. Actually, it’s several trails: the most popular one is the Camino St. Francis Route which crosses through central Spain and attracts 100,000 pilgrims in a year. I’ll be walking the Northern Route which is more ancient, arduous, beautiful and less crowded! The Northern Route goes through Basque country and Galicia. It’s said that the Irish came to Galicia in 1000 BC and, well... the rest is history.
I’m traveling solo, and am ready to enjoy the sites, the food, the people and the pure adventure of the experience! I will carry a backpack and stay at hostels along the way. I should average around 20 kilometers a day, though it will probably be less in the early days. I’ll be starting in Irun (just west of the French border) and end up at Santiago de la Compostela. It takes about a month if one doesn’t linger too long along the trail.
I decided to walk the Camino because I was ready for something physically challenging and spiritually rewarding. I love the element of the unknown. What is around the corner? Where will I sleep? What will I eat? Who will I meet? Traveling alone allows me to be open, spontaneous and flexible and stay with the possibility that people are truly interesting and good. Walking is such a great way to see a place and connect with its natural beauty up close!
Time to see how the real thing matches up to my expectations!