My Camino Journey

I’m getting excited. In 2 weeks I fly to Portugal to start a 14-day trek on the Portuguese Camino’s coastal route. My partner, Kate, says a hike like this has been on her “bucket list” for a long time. Well now we’re about to do it.  We’ve been training all spring & summer, taking frequent hikes in the Cascades of Oregon & Washington & the Columbia River Gorge. About 18 months ago, I received a new hip & it feels great, so I think I’m ready to go. I’d be lying though if I said I didn’t have any misgivings.  Our trek will require hiking daily, up to 15 miles each day. Although Kate’s done that before, I never have. So I'm feeling a little nervous. But also confident that if I just can't hike a particular section for any reason, I can just summon a taxi to get me to our next night's lodging.

A couple months ago we learned of a group called the American Pilgrims on the Camino, Portlandia chapter.  It consists of people who have hiked one or more of the many Camino routes or are planning to hike one of in the near future.  We learned Camino pilgrimage routes have existed for hundreds of years & there are 42 different routes that cross Europe, all ending in Compostela de Santiago in northwestern Spain.

Receiving my scallop shell from the American Pilgrims on the Camino, Portlandia chapter

Shell recipients, some of whom we may meet on our trek to Santiago

In July we were honored to participate in a “Shell Ceremony” when each person who will  hike the Camin received a scallop shell, the symbol of St. James, the apostle whose remains are interned at the cathedral in Santiago. We also received a blessing for oir journey called the “Beatitudes of the Pilgrim” & a hearty "Buen Camino" cheer from all those assembled.