Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
As an experienced backpacker in the United States, I’m well-acquainted with how to read and follow trail blazes in North America. However, when I started hiking distance routes and trails in Europe, I quickly found that the system of trail markers was vastly different and …
For many beginning hikers, the excitement of exploring a great trail is often tempered by anxiety about becoming lost along the way. However, you don’t have to be intimidated by the National Scenic Trail system or worried that you’ll be lost. Nearly every public trail …
Planning to hike the Florida Trail? Since 2018, I have been section hiking the Florida Trail, one of eleven congressionally-designated National Scenic Trails in the United States. At more than 1,300 miles, the FT has been called “the toughest hike you’ve never heard of” for …
One of the universal symbols of pilgrims in western culture is the simple scallop shell. The shell is used both both for waymarking and as a metaphor for the Camino de Santiago, its lines said to represent the different routes to the tomb of Saint …
One of the questions I get from both experienced and newer backpackers alike is: what first aid and foot care items should I carry in my backpack in case I get blisters or have foot pain? This is a really serious topic for hiking, whether …
Nearly all of my pilgrimage trips have included some amount of urban hiking through modern cities, including the Camino de Santiago as you arrive at the Cathedral and the California Mission Trail through the major metro areas of San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. …
As a lifelong Scout and Scout Leader, I’ve probably created and carried more than 30 unique first-aid kits over the years. I say “created” because – more often than not – retail first aid kits are not specialized enough for backpacking – lacking a few …
As I’ve explained before, I use hydration reservoirs almost exclusively over water bottles when I’m hiking. For me, I drink more, stay hydrated, and make better time along the trail when I can easily drink from the tube without stopping. One of the biggest challenges …
One of the more unique aspects of the Camino de Santiago is the system of pilgrim hostels established as accommodations along the way known as albergues. Available exclusively to pilgrims, these facilities offer an inexpensive one-night stay option along The Way. Generally, albergues provide …
When I began planning to walk my first Camino de Santiago, I found quite several guides on how to walk and details about the various routes. One resource I couldn’t find was how much does it cost to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. …
A common question for those planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in France and Spain is what is the best way to train for the Camino? Depending on the route that you will walk, conditions on the Camino de Santiago can vary greatly. The …
The most frequent question for those planning to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain is: What is the best backpack for the Camino? From size to fit to how you will carry your pack, selecting a backpack for the Camino is a balance of …
With any luck, you’ve found this page while researching the Camino de Santiago through Europe to learn more about pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, Spain. Some pilgrims find the Camino through books or blogs. Others may learn about the Camino through movies, such as “The …
