Costa Mesa, California
August 16, 2022
Dear Family & Friends:
My last adventure was in the Fall of 2019 when I solo paddled the Mississippi River from its source at Lake Itasca, Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Here is a video of that adventure. In 2020, I was grounded by the Pandemic. In 2021 through the Summer of 2022, I could not travel because of health issues in my family. Thank God, things have improved to the point I can now return to my bucket list. For my next adventure, I plan to walk the Camino de Santiago starting on August 24, 2022.
The Camino de Santiago (“Way of Saint James”) dates back to the 8th Century and is one of the most famous and sacred pilgrimage walks in the world. The walk crosses Spain and ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The Cathedral is the shrine dedicated to Jesus’ Apostle, Saint James the Great, and is said to contain his remains. There are nine routes that can be followed to complete this pilgrimage. Here are a few: Camino Frances, Camino Primitivo, Camino Portugues and Camino del Norte. Camino Frances is the most popular and is the route I will follow. It starts at St. Jean Pied de Port, in southwest France, crosses the Pyrenees mountains, proceeds across northern Spain and ends at Santiago de Compostela. The distance travelled is 565 miles. After I complete the Camino de Santiago, I plan to walk the Camino Finisterre from Santiago de Compostela to the seaside cities of Finisterre and Muxia, an additional 80 miles. The time of my journey, from start to finish, is approximately six weeks.
Thousands of people complete the Camino de Santiago every year. Their motivations are as varied as the routes. Some people complete the walk as a form of spiritual retreat or spiritual growth. Others seek resolution of personal issues, including disappointment, grief, personal loss, or a vision for the way forward. Some pilgrims complete the walk as a test of their physical strength and endurance. Many pilgrims are drawn by the astounding beauty of the countryside, towns and villages. The warmth of the people who populate these towns and villages and communion with fellow pilgrims are major attractions. The Camino de Santiago pilgrimage is of great cultural and historical significance and is home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Great food and liquid refreshment are an added bonus. In my case, every one of these boxes can be checked.
As an added bonus, some of my family members may join me for part of this pilgrimage. More on this later.
As usual, I will blog this trip on my website and post photos and videos on my website and Facebook.
I have even more ambitious plans for 2023.
Bill
Bill
Glad to hear that you’re back in action.
I suggesr that you wear comfortable
shoes.
Hooray Bill. So happy you are back to LIFE on your terms. This walking pilgrimage is one I have always wanted to do myself and fear I might have waited too long. I will be with you in spirit for sure.
This will be a wonder of a journey!
I’d love to go with you Bill, but I got a feeling I’d hold you back!
Have fun
Good luck
This sounds awesome. Good Luck.
I’ve heard from others that this is a absolutely amazing journey. Enjoy!
Love to hear of your next adventure, we will be following you ox!
Bless you my son…Sounds like an adventure I would like, too.
Lloyd
When do you plan on arriving in Santiago? I’m doing Sarria to Santiago expecting to arrive October 9th. We may just miss each other. Buen Camino. John
Good wishes on your pilgrimage, checking all the boxes, Bill.
k;-)
I’m guessing the hot sauces in Spain will be to your liking.
Santiago de Compostella is wonderful. I hope you see them swing the bontafumiero at 11 am mass!
Good to have you back to entertain us…ive missed you.
What a wonderful adventure! Enjoy!
Praying for a safe and fulfilling journey.
You are going to miss our BHS reunion.
Have a good trip.
Ooo very nice Bill!
A dear woman friend of mine did that route 4 years ago and said it was one of her life highlights!
Have a wonderful adventure 🙂
Looking forward to seeing your pictures. BTW, have you done the Tour du Mont Blanc? Can recommend that if you haven’t done it.
Bill
Cathy and I are going to be riding from Lisbon up to Santiago De Compestela and then on to Finisterra. If all goes according to plan we would be in Santiago on 09/29 and 09/30. Then Finisterra on 10/02/2022.
Hopefully we will be close enough to rendezvous for a beer! Our treat since you will have it tougher than us!
All the best!
Another adventure you got yourself into, keep on living the life.
Can’t wait to follow you on this one!!!! You are giving our family members a gift they will never forget…..PRICELESS!!! Ollie and i will be anxious to experience your venture via video, photos and facetime.
We are so grateful to you and Sharon.
Love you Bill!!!
What an awesome adventure, I only learned about this amazing pilgrimage last year, a few new friends were in training for this endurance trek! One you are only too familiar with, wishing you much joy in the journey!
It won’t have the periodic treacherous days that the Mississippi provided but it sounds right up your alley. I am glad to hear that whatever health issues existed in your family are resolved. Stay well.
Bill,
The Camino will meet all your hiking expectations— it does not disappoint! Hopefully, you will see all nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites and post pictures or videos of those cultural treasures.
Blessings,
Rick
So happy to hear that everyone is healthy enough for you to go on an adventure again. This place sounds like a trip of a lifetime! So looking forward to following along w you!
Great training for Everest return?!!
Gotta be done!
I will be following. Safe travels.