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Upon arriving in Santiago de Compostela, I entered the Cathedral and took time to sit in the front row off to the side. This is our “regular” spot in our church back home since my wife is a keyboardist and it is closest to the organ.

An hour or prayer and meditation slipped by and mass started. This is what I experienced.

Botafumeiro is a famous thurible found in the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.

Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox.

There was a post today about Two Brits found after five days lost in the Pyrenean foothills

You can read it at http://www.thelocal.es/20160817/two-brits-found-after-five-lost-days-near-camino-de-santiago.

It starts out, “The married couple, who have not been identified but are said to be British and from Cambridge, survived by drinking water from livestock troughs after becoming disorientated and losing their way as they crossed from the French town of Saint Jean de Pied de Port towards Spain’s Roncesvalles.”

The responses are interesting going from “scary” to “just follow the arrows.”

Here is my thought on “scary” to “just follow the arrows.” I use to fish on the great lakes in the United States. On a calm day, you could cross the largest freshwater lake in a couple hours and on the way back stop off and take a swim in the middle with no thought of anything but joy of being on the water. I also witness a day we got caught in gail force winds with 10-12 walls of water charging at us with reports of three boats that sunk with orders from the coast guard to get off the water. NOTE: That was exactly what we were trying to do at the time.

When I cross the Pyrenees mountain range the weather was ideal. Not only was it beautiful, it had a light breeze and was cool. It just like a perfect day on the lake. It is not always like that and conditions change. It can be shocking how much it can change.

As for those yellow arrows. There was a love hate relationship going on. Loved when I found them and hated when I had to look for them. Depending upon if you are alone or with someone and depending upon quality of light and clear weather makes a big difference. It is also easy to follow arrows if there happen to be a few pilgrims in sight. This is not always the case.

Coming out of Burgos this was work being done on an over pass and you had to go around. This meant walking through a field. Normally it would not be a big deal and probably a path worn through it, but it was just harvested. No more path. At another road intersection there were some arrows painted by the highway department. In hindsight, they were probably white at one time, but were now faded. Let’s just say it added 4 km to that day.

I could give more examples, but the bottom line is, I no longer see the humor when someone says, “Just follow the arrows”.

We can be thankful, this couple was fond and use it as a reminder to be prepared and plan ahead.Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.

Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox.

Traditionally pilgrims would get their first stamp from their home parish since the pilgrimage actually begin at the front door step.

Stamps are collected on a type of passport called a credential. It is a record of progress that authenticates where you have traveled.

So I thought it was fitting that I got one from my home parish before I left which is st. Pius in little Suamico.Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.

Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox.

Just an update. Things were going great and after seeing the PT on Monday got to 8 miles a day mon, tues, and wed. Almost pain free except every couple miles needing a minute break. Then I went to my dads to help put a cap on the truck and was lifting it solo from the bed of the truck and twisted a little. I honestly forgot about the knee since I was feeling that good and just climbed in and lifted. It was 2 hours later when I realized what I did. I had to turn back at the mailbox when I went for my walk. I could almost weep.

The pain is present now, but reducing. I have to take 2-3 days off and then starting back at 5 miles. It should only be temporary and no real damage done, but will delay the progress. Honestly, it is as much mental right now as physical and I have not even got there yet. I fell like a teenage drama queen.

On the humorous side, I had to explain to my wife why I was shav.ing my leg for the KT tape
Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.

Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox.

It has been an interesting summer of walking and trying out many trails I never even knew existed. My most common walk is around the block which is just over 4 miles.

Other than injuring my knee, everything else seems to have gone pretty good. I ended up getting a second pair of shoes since you can see how the rubber on the back heels has worn into the second layer. They get worn every day now, even when working in the office.

I hesitate to say how far I intend to make it as it all depends upon health of the knee.

For this pilgrimage, it is important to wrap the mind around the concept of the journey and not just the destination. I am quite sure if a person were to pause from their busy lives and think about it, there may be some profound wisdom in that thought.

Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.

Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox.

Just got home from my second round of physical therapy. I have struggled a bit with sore feet, but a tendonitis in the knee had me limping a couple weeks ago. I almost shed a tear when I was told if I want a good chance of doing the Camino, I had to start back at 2 miles day (and no pack) last week.

I have the OK to do 2.5 miles with a pack today, tomorrow and up it to five miles on Sunday. Then back on Monday to check things out.

As challenging to hold back as it is, I am following the doctor’s notes and exercises to the tee. I also requested reservations in Orison at the end of day one just to play it safe.

Things are certainly improving and strengthening supporting muscles with a stretchy band, but oh the frustration.

Having bought my airfare last November, I am pretty much committed given the cost. It seems like the Camino is getting bigger.Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.

Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox.

