The only thing I had going for me, really, on my first Camino walk, was that I didn’t have tons and tons of information to sort through to try to figure out how to do this thing. Back in 2005 there wasn’t much information available, at least not in English, so I had to just go and work it out as I went.
Which I did, and I survived.
When I first walked the Camino, I was searching intently for something, anything, which would give me direction and show me what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I was looking for clarity, and I really needed the Camino to provide it. As it turned out, the Camino wasn’t a solution in and of itself; instead it was the start of a long journey to learn how to be true to myself. Life is funny that way – no matter what I think I want, I always find what I really need.
And for five years, walking the Camino was exactly what I needed!
Since 2013, I have had the privilege leading 13 small groups on the Camino. Our groups start in Saint Jean Pied de Port in France, and we walk together until Pamplona, the first large city inside Spain. After a day of rest and re-grouping in Pamplona, my pilgrims continue on without me, either with their new pilgrim friends or truly on their own.
That program is called ‘Just Get Me Started’, and that’s exactly what it does: It gets pilgrims started on their own unique and personal pilgrimage experiences. For me, it is an opportunity to share my love of the Camino, to encourage and empower people to walk the Camino their way, and to witness their life-changing journeys.
Following the global pandemic and some precious time caring for my elderly parents, and I am delighted to be leading groups again starting in May 2023. So the “Just Get Me Started” program is back! And it’s even better, with a lot more support and goodies included. Want to learn more? Click here.
If you are just getting started on your Camino prep and planning, you may want to check out all the interesting information in the About the Camino section and the ***NEW!*** “YOU on the Camino Podcast”.
Wishing you a beautiful Camino journey!