If you know anything about the Camino de Santiago, you know that is is difficult but rewarding journey for those pilgrims who choose to walk part or all of the Camino. I know several people who have walked it and it is life changing. When I read that my favorite southern writer, Sean Dietrich, and his wife Jamie were going to walk it, I knew it would be an amazing adventure for them.
I, along with thousands of others, have been following their trek across Spain. First, a few facts that AI generated for me:
Pilgrimage Tradition:
The Camino de Santiago has a rich history as a major pilgrimage route, with its origins in the medieval period.
Multiple Routes:
The Camino de Santiago is not a single route, but rather a network of paths that converge at Santiago de Compostela
Popular Routes:
The most popular route is the Camino Francés (French Way), also known as the French Route, which stretches from the French border to Santiago de Compostela.
Other Routes:
There are many other Camino routes, including the Camino Primitivo (Original Route), the Camino Portugués (Portuguese Way), the Camino del Norte (Northern Way), and the Via de la Plata (Silver Way).
Length and Time:
The Camino Francés is about 500 miles long and typically takes 30-40 days to walk.
Why Walk the Camino?
People walk the Camino for various reasons, including spiritual reflection, physical challenge, and experiencing the culture and landscapes of Spain.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Camino de Santiago is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.
Suffice it to say –it is a rough journey and many who walk the Camino can attest to the fact that it is a journey for mind, body and soul.
Well, when Sean and Jamie started out, we all waited for word of how it was going. Knowing that it might be difficult to get posts done and posted, it was lovely when he was able to write his blog and tell about his journey in his special way. What I learned was that there was a lot of healing that was taking place along the way and it truly has been amazing to read about their trek. I kind of liken it to the hikers of the Appalachian Trail. Although it is two totally different types of hiking, I think the experiences are probably pretty similar.
So this past week, Sean shared the heartbreaking news that his shin splints were just not going to allow him to hike any more. They took a day off and then the decision was made that Jamie would hike the rest without him. He is planning to meet up with her at various points along the way. If his legs heal, he will rejoin, but it seems like the pain is pretty intense and probably won’ t happen. As I read the words about their decision I was so sad for them both but happy that they were able to do as much as they did together. And I have hope that he will be able to rejoin.
I have never had any aspirations to do this even though I do know several people who have done it. I would have to get into much better shape in order to even think about it but the thought of hiking in all kinds of weather, sleeping in hostel type places and roughing it just does not appeal to me.
But what could I learn and experience on the Camino? A lot.
Chris and I watched The Way written by Emilio Estavez and stars both himself and his father Martin Sheen. It was so good and shed a lot of light on the Camino walk. If you get the chance to watch this 2010 film, I would recommend it. We streamed it on Peacock.
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If you want to follow Sean and Jamie and their trek it is easiest to just read on his page here. He posts on Facebook as well but this is the place to get all the posts as soon as he shares them, It’s some good reading. Enjoy.
NOTE: As I was getting ready to schedule this a video came up. He’s back walking! Just posted on Substack.
Dispatches Del Camino by Sean Dietrich
Read on Substack
