When this third post during my pilgrimage is published on August 25th, I'll be spending my final day in Santiago. Two days before, I'll walk from Padron to Santiago, a 16 mile stretch over natural pathways through oak, pine, and eucalyptus woodlands. As I get closer to Santiago there will be sections of main road … Continue reading Santiago, Finally
Solo journeys
People in My Path: Portugal to Spain
By this point on my Camino journey, I will be on my sixth day of walking. I'm writing and scheduling this post before I leave, anticipating what my experience will be like. On Thursday August 15th, I'll have a 5-mile walk to the dock of the Xacobeo Transfer Ferry and Taxi Boat service in Caminha. … Continue reading People in My Path: Portugal to Spain
Funicular: Fear or Fun?
For the next three Sundays, while I'm traveling on the Camino, my posts have been written ahead of time based on where I'll be. I've found on previous journeys, that to anticipate a new place and then to actually experience it offers many surprises. In my video posts on my author Facebook page, I plan … Continue reading Funicular: Fear or Fun?
Camino Bound: Going Solo–Again
In January, I signed up to go with a group on the Portuguese Coastal Camino through the company Prayerful Path led by Mary Maddox from Georgia https://prayerfulpath.com. It would be nice to go in a small group of ten people and feel the camaraderie and support of fellow travelers. When I turned fifty, I started … Continue reading Camino Bound: Going Solo–Again
Camino Bound: Symbols to Carry
In a week, I'll take off for Porto to start my walk on the Portuguese Coastal Camino. I've considered what I should carry beyond the necessities of clothing, medications, maps, and travel documents. I've felt a need for symbols that will anchor me in my purpose. For many years, the scallop shell has been the … Continue reading Camino Bound: Symbols to Carry
Camino Bound: A Blessing for the Journey
Last Saturday, when I met with my Raleigh Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino, our leader recognized any in our group who would be heading out on the path in the next month; that was me. In the presence of many who have walked the Camino, and others who are anticipating that journey, he … Continue reading Camino Bound: A Blessing for the Journey
Camino Prep: Setbacks
It's four weeks now until I leave for Portugal to walk the Coastal Camino path to Santiago. I'm amazed at how the time has passed since I first made the plan to go on pilgrimage on that ancient path. Since I started my training at the Hunter St Park, we've gone through fall, winter, spring, … Continue reading Camino Prep: Setbacks
Cancerversary: The Things You Carry
Yesterday I celebrated twenty-four years since being diagnosed with breast cancer; how grateful I am to be saying this again. Over the years, I've made friends with others who've gone through treatment like me, as well as women that have either not survived or had to deal with ongoing metastatic breast cancer (MBC). A woman … Continue reading Cancerversary: The Things You Carry
Internal Pilgrimage: Questioning Long-Held Assumptions
Last week I shared with you a section of the book, The Soul of a Pilgrim: Eight Practices for the Journey Within. It's a resource I'm using to prepare for my upcoming Camino journey, but on a broader level, one for looking at the internal journey that we're all walking. In the book, Christine Valters … Continue reading Internal Pilgrimage: Questioning Long-Held Assumptions
The Pilgrimage Within
Two months from next Wednesday, I'll set off for my Camino journey. On August 5th, I'll fly to Porto, Portugal the starting point for my trek that'll last for 17 days and 173 miles. I've been training--more or less, over the past few months, building my time in my trail running shoes, walking for hours … Continue reading The Pilgrimage Within
Connie Rosser Riddle 