Are you thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago? Do you like armchair travel? Please join me as I document my first Camino journey (taken in 2013) on the Camino Francés, and contemplate walking again on a different route, the Camino del Norte. I’ll let you in on how I meticulously (to a nerdy extent) planned for the walk and some helpful resources I’ve found. Let’s go! Bien Camino!

WHAT IS THE CAMINO????

In case you came across this site by accident, I’ll explain *very* briefly what is the Camino. The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgrimage (walk) as ancients liked to do, to the shrine of St. James the Great (patron saint of Spain). St. James’ tomb is located in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. The city of Santiago de Compostela is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia located in northwestern Spain.

Pilgrim routes to St. James span western Europe, however, the section called Camino Francés, the French Way is the most popular presently and well accommodated. At 800km (500 mi) the route begins at the Spain/France border and crosses northern Spain. However, for bragging rights, crossing only the last 100km (62 mi) qualifies for a Compostela or Certificate of Accomplishment.

Many walk in the same footsteps of pilgrims past for as many reasons. Personal reasons for making the pilgrimage are not always religious. Modern reasons range from I just retired, lost my job, ended my marriage, found out I’m going to die to I want to keep Arthur out of prison, have fun?!, challenge myself, to I don’t know. Some may find what they set out to achieve on their pilgrimage is unrecognizable by the end of their journey. A common belief is that the Camino calls you to it. I believe the Camino exists to bring one to their knees.