I completed a 21 mile (33.8k) pilgrimage this weekend in the USA. Details of it are here I carried a pack weight of 3k (out of spirit for my Camino. It was pretty empty). Here is (some of) what I learned:

1. 23k no problem, 27k uncomfortable, 33.8 body and spirit willing, not the feet. I have 4 months to work on this.

2. Blister Prevention – Not all things work the same way for each person. I wore 2 pair of merino wool socks and changed them 3 times during the day (after airing the feet out for 15 minutes), Used the little blister prevention stick, used moleskin on hotspots (peeled in 30 minutes), used tape on hot spots (lasted 30 minutes) and got a few blisters anyway. They were not broken, but sore.

The wool sock actually gave my foot and ankle heat rash. The temperatures were 6-22C that day. A perfect walking day.

This is becoming more of a concern.

3. Blister Care (after the fact) – This worked great, but did not hike for two days either. Epsom salt foot soak was wonderful.

4. Poles – Tested out a pair and becoming more of a believer. I plan to take one for sure, but maybe two now. I tweaked my knee while playing 18 holes of golf the day before and it was tender the morning we started out. No knee problems though and I could feel reduced stress on the knee.

5. Carrying water – Bought a plastic clip at a zoo that was terrific and weighs only g that hooks in a belt or loop

6. Hat – Bought a Tilley hat and love it. I am not normally a hat wearer, but given the sun protection and more, I have the right one.

7. Skittles – The candy. I was a bit lightheaded getting started in the morning and a diabetic friend of mine gave me a small handful and they balanced things out. I am not diabetic, but did not eat a good breakfast and slept poorly with the excitement of the walk.

Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.

Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent that is observed by many Western Christians, including Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, and Presbyterians. It is based upon three of the Gospels in which Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert and is used as a preparation for Easter.

While growing up, this was typically the time of year where we sacrificed or gave something up and how there are temptations of not wanting to. As I grow older (let’s say in wisdom), I prefer to see what is more soul building and maybe do something additional versus giving something up.

Of course, the Camino inspired me this year; otherwise you would not be reading it here. I do not write this to stand on the corner and say look at me, but that it may be something one might want to challenge themselves as well.

This year, my goal is to not only pray the rosary daily, but to be able to complete it in Spanish by the end of Lent. Aside from the spiritual aspect, I hope it will give a better feeling for the language and culture as I not only prepare for Easter, but my pilgrimage as well.

I even took the time to create a training video to help me given my lack o knowledge of Spanish. I hope this something that may help you as well.

SIGN OF CROSS
En el nombre del Padre,
Y del Hijo,
y del Espíritu Santo. Amen.

PADRE NUESTRO – OUR FATHER
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo,
santificado sea tu nombre,
venga a nosotros tu reino.
Hágase tu voluntad en la tierra
como en el cielo.
Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día,
perdona nuestras ofensas,
así como nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden.
no nos dejes caer en la tentación,
Y líbranos de mal. Amén.

AVE MARIA – HAIL MARY
Dios te salve María,
llena eres de gracia;
el Señor es contigo;
bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres,
y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre, Jesús.
Santa María, Madre de Dios,
ruega por nosotros pecadores,
ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amén.

GLORIA – GLORY BE
Gloria al Padre, y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo.
Como era en un principio, ahora y siempre,
por los siglos de los siglos. Amén

You can click this link, if you want to see how to pray the rosary.

Keep in mind, the purpose of the Rosary is to help keep in memory certain principal events or mysteries in the history of our salvation, and to thank and praise God for them. The Joyful mysteries are said on Monday and Saturday, the Luminous on Thursday, the Sorrowful on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, and the Glorious on Wednesday.Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.

Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox.

Well, I finally got my Camino website running. It is a bit funny since I build websites for a living. The challenge was more of, “Why and when do you start a website?” I have certainly enjoyed many other Camino blogs and considered starting one once I committed to the journey. At some point, the time is now.

I haven’t even gone yet, at least, not physically. But, I have been doing so much research and taking so many notes and starting to test gear and pick dates and make plans that now seem like a good time to start processing it into a tool that may help others out.

I often find that the more you do for others, the more it is returned to you. You can look at it from both a spiritual and humanistic sense. We may have often heard of it as the Golden Rule or What Comes Around, Goes Around. Some goes as far as a Platinum Rule: “Treat others the way they want to be treated.”

This blog is not so much for me as it is for those who may find value in it either as entertainment or for preparing for a journey or pilgrimage themselves.

Wishing everyone a Buen Camino.

Please note that some of these posts while on the trail are done via mobile device and could contain poor grammar, spell check and auto text placement by the phone. I also do not know the frequency of updates since WIFI may not always be available or enjoying a day of technology detox.