What is the Camino?

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient pilgram route(s) from many places in Europe to Santiago de Compostela.  It is in the Cathedral of Santiago where the remains of St. James purportedly lie.

Pilgrims have been making this trek since the Middle Ages.  There is no single Camino.  One can start in Italy, Germany, France, Portugal, many points in Spain, and even Ireland (at St. James Gate where Guinness is brewed).

Therese and I will be following the Camino Frances, probably the most popular of the Camino routes.  It begins in southwest France in St. Jean Pied de Port.  On the first day, the route crosses the Pyrenees into the Basque region of Spain and then across northern Spain (through Pamplona, Burgos, Leon, Sarria and then Santiago de Compostela).  Fortunately, we will be going through some of the famed wine regions of the country: Navarra, Rioja, Cava, Rias Baixas.  It's a tough job, but . . .

Here is a map of where we will be traveling:

Overall, the route is about 780 kilometers -- about 485 miles.  We will also add another hike on the end, to Finesterre and back for another 200 kilometers.  All in all, it will be a bit over 600 miles in six+ weeks.

Our backpacks are packed and we leave tomorrow.  We have an interesting journey planned with JetBlue, Aer Lingus, RyanAir and Express Burricot.  Through some miracle, we will arrive in St. Jean Pied de Port on Wednesday afternoon to spend a couple of leisurely days in southwest France before we begin our pilgrimage.

Wish us luck.