Ten Years Later, a New Camino Calls

Reg Spittle

Ten years ago, Sue and I stood at O’Cebreiro, in the final phase of our journey on the Camino de Santiago.

Our arrival in Santiago was bittersweet. We welcomed the chance to rest our feet after a month on the trail, but didn’t want our greatest adventure to end.

For me, the journey was as much internal as it was a walk through Spain. My Merrill shoes protected my feet, but the Camino exposed battles my heart had fought my entire life.

When we returned home, my heart led me to the keyboard, where I told my story, which has found readers in ten countries. Many have written to me to say my book (Camino Sunrise: Walking With My Shadows) resonated, even helped them feel the hope I found on the Camino. I am so grateful that they shared their stories.

Sue and I have continued to walk, traveling on distance trails throughout Europe and on the John Muir Trail in the tallest mountains of California. I described our adventures during four treks in five countries in Trippin’ Through My 60s: When Adventure Calls, the Trails of Europe Answer.

Next week, Sue and I will put on the same red backpacks we wore in 2013 and walk another Camino that traverses a country. Another historic trail that pilgrims have walked for centuries. This time, we will walk in France. The path is known as the Way of St. James, the GR65, the Le Puy Route, or the Via Podiensis.

I will post occasional photos here and Sue will do much more on our website (carryoncouple.com) that has documented our adventures.

I have done what I can to prepare my body for its new challenge of walking nearly 500 miles. As usual, I am nervous about where my feet will take me. But I know one thing. My heart yearns to return to the trail.

13 thoughts on “Ten Years Later, a New Camino Calls”

  4. September should be a good month with a bit less pilgrims but good weather. in 2017 we walked on the GR65 for a few days ( only 200km) but we knew we would come back for more. And as you know we did. Once on a Camino it looks like we just want to go back. hopefully I will too on 2024. Bon chemin à vous deux. Do not forget to use a few french words when you can !!! Au revoir et bonne chance !

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  6. May this Camino bring ever joy, insight, peace, happiness, and wonderful adventures!
    Buen Camino!
    Since it’s starting in France, should I say
    Bon Camino?
    Happy travels!

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