Ten Years Later, a New Camino Calls

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.

New Year Brings Reward From a Reader


One of the most rewarding experiences that comes with writing is hearing from readers. The new year began with a note from one reader, with a subject line, “Australian in Texas.”

“I just finished Camino Sunrise: Walking With My Shadows, after getting it for Christmas. I’d previously read Trippin’ Through My 60s and thoroughly enjoyed it, so my partner got me your earlier book. I really related to many aspects of your book, and have always found a lot of comfort in the unique type of friendship that comes from long hikes and camping trips…I look forward to reading about your next adventure.”

Last year was another good year for both books as far as new readers go. From 10 countries! I am so thankful to know that people choose to read my stories about five European backpacking treks.

I credit my wife and walking partner Sue for getting me out on the trails and for her work on both books. The titles, covers, artwork, and photographs are hers. Most importantly, her editing has improved them beyond measure.

You may be wondering what the photo has to do with this post. The other day, as I sat at my desk while writing about our latest trek, I looked out the window and this guy was looking over my shoulder. Just five feet away.

No, I did not bring the buck back from California’s John Muir Trail.

You can find Camino Sunrise and Trippin’ Through My 60s on Amazon or click on the titles.