The End of a Pilgrimage Starts the Beginning of a Journey!
On August 23, 2015, I embarked upon the journey of a lifetime – El Camino de Santiago. I was to hike 800 Km across Northern Spain. I didn’t believe I could do it. I had trouble imagining it.
On September 29, 2015, I hiked into the Cathedral Square in Santiago. I successfully completed El Camino and hiked 800 Km. I left Saint Jean Pied to Port, France and hiked to Santiago de Compostela Spain.
It was a journey that changed my life.
I can remember being so incredibly proud of myself for doing it. I also remember the pain of each step. That pain was easily diminished by the joy I received from meeting new life long friends, conquering demons in my own life, and finally experiencing the joy of human kindness.
in July of 2017, I met friends ( my Camino Family) in Saint Jean and hiked almost 500 Km to Leon, Spain!
it was another amazing experience, but I regretted not completing the journey.
You all know from reading this blog that returned to Spain this year to complete the 2 Nd journey I began last year.
I departed Leon, Spain on May 17, 2018 and 2 days ago (May 30, 2018) I hiked 322 Km to complete my second 800 Km journey! I did it with my dear friend Ric from Australia whom I met on El Camino 3 years ago.
It was very emotional for me this time. I pushed myself harder, I was determined to do this, and I missed my Camino Family.
WHY AGAIN?
I do not even know how to answer that question in a simple way. It’s just very hard to describe the feeling you get when you accomplish your daily  goals.
It’s hard to describe how amazing it is to meet people from all over the world and share nothing but human kindness with them.
My love of Spain, the language, and the culture of this country also add to the joy and excitement I feel when doing this Camino de Santiago.
It’s just something you have to experience.
Today I was sitting in an outdoor café with my friend Ric and we were having a drink and sharing a laugh together.  We both smiled at each other when a group of 15 Australians on bicycles pulled up and sat at tables beside us . They had just completed their journey.
They were group of amazing people and we got talking to some of them and it was just a lot of fun. Rex came over and began a chat with us and we enjoyed over an hour of talking to him. We laughed, we shared stories of our lives, we shared Camino stories, and it was special to talk with him.
And here again I accidentally met a wonderful person who had a kind soul and we bonded over nothing other than the fact that we get all completed the Camino.
Meeting kind people, sharing a drink or a meal with them, and experiencing human kindness is what this is all about. My day was joyful today because of a group of people that I met in a few that I took the time to speak to.  I may not have ever done this in my home city but I’m certainly glad I did it today.
The Camino  gives you an opportunity to meditate and think while you’re hiking which allows you to do some soul-searching healing.
The Camino presents you with great physical and mental challenges make you a sense of pride for achieving.
The Camino presents you with all the things that you need to move on in your life and be a better person.
I am a blessed man for being able to complete this physical and mental journey of 800 Km twice in 3 trips!
Now, I will spend a few days enjoying the city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
I AM NOT DONE YET!
BUEN CAMINO!
Keep Walking!
You are a special person Dan. Thank you for all the beautiful photographs and the very entertaining stories for sure. AND for all of the laughs and kindness you expressed. I wish you much happiness ahead in all of your new adventures. You are a jewel.
Be Happy Always!