My 3rd Camino

As I prepare to leave for my third Camino coming up in just a few days, many people are asking me…“why another Camino?” For me it is the simplicity, adventure and cost that are calling me back.

SIMPLICITY

I love the challenge of deciding what to take with me and what to leave behind. On one hand I will be away nearly 3 months, but I will also be carrying all that I’m bringing for 800 miles…so the balance of these two forces entices me! The Camino is simple in that it can provide a minimalist experience that only requires you to walk, shower, eat, rest and repeat. It is rare that we get to experience that in our day to day lives and I believe it is very balancing to do so.

ADVENTURE

It is an immersion within a culture and place and you get to see up close the land, nature and beauty all around you. You wake up in one town and travel up and down hills while passing through fields and seeing animals and nature and arrive in a whole new place! You feel the sun on your face. You don’t really know what you will experience around the corner!

COST

The Camino is very reasonable in cost with most dorm rooms in the 10-15 euro range, breakfast 3-5 euros and dinner near 12 euros. In 2013 I averaged about $1,000 a month for room, meals and pharmacy costs excluding airfare. Prices have gone up, but it is hard to compare to other travel packages.

Many who walk meet hardships along the way and think they will never walk again…only to be pulled to repeat some of the uniqueness that the Camino offers. I believe our day to day world is about as far opposite to what a Camino can provide and that our spirit longs for more simplicity and adventure or novelty. In walking one has lots of time for reflection and the sharing of stories. This provides a sort of emptying out and the creation of a more blank slate from which to build the future. It is its’ own form of “therapy” you might say or a spiritual journey. So this is why I am returning!

Have you ever walked a Camino or wanted to?