The Camino Santiago - The French Way

Starting Date: September 8th, 2023, finishing (if my feet don't fall off) on October 8th, 2023.

Map of the Camino Santiago Pilgrimage

Known as the Way of St James, the French version of the Camino Santiago starts in Saint Jean Pied de Port on the north western side of the Pyrenes Alps. The crossing of the bridge in Saint Jean on your way up to the mountain is the beginning of what many have said is a unexplained life altering experience.

Here's a good description of the Camino and it's history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camino_de_Santiago

This "Camino" is a 500-mile pilgrimage over the mountains and across Spain to the west, leading to the Cathedral in Santiago where St. James' remains are entombed.

This route of the Camino has been traveled for centuries by pilgrims from all over the world, and for many years, those walking along its historical paths and roads were guarded by the Knights Templar. Many of the roads along the way were built by the Romans.

I will be walking the Camino with my good friend Steve, who was also a very close friend with my mom. The journey will take us over the mountains, the first day considered one of the most difficult, down into Spain, through Pamplona, Logrono, Burgos, Leon (which is where El Sid and his wife are entombed), Ponferrada and onto Santiago de Compostela.

Generally speaking, one should not carry any more than 10% of their body weight in a backpack. Along the way, you stay in hostels, auberge and hotels (if you can't stand sleeping with many other people snoring or making other noises). I have been extremely careful about my backpack weight, my physical condition and mental preparation. But I'm sure all of that will go out the window as I move through this adventure. But, as many have said before me, the Camino will provide.

As some of you know, I have fought significant back issues over the last two years. Lower lumber, SI joint and hip issues. The pain was so great that I could not lift my right leg and often was only able to crawl. But I want to make a very grateful shout out to Dr. Swift, his PA Cathy, Thomas his assistant, and Crystal at Desert Orthopedics in Bend Oregon for the compassionate care, guidance and understanding of my determination to go, and the Camino's pull on me.

I would also like to thank Dr. Crystal and her peaceful staff at Deschutes Acupuncture for some incredible sessions helping to loosen some really tight muscles due to my stress regarding my back, and other matters. She also did a couple of sessions of cupping, and I'd recommend that to anyone feeling a bit run down or toxic. I do have to say though, it looked like I was attacked by a couple of angry Octopus! Felt great!

One last thing before I leave and begin to post along the way. My wife Kim, who died in Sept of 2015, wanted to go on the Camino with me. She will be with me. I am taking some of her ashes to spread in special places that will surely to be shown to me along the way. I am also taking some of my Mother and Father's ashes. I'm sure they are tickled to be on this journey with me